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

Songs Without Words, Book II, Op. 30, No. 6: Venetian Boat SongFelix Mendelssohn

From 'Songs Without Words' — Venetian Gondola Song, Op. 30 No. 6 / Mendelssohn

This is a piece included in Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words.

Mendelssohn is said to have been fond of the wistful melodies sung by Venetian gondoliers, and the gently undulating waves and the accompanying motion of the boat are expressed through a relaxed, flowing melody.

Flower SongGustav Lange

Lange: Flower Song, Blumenlied Op. 39, piano: SUGAYAN

Lange produced numerous light salon pieces, yet surprisingly few of his works are widely known.

In Japan, this piece—his most famous— is relatively easy for beginner pianists to play, while its dynamic melody also offers a satisfying sense of substance.

CanonJohann Pachelbel

Canon Piano Johann Pachelbel (Zen-On ver.)

It’s a piece often used as background music for ceremonies like weddings and graduations, and it’s one that almost everyone has heard at least once.

It frequently appears in beginner sheet music, and the right-hand melody line in particular is good for practicing fingerings.

MusetteJ.S.Bach

Musette in D major, BWV Anh. 126 (J. S. Bach) / 32nd China Youth Music Competition, Regional Preliminary

It’s attributed to Bach, but there’s a theory that he didn’t actually compose it, and some say it should be listed as composer unknown.

From the way it sounds, though, it’s full of Bach’s atmosphere.

Playing it as written in the score isn’t all that difficult.

Jesu, Joy of Man’s DesiringJ.S.Bach

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Piano) — Composed by J.S. Bach

It’s a composition by Bach.

It wasn’t written as a piano piece; rather, it’s the choral section from one of Bach’s church cantatas, which consist of ten movements in total.

Since it’s used not only for choir and piano but also, for example, in music boxes, many people may know the melody even if they don’t know the piece itself.

Amazing GraceJohn Newton

Amazing Grace / Piano: Takahiro Iwase

This piece is distinguished by a beautiful, cleansing melody.

Originally a hymn, it has since become beloved in the United States as a “second national anthem,” and in Japan it has been covered by many singers, including Minako Honda.

Written in 1772, the song reflects lyricist John Newton’s personal experiences and gratitude to God.

Composed of a simple 16-bar melody repeated throughout, it is easy to play even for beginner pianists.

With its gentle tempo and flowing progression, it’s perfect for moments when you want to calm your mind.

Album for the Young, Op. 68 No. 10: The Happy FarmerRobert Schumann

Schumann: The Happy Farmer

This is a piece included in Schumann’s Album for the Young.

As the title suggests, it should be played lively and cheerfully.

It is the best-known piece in the collection, and its original title is said to have been “The Merry Farmer, Returning from Work.”