[Piano Etudes] Recommended for Beginners! A Curated Selection of Easy, Playable Pieces
A vast number of beginner-friendly piano scores line the shelves of music stores and online shops.
“I want to start playing the piano, but where on earth should I begin?” Many people have this question and find it hard to take the first step.
In this article, we introduce recommended practice pieces for those who have just started learning the piano.
We’ve carefully selected easy, accessible pieces from a wide range of genres—perfect for complete beginners or those returning to the piano.
If you’re about to start practicing the piano, this is a must-read!
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[Piano Etudes] Recommended for Beginners! A Curated Selection of Easy and Playable Pieces (141–150)
Carrying YouInoue Azumi
This is the theme song from Studio Ghibli’s famous film Castle in the Sky.
This video features an arrangement of the song that’s easy for piano beginners to play—one that every Japanese person has probably heard.
With its heartrending lyrics and melody, you might find yourself moved to tears as you play the piano.
Voice of the Seaurashima tarō (kiritani kenta)
“Umi no Koe” (The Voice of the Sea), sung by Urashima Taro from the well-known au commercials.
Its melody is a wonderful classic that sticks in your head after just one listen.
This piece is arranged for beginners, so even piano novices should be able to enjoy practicing and playing it.
Try singing along as you play!
“The Four Seasons” No. 1 “Spring”Antonio Vivaldi
The Four Seasons, the signature work of the Baroque-era composer Antonio Vivaldi.
Among them, No.
1, Spring, is a charming piece with a bright, warm atmosphere that evokes the arrival of spring, and it is used in a variety of contexts, including TV commercials.
Since it was originally an orchestral work, piano scores vary greatly in feel and difficulty depending on the arrangement.
The version introduced here is a very simple arrangement, so it may sound a bit sparse…
Do try tackling arrangements that are closer to the original as well.
[Piano Etudes] Recommended for Beginners! A Curated Selection of Easy and Playable Pieces (151–160)
Ave MariaCharles Gounod
Many people have probably heard the words “Ave Maria” at least once, and many will think, “Oh, that song.” That said, have you ever had the experience where the “Ave Maria” you had in mind turned out to be a different piece when you talked with a friend? “Ave Maria” itself is a line from the Latin Catholic liturgy, and because pieces inspired by it are called “Ave Maria,” there are many different “Ave Maria” works around the world.
Among them, the “Ave Maria” composed in 1859 by the French composer Charles Gounod is a widely known vocal piece, and this article introduces its piano arrangement.
The arrangement is very simple with relatively few notes, so please practice slowly, paying attention to places where the roles of the right and left hands switch.
To the Wild RoseEdward MacDowell
The first piece from Edward MacDowell’s Woodland Sketches, Op.
51, known in Japan as “Nobara ni yosete.” Its gentle melody is soothing, making it a beautiful work.
Thanks to its simple structure, it’s approachable even for beginner pianists and is included in several beginner-friendly scores.
Because the piece progresses through resonant chords, it’s important to bring out the top melody line clearly and balance it with the accompaniment.
Aim for even tone so the melodic line doesn’t sound rough or choppy.
Ave MariaFranz Schubert
Let me introduce Franz Schubert’s Ave Maria, a piece whose beautiful melody is truly cleansing to the soul.
With its simple structure and relaxed tempo, it’s easy even for beginners to play.
Try layering the flowing right-hand melody with a broad sense of phrasing over the steady six-tuplet accompaniment in the left hand.
The accompaniment sounds lovely as single notes, but adding chords will create an even richer sonority.
Start with a simple arrangement to grasp the character of the piece, then gradually challenge yourself with fuller accompaniments and a thicker melodic texture—highly recommended!
Grandfather’s ClockHenry Clay Work
“Grandfather’s Clock,” an American popular song that is also cherished in Japan as a children’s song, features a simple, repeating melody that makes it approachable even for beginner pianists.
The right hand traces the familiar vocal melody, while the left hand can transform the mood depending on the arrangement.
Start with single notes, and as you get comfortable, try versions like the sheet music introduced here: using chords, broken chords (arpeggios), or adding a bit of rhythm for a pop feel.
Challenge yourself with different versions as your playing improves.