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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- Beginner to Intermediate: Chopin pieces with relatively low difficulty. Recommended works by Chopin.
- For Beginners: Easy to Play and Sounds Impressive! Pieces That Shine at Piano Recitals
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- [For Piano Recitals] Simple yet Cool Classical Pieces
- [Piano Pieces] Easy for Children to Play! A Roundup of Simple Classical Works
- [Beginner] Recommended Piano Pieces to Play at a Recital
- [For Elementary School Students] Brilliant, Showy Masterpieces That Sound Impressive at Piano Recitals
- [Classical] Famous Piano Works | Gem-like Masterpieces You’ll Want to Play at Least Once in Your Lifetime
- Beginner to Intermediate: Recommended Bach Pieces You’ll Want to Play on Piano
- [Intermediate Level] Cool Piano Pieces You Can Play [Great for Recitals Too]
A must-see for piano beginners! A curated list of classic staples you should play at least once (1–10)
Minuet in G major, BWV Anh. 114Christian Petzold
Included in many beginner piano scores and often practiced by anyone learning the piano, the classic “Minuet in G major, BWV Anh.
114” is a beloved piece frequently performed at recitals.
Although it was long attributed to Johann Sebastian Bach and included in the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach, recent research has revealed that it is actually a work by Christian Petzold, a composer of the same era.
Why Bach presented it as his own and included it in his collection remains shrouded in mystery.
Nocturne No. 2, Op. 9-2Frederic Chopin
We introduce a famous piece by Frédéric Chopin, the genius composer born in Poland.
Written in the early 1830s when Chopin was around 20 years old, this work features a smooth, flowing melody at a relaxed tempo, making it approachable even for those who have just begun playing the piano.
However, mastering the left-hand leaps requires careful practice! First practice hands separately to firmly grasp the distances, then combine both hands slowly, dividing the piece into sections.
This work was also used as the theme song for the 1956 film “A Song to Remember.” To perform it beautifully, it’s important to practice steadily without rushing.
Kinderszenen, Op. 15, No. 7: “Träumerei”Robert Schumann
Scenes from Childhood is a collection of 13 piano miniatures by Robert Schumann, a leading composer of the German Romantic era, which he left as “pieces for adults depicting a child’s heart.” The seventh piece, this work features a dreamlike, beautiful melody and is one of Schumann’s most famous piano pieces.
Composed in 1838, it has a relaxed tempo and presents the challenge of bringing out the beauty of the harmonies; but by the time you finish, you’ll surely be filled with the satisfaction of having played a masterpiece to the end.
It is performed not only on the piano but on various instruments, captivating not just classical music fans but many listeners at large.
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 2 “Moonlight,” I. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven’s masterpiece, Piano Sonata No.
14 in C-sharp minor, Op.
27 No.
2 “Moonlight,” opens with an achingly beautiful melody suffused with poignancy.
The first movement, marked by its gently repeating triplets, is known as a piece approachable even for beginner pianists.
Although the score is easy to read and the writing falls naturally under the hands, sustaining an even, accurate pulse while allowing the melody line to sing demands strong concentration and acute awareness in the fingertips.
Listen closely to the harmonic changes and immerse yourself in the piece’s world as you perform.
CanonJohann Pachelbel
The masterpiece left by Johann Pachelbel, renowned as a master of Baroque music, is an ideal practice piece for those just beginning piano.
Characterized by its beautifully repeated chord progression and a ground-hugging bass line, this work is simple yet possesses a charm that evokes deep emotion.
Born in 1653, Pachelbel was active as an organist in Vienna and Stuttgart, and his music is said to have influenced Johann Sebastian Bach.
Even beginner pianists should be able to master it with steady practice at a slow tempo.
Why not immerse yourself in the world of Baroque music as you perform its graceful melody?