Beginner Piano: Carefully Selected Easy and Famous Pieces You Can Play with One Octave
Have you ever thought, “I want to try playing the melody of a song I know on the piano!”?
Not just on the piano—being able to casually play a famous tune on any instrument is pretty cool, right?
In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of pieces whose melodies stay within a single octave, making them easy for piano beginners to play.
If a song has a narrow range and few large leaps, beginners can absolutely master it by practicing slowly and calmly.
Once you get used to it, you can add left-hand bass notes and challenge yourself to play with both hands!
We’ve collected famous songs you can practice by ear even if you can’t read sheet music perfectly, so pick your favorites and give them a try!
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Beginner Piano: Songs You Can Play with One Octave | A Curated Selection of Easy & Famous Pieces (11–20)
Do-Re-Mi SongRichard Rodgers
“Do-Re-Mi” is perfect for practicing connecting note names with their positions on the keyboard! Especially for young children, trying to memorize mechanically can quickly become boring, but by learning in a fun way—linking to familiar words like “Do for donut, Re for lemon (Remon)”—they can master note names without losing interest in the piano.
Start by practicing pressing the keys at the moments when the lyrics say “Do” or “Re,” and once they have a rough grasp of key locations, it’s great to trace the melody.
It’s also an excellent exercise for adults to get familiar with the keyboard, so give it a try!
Silent NightFranz Gruber
“Silent Night” is a Christmas carol composed in 1818.
Loved around the world as a classic Christmas song, it was inscribed in 2011 as an element of intangible cultural heritage in Austria, the composer’s birthplace.
Its simple yet moving and beautiful melody fits within a single octave, making it easy for piano beginners to try.
Aim to convey a quiet, calm atmosphere on the piano by playing gently and softly.
Once you’re comfortable, try adding the left-hand chords and challenge yourself to play with both hands.
Old MacDonald Had a Farmamerika min’yō
It’s a nursery rhyme that everyone knows, from children to adults.
The lyrics cheerfully introduce the sounds of farm animals, making it perfect for fostering children’s emotional development.
The melody stays within a single octave, so it’s easy even for beginner pianists to try.
Its simple structure also lets you have fun by changing the lyrics and creating your own versions.
In fact, in Japan it has inspired many parody songs, such as “Suika no Meisanchi” (The Famous Watermelon Region) and “The Tasty Foods of Osaka.” It also has history—reportedly appearing in a military march book in 1917—and has been loved for many years.
It’s a song everyone can sing and play together to enjoy a fun, lively atmosphere.
Buzz buzz buzzBohemia min’yo
“Buzzy, Buzzy” (a Bohemian folk song) is a familiar practice and recital piece for piano beginners, especially children who have just started playing.
Regardless of prior musical experience, there are probably very few people who don’t know this melody.
Because the tune is simple and stays within a single octave, it’s easy even for beginners to play.
Even if you haven’t fully learned the note names yet, you can comfortably master it by following the sounds by ear during practice and playing it repeatedly while singing along.
If you perform it at a recital, playing it as a duet with accompaniment will make it sound even more impressive.
The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP
SMAP’s classic “The Only Flower in the World” continues to captivate many with its heartwarming melody and lyrics.
The chorus melody fits within the range of one octave and can be played with minimal hand movement, making it approachable even for piano beginners.
Because the syncopated rhythms can look a bit complex on the score, it’s recommended at first to practice not so much by strictly following the sheet music, but by playing it on the piano as you remember the song’s melody—capturing it by feel.
Children all over the worldicchī・naru
This song carries a wonderful message: that children’s smiles and tears have the power to change the world.
Its bright, rhythmic melody and lyrics that sing of a child’s pure heart are striking.
The warm vocals of Icchi & Naru make it even more approachable.
Released in July 2022 as a track on an album, it’s also being used in educational settings.
It’s a song that energizes not only children but adults as well.
If the whole family sings and dances together, it’s sure to spread smiles.
A dance video is also available on YouTube, so be sure to check it out!
Beginner Piano: Songs You Can Play with One Octave | A Curated Selection of Easy & Famous Pieces (21–30)
butterflyDoitsu min’yō
It’s one of the most beloved children’s songs.
The lyrics beautifully depict Japan’s four seasons, and you can easily picture butterflies dancing among the spring flowers.
The melody is simple and easy to remember, and the range is narrow, making it perfect for those touching the piano for the first time.
Since it stays within a single octave, you’ll be able to play it with ease if you practice slowly.
It’s also fun to add bass notes with your left hand and play with both hands.
Feel the arrival of spring and perform freely and relaxed.
This is a recommended piece for anyone who wants to experience Japanese culture or who has just begun learning music.