A must-see for piano beginners! Carefully selected classic pieces you should play at least once
Do you assume that as a piano beginner there’s absolutely no way you can play famous pieces?
In fact, among classical works, there are many masterpieces that are approachable even for those who’ve only just started practicing the piano.
In this article, we’ve picked out classical pieces recommended for piano beginners!
We’ll introduce a wide range of piano works, as well as piano arrangements of orchestral pieces, from the Baroque era to the modern and contemporary periods.
You can choose to play just a section, or slow down the tempo and play at your own pace—enjoy performing great music in the way that suits you best!
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A must-see for piano beginners! Carefully selected classic staples you should play at least once (21–30)
Six Écossaises No. 1Ludwig van Beethoven
This is a Scottish-style dance characterized by a lively 2/4 rhythm.
Composed in 1806 for solo piano, it has a bright and approachable character, packing Beethoven’s signature humor and playfulness into a short piece.
Although the overall performance time is a modest two and a half minutes, its energetic melody—suited to a style where a man and woman face each other to dance—is especially appealing.
Written for performance in salons and homes, it’s ideal for piano students.
There are also arrangements by renowned musicians such as Ferruccio Busoni and Carl Reinecke, allowing it to be enjoyed with various instrumental ensembles.
Suite “Dolly,” Op. 56 No. 2 “Mi-a-ou”Gabriel Fauré
This charming piano duet was created as a gift for a young girl.
Composed in June 1894 to celebrate a delightful second birthday, it features a pleasantly waltz-like rhythm and exudes a lively, spirited atmosphere.
Its bright, bouncing melody evokes the innocent laughter and smiles of children, wrapping listeners in a warm, gentle feeling.
While it possesses the elegance and delicacy characteristic of French music, its technical demands are kept modest, making it ideal for piano learners.
It’s a perfect choice for those who wish to enjoy a duet with family or friends, or who want to perform music with a warm, heartfelt character.
Turkish RondoJohann Burgmüller
Characterized by a brilliant, rhythmic style and a modulation from A minor to A major, this piece features lively staccato and flowing sixteenth-note phrases that leave a strong impression.
Its exotic melodies and rhythms, enhanced by a natural sense of flow and vitality that emphasizes the upbeat, captivate listeners.
Marked Allegretto, it calls for an overall vivid expression, and the contrast between staccato and legato should be clearly defined to bring out the character.
This piece is recommended for those wishing to refine smooth technique and expressive nuance.
While fostering rhythmic sense and finger independence, it also deepens understanding of diverse musical styles.
Popular at recitals and competitions, it offers an excellent opportunity to showcase both technique and musical expression.
Barcarolle No. 12 in E-flat major, Op. 105-2Gabriel Fauré
Composed in 1921, this piano piece features a flowing 6/8 rhythm and the warm sonority of E-flat major.
It evokes a gentle lyricism and profound spirituality.
Its graceful melodic lines are interwoven with the refined harmonies characteristic of French music, leaving a pleasant resonance.
While one can enjoy the subtlety of the harmonic progressions and modulations, the piece remains playable with fundamental technique.
It is recommended for those who wish to engage deeply with music in a quiet setting or savor the delicate expressions of French musical style.
It is sometimes selected for music university examinations and competitions, making it valuable from an educational standpoint as well.
Le Tombeau de Couperin, No. 2: FugueMaurice Ravel
Maurice Ravel’s suite Le Tombeau de Couperin was imbued with a sense of remembrance for friends who perished in World War I.
This work, which is the second movement of the suite, was premiered in April 1919 and dedicated to Lieutenant Jean Cruppi.
It is the only fugue Ravel ever composed, with three voices quietly overlapping as if in dialogue.
It seems to speak not only of sorrow, but also of gentle memories of friends now gone.
Within its classical formal beauty, Ravel’s characteristic shimmering sonorities melt together, enveloping the piece in a mysterious sense of weightlessness.
The entire suite was also staged as a ballet.
The key is to let each voice sing its melody with care while maintaining an overall transparency.
It’s a captivating piece through which one can learn both Baroque style and the delicate expression of Impressionism at the same time.