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

25 Etudes Op. 100, No. 1 “Innocence”Johann Burgmüller

A Frank Heart (from Burgmüller’s 25)

Johann Burgmüller’s 25 Études Op.

100 is a quintessential staple among piano study collections.

Surely no one who has picked up this book has finished without playing the very first piece, “La candeur” (“An Innocent Heart”).

While the piece exudes the feel of a true “étude,” with its regularly arranged notes, you can achieve a highly artistic performance by paying close attention to nuanced dynamics and playing with a strong sense of phrasing.

To avoid a monotonous rendition that merely strings together the written notes, examine every detail of the score and bring it to life in sound!

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Burgmüller 25 Études Op. 100 No. 11 “The Wagtail”Johann Burgmüller

11. Wagtail / Burgmüller 25 Etudes - Burgmüller: 25 No.11 La Bergeronnette - Classical Piano - CANACANA

This piece in 2/4 time is characterized by a light, charming melody reminiscent of a little bird.

A rhythmic motif of “ta-ta-tan,” effectively using staccato and sixteenth notes, vividly evokes birdsong and adorable movements.

Published in Paris in 1851, the work lasts only about 30 seconds, yet captivates with a beautiful melody woven from right-hand scales and left-hand accompaniment.

By focusing on supple wrist motion and precise fingertip control, you can bring out the piece’s elegance even more.

Even beginners will find it enjoyable to tackle thanks to its lively rhythm and friendly, accessible melody.

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.

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.

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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.

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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!