Recommended practice pieces for beginner keyboard players

LA LA LA Love SongKubota Toshinobu

Toshinobu Kubota – LA • LA • LA LOVE SONG

When it comes to artists beloved by fans of Black music, Toshinobu Kubota is second to none.

Speaking of Kubota’s big hits, it has to be “LA・LA・LA LOVE SONG,” with its irresistibly cool, upbeat groove.

It’s the perfect track for mastering swaying rhythms like syncopation and the stylish sounds that are quintessential to Black music.

The distinctive synth tone that flows through the chorus is awesome too—be sure to try covering it!

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Hamada Takuya

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A Little Love SongMONGOL800

MONGOL800 “A Small Love Song × Pocky” Music Video

MONGOL800’s “Chiisana Koi no Uta” is a powerful love song included on their 2001 album MESSAGE, and it’s one of their signature tracks.

While the original song doesn’t feature keyboards, the cover version by Amatsuki, a singer active on YouTube, includes lively piano playing.

Wouldn’t it be fun to create your own original arrangement, even for songs that don’t originally include keyboards? Definitely try tackling songs like that!

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Hamada Takuya

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Sora-buneTOKIO

Sora-fune (Sky Ship) – TOKIO (Full)

“Sorafune” is TOKIO’s 35th single, released in 2006.

It also drew attention because Miyuki Nakajima handled both the lyrics and composition.

The song was used as the theme for the drama “My Boss My Hero” and topped the Oricon singles chart at No.

1.

It’s a rock number with resonant low-end, featuring an acoustic piano tone with a strong attack and a bass-heavy, rock-oriented playing style.

Although the piano is often associated with ballads, it can shine in rock as well—so be sure to master rock techniques with “Sorafune”!

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Hamada Takuya

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TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu

TSUNAMI by Southern All Stars — Sales: 3 million copies!! Full …so is it OK? ~Full! Karaoke?~ Cover~ TSUNAMI — Southern All Stars

Some of you might often sing this at karaoke.

It’s one of Southern All Stars’ signature songs, released in 2000 as their 44th single.

Its lyrics, themed around heartbreak, captured the hearts of listeners.

Since ballads tend to have slower fingering, it might be easier to try.

cherrysupittsu

Spitz / Cherry

It’s a band song, but the chord progression is very simple, so it’s great for playing on keyboard too.

It’s a smash hit by the rock band Spitz, released as a single in 1996.

As a beginner-friendly piece for those just starting an instrument, it’s very popular.

If you look it up on YouTube, you’ll find plenty of keyboard cover videos.

Letter ~Dear You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki

Angela Aki “Letter ~Dear You, Fifteen~” Official Music Video (HD)

When it comes to female artists who sing while playing the piano, many people probably think of Angela Aki.

Her song “Tegami: Haikei Jugo no Kimi e” is a perfect piece for piano practice.

Released in 2008, it reached No.

3 on the Oricon singles chart.

With a choral-like atmosphere, it makes abundant use of arpeggios and chordal playing.

There’s also a cool section in the middle where the rhythm changes, so definitely give it a try!

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Hamada Takuya

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White LoversKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – Shiroi Koibitotachi (Full ver.)

Don’t you want to try singing while playing the keyboard? It’s a solo song by the famed Southern All Stars vocalist, Keisuke Kuwata, released in 2001.

It was featured in a Coca-Cola commercial and became a hot topic.

The lyrics, which depict a heartrending love, will squeeze your chest tight.

Let this song be your gateway into the world of singing with accompaniment!