When you’ve just started taking piano lessons or have only recently begun teaching yourself, it can be hard to judge which sheet music you can play comfortably—even if you already have a piece you want to perform.
Many people choose music that’s too difficult and end up thinking, “Maybe the piano just isn’t for me,” and give up.
But if you pick sheet music that matches your current level, even beginners can play familiar favorites and dream pieces with confidence!
In this guide, we’ll introduce easy-to-play classical works for beginners, along with gently arranged pop songs and film music, plus recommended sheet music editions.
Some public-domain classical scores can even be downloaded for free.
Use this as a reference when choosing pieces for your next practice session!
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[Piano Sheet Music] Free downloads available! A roundup of easy-to-play pieces (1–10)
GreensleevesInguranndo min’yō

Even if you don’t recognize the title Greensleeves, most people will say “Oh, that tune!” as soon as they hear the melody.
Known as a traditional English folk song, Greensleeves has been loved not only in its home country but around the world, used as the theme for many works and covered by various artists with their own arrangements, including in Japan.
It’s a classic that continues to be cherished.
Because the exact origins—such as the true composer and the period it was written—are unclear, the piece also carries a somewhat mysterious aura.
For those who want to play Greensleeves on the piano, we’re introducing sheet music you can download for free.
It’s in a gentle 3/4 time with no complex motion, so if you’ve gotten reasonably comfortable playing with both your right and left hands, you should be able to handle it.
Pay attention to crescendos and decrescendos, as well as pedal usage, when you perform!
SummerHisaishi Joe

Every time summer arrives in Japan, this light yet somehow nostalgic melody pops into people’s heads—surely many feel that way.
Joe Hisaishi’s timeless classic “Summer,” composed by one of Japan’s most celebrated composers, was released as the main theme for Takeshi Kitano’s 1999 film “Kikujiro.” It later appeared in commercials and, beyond its role as a film theme, gained popularity as a standalone piece, becoming a beloved classic around the world.
It’s also included on Joe Hisaishi’s own solo piano album “ENCORE,” and there are surely many who prefer “Summer” as a solo piano piece.
Sheet music based on that version is available, but I’d also like to introduce arrangements suited for piano beginners or adults returning to the piano.
In these versions, the right hand generally carries the melody and the left hand plays the bass line, with note names written in kana above the notes, so even those lacking confidence can enjoy playing without getting discouraged!
Your SongElton John

On July 8, 2023, in Sweden, Elton John—Britain’s world-renowned singer-songwriter—brought his tour to a close and, to the regret of many, retired from more than 50 years of life on the road.
As a peerless entertainer who loved live performance, his decision feels bittersweet, but it’s wonderful that we can continue to enjoy the marvelous music he left us.
His universally known ballad “Your Song” is a masterpiece centered on piano accompaniment, so many people likely want to try playing it as a solo piano piece.
If you’re worried that finding sheet music for Western songs is tough, rest assured: a classic of this stature has plenty of editions available in Japan, and this article also introduces beginner-friendly scores you can refer to.
As mentioned, the original arrangement itself is built around the piano, so it should be easy to imagine when playing it as a solo piano piece.
Carrying YouHisaishi Joe

Castle in the Sky, a masterpiece animated film from Studio Ghibli that continues to be loved by people of all ages.
Beyond its wonderful story, the theme song “Carrying You” is also cherished as a timeless classic—composed by Joe Hisaishi, an indispensable presence in Ghibli works, with lyrics written by director Hayao Miyazaki himself and sung by Azumi Inoue.
Since it still airs on TV regularly even in the Reiwa era, some moms and dads may be thinking, “I’d like to play ‘Carrying You’ on the piano for kids who are seeing it for the first time.” That said, turning J-pop that wasn’t originally written for piano into a piano arrangement can be surprisingly tricky.
In other words, choosing the right sheet music becomes crucial.
So whether you’ve been away from the piano for a long time, or your child wants to give it a try, start by selecting a beginner-friendly score like the ones introduced here, which include kana note names above the notes, and practice so the melody comes through clearly!
Tufted puffinHakasé Tarō

When people are asked to name Taro Hakase’s masterpieces, many will think of Etopirika alongside Jonetsu Tairiku.
It’s also known as one of the early landmark pieces that defined Hakase’s career as a solo artist, and in addition to the original violin performance, the solo piano arrangement is very popular.
The piece is based on the so-called canon progression, and its somewhat wistful, melancholic melody truly resonates with the Japanese heart.
It’s true that for those who haven’t reached an intermediate level, this piece is honestly difficult both technically and expressively.
However, the good thing about popular pieces is that many beginner-friendly scores are available.
Choose sheet music like the ones introduced here—with large notes and furigana for note names—and take your time getting familiar with the piece.
This is a work that requires expressive ability as much as technique, so first grasp the image firmly, then gradually challenge yourself with more difficult arrangements!
He is the pirate.Hans Zimmer/Klaus Badelt

He’s a Pirate, the theme from the blockbuster film Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, is immensely popular for its catchy sound that leaves a lasting impression once you hear it.
Even people who haven’t seen the movie have likely heard its distinctive melody, as it’s frequently used on TV programs and elsewhere.
Although the piece is under two minutes long as a film score, the original is performed by an orchestra, so arranging it for solo piano is naturally quite challenging for beginners.
We’re introducing sheet music with a simplified arrangement you can play, so please use it as a reference.
As performance advice: even with a simple arrangement, don’t just follow the notes—aim to get as close as possible to the original atmosphere and play the heroic melody dynamically, with a bold, spirited feel.
Merry Christmas Mr.LawrenceSakamoto Ryuichi

In March 2023, Ryuichi Sakamoto—known as “the Professor”—passed away, following in the footsteps of his longtime YMO ally Yukihiro Takahashi, who had died that January.
As “Sakamoto of the World,” he created countless masterpieces—from pop to film scores to experimental works—that have been acclaimed globally.
His pieces are also hugely popular as solo piano works, with many cover videos uploaded to YouTube.
Among them, the main theme from Merry Christmas, Mr.
Lawrence stands out with exceptional popularity; many people who have just started learning piano probably want to try it at least once.
Sakamoto, who studied classical music and knew music theory inside out yet never confined himself to it, created melodies that feel somehow nostalgic and, no matter when you listen, offer a fresh sense of wonder.
The piece is essentially built around a main theme that repeats in varied forms, and reproducing its atmosphere demands considerable technique and sensitivity.
Because it’s so popular, there are many beginner-friendly scores available, including those introduced in this article, so starting with those would be a good idea.
Try playing with an awareness of the images and narrative you personally feel from the music.


