[Piano Etudes] Recommended for Beginners! A Curated Selection of Easy, Playable Pieces

Burgmüller 25 Progressive Pieces, Op. 100, No. 19 “Ave Maria”Johann Burgmüller

19. Ave Maria / Burgmüller 25 Etudes - Burgmüller: No. 19 Ave Maria - Classical Piano - CANACANA

This is a religious piece conceived with the image of a choir’s voices resounding through a cathedral church.

It possesses a solemn, devout atmosphere, and its rich harmonies leave a striking impression.

Published in Paris in 1851, the work is characterized by a beautiful melody imbued with the spirit of prayer.

By skillfully interweaving four-part harmony with three-part passages, it evokes a sonorous texture reminiscent of a cathedral’s reverberation.

The harmonic shifts are richly colored, illuminating the piece like the light through stained glass.

It is recommended for those who seek healing through music or who are interested in sacred music.

It also serves as an excellent study material for those wishing to learn pedal technique.

Combining an elegant ambience with profound spirituality, this work is sure to resonate in the hearts of listeners.

Burgmüller 25 Easy and Progressive Studies, Op. 100 No. 20 “Tarantella”Johann Burgmüller

Burgmüller: Tarantella, Op. 100 No. 20 | Cory Hall, pianist-composer

This is a passionate piece in 6/8 time, modeled on a traditional dance from southern Italy.

It features a vibrant, driving rhythm and light, graceful melodies, and was published in Paris in 1851.

Named after the southern Italian city of Taranto, the work skillfully captures the atmosphere of the folk dance that was actually performed there.

In the middle section, it modulates to the parallel major, shifting to a more brilliant character in a captivating structure.

With its sprightly rhythm and energetic melody, this piece is ideal for those who want to enjoyably build fundamental piano technique.

It also makes a wonderful choice for a recital, sure to captivate the audience.

Birthday MarchLouis Köhler

"Birthday March" composed by L. Köhler (from The Teacher’s Selection: Piano Recital Masterpieces 1)

A charming piece that’s perfect for a first recital and appears in many children’s piano collections! Louis Köhler’s “Birthday March” is simple and easy to remember, yet it’s packed with essential elements for learning piano, such as chordal staccato and smooth legato in the melody.

Another appeal of this piece is the wide range of dynamics—from lively sections to passages played softly.

Imagine a birthday surprise as you play, and perform with rich expression.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem

Turkish MarchLudwig van Beethoven

Beethoven Turkish March, age 7 (first grade), at a piano recital

Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Turkish March” is bright and cheerful, making it hugely popular with children.

It’s such a staple that it’s no exaggeration to say someone always plays it at piano recitals.

The key points are to keep a steady march-like tempo with the left hand and play the right hand lightly with a bright tone.

To produce clear grace notes, start practicing slowly.

To avoid playing faster than necessary, it can also help to actually march and feel a tempo that suits the piece.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem

Babayaga Op. 39-20Pyotr Tchaikovsky

La sorcière Op.39-20 P.I. Tchaikovsky Baba Yaga (The Witch) Tchaikovsky

This is a masterpiece created by a Russian composer devoted to nurturing children’s hearts through music.

The work vividly portrays, in sound, the tale of a mysterious witch who lives in a hut standing on chicken legs and travels in a flying mortar—captivating children’s imaginations.

With a melodic line that includes rapid ascending and descending scales and wide leaps, along with unstable harmonic sonorities, it skillfully conveys the witch’s eeriness and enigmatic movements.

Composed in 1878, its brisk tempo and richly descriptive power brim with immediacy, letting listeners savor the story’s excitement.

Brimming with expressive nuance and drama, this piece is perfect for a child’s piano recital or as an encore.

A recommended classic for anyone who wishes to foster imagination through music.

The Splendor of YouthRichard Carpenter

49. The Brilliance of Youth [Piano Tutorial Video]

Let’s look back on a classic by the Carpenters.

It portrays the feelings of someone seeking an ideal love while struggling with the gap between dreams and reality.

The gentle, delicate piano tones and Karen’s transparent, pure voice are striking, offering a comforting warmth that feels close to the listener’s heart.

Released in May 1976, the song topped the U.S.

Adult Contemporary chart.

In Japan, it drew renewed attention when it was used as the ending theme for the 1995 TBS drama “Miseinen” (Minors).

It’s a recommended piece for those wrestling with love or those seeking a beautiful, heart-stirring melody.

It’s also frequently performed at wind ensemble concerts, so many of you have likely heard it before.

Why not try tackling this masterpiece on the piano? The joy is even greater when you can play a song you already know!

springSamuel Maykapar

Zen-On Piano Solo “Spring” from Mikhaïl Maikapar: Collection of Piano Pieces, Zen-On Music Company Ltd.

Spring by Samuil Maykapar, a Ukrainian-born composer and pianist, is often selected for recitals and as a required piece in competitions.

It is a gently paced work that evokes the calm arrival of spring.

The middle section takes on a somewhat livelier character, making it a piece that allows for contrast even within a short span.

Aim to play smoothly with legato to preserve a courtly elegance, keep the accompaniment as soft as possible, and strive for a tender tone throughout.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem