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

Moon RiverHenry Mancini

52. Moon River [Piano Demonstration Video]

It’s a masterpiece whose sweet melody resonates deep in the heart.

Known as the theme song from the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, it is beloved by many.

The lyrics impressively depict dreams, hopes, and a longing for the unknown in a symbolic way.

Characterized by a gentle slow waltz rhythm, it is also cherished as a jazz standard.

With its calm and romantic atmosphere, it’s a piece that deeply moves listeners.

It’s easy to try on a variety of instruments, not just piano, and because the slow waltz gives it a sweet feel, the sense of accomplishment is great even for beginners when they can play it.

There are many beginner-friendly arrangements, so choose sheet music that suits you and give it a try.

Burgmüller 25 Easy and Progressive Studies, Op. 100 No. 15 “Ballade”Johann Burgmüller

15. Ballade / Burgmüller 25 Etudes - Burgmüller: 25 No.15 Ballade - Classical Piano - CANACANA

This is an elegant piece that exudes a mysterious atmosphere from the opening.

Its compelling structure—rich in narrative thanks to the contrast between C minor and C major—captivates the listener as it shifts from a tense first section to a serene middle passage.

The scene woven by the right hand’s repeated notes and the left hand’s flowing patterns evokes the image of a solitary traveler journeying through a forest.

Johann Burgmüller balances expressive richness with technical elements to great effect.

This work is recommended for those interested in pieces with a strong narrative quality or who enjoy dramatic expression.

Published in Paris in 1851, it continues to be cherished by many performers today.

Children’s Album, Book I: A Picture Book of Boyhood – No. 1, Little SongAram Khachaturian

A Little Song (Andantino) / Khachaturian Piano Cover, Children's Album, First Series: 'Album for the Young,' No. 1

Although it’s a short piece of about one minute, its gently paced, nostalgic, and somewhat wistful melody is truly beautiful.

This “Little Song” is included in “Album for Children, Book 1: Pictures of Childhood” by Aram Khachaturian, one of the leading composers of the Soviet Union in the 20th century, and it’s a piece I highly recommend for beginner-level children’s recitals.

While it’s in C minor with a fair number of accidentals and frequent use of black keys—so at first glance the score may look daunting—no advanced technique is required: the left hand provides chordal accompaniment and the right hand plays a single-line melody.

Practice with the goal of clearly recognizing the roles of both hands and singing the melody beautifully.

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Forest Sketches No. 1: To a Wild RoseEdward MacDowell

From Forest Sketches: "To a Wild Rose" (MacDowell) Ayumi Yokouchi

This is a piece by the American pianist MacDowell, who was active at the end of the 19th century.

Just listening to its dreamy melodic line is soothing.

It’s not difficult to play, and the melody leaves a strong impression.

It’s a simple piece that even beginners can play.

5 Pieces (Suite of Trees), Op. 75: No. 2, The SpruceJean Sibelius

fir tree

It’s a piece by Sibelius, one of the movements from the “Tree Suite.” The opening suddenly presents a cascade of many notes, which might bewilder some listeners, but it’s not as difficult to play as it sounds.

It’s a truly beautiful piece that evokes the Nordic spirit.

It is also a piece that Empress Michiko has performed.

Burgmüller 25 Progressive Pieces Op. 100, No. 25 “La chevaleresque” (The Lady’s Ride)Johann Burgmüller

2009 Competition Finals - B-Class Gold Prize - Hibiki Nishikawa

Composed by Burgmüller.

Burgmüller’s 25 Easy and Progressive Studies include many pieces that are enjoyable to play and to listen to, and this piece, true to its title, vividly conveys a horse’s lively, sprightly jumps and a lady delighting in horseback riding.

Minuet in G major, BWV Anh. 114J.S.Bach

PTNA 2015 Competition National Finals / A1 Class Gold Prize: Akamatsu Maon

It’s a composition by Bach.

Even people who don’t play the piano or aren’t interested in classical music have probably heard it somewhere.

It’s a very beautiful piece, but simply playing it as written in the score isn’t particularly difficult.