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

againHisaishi Joe

Again – from Studio Ghibli’s film “Spirited Away” – Piano – Level ★★★☆☆ – Beginner to Intermediate

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It’s a grand and beautiful piece that plays during the climactic, dreamlike flying scene in the film Spirited Away.

Beginning with a quiet melody and gradually building in emotion, it evokes the hope that lies beyond hardship and the strong bonds with those we hold dear.

A later version with lyrics also exists, expressing a bittersweet yet warm longing for reunion.

This piece was included on the album Spirited Away Soundtrack, released in July 2001.

It’s a perfect choice for those who want to bring this sweeping world to life with their own hands.

As you recall the story’s moving moments, aim for a performance that richly shapes dynamics and stirs the hearts of listeners.

CatbusHisaishi Joe

[Piano Beginner] Catbus Level 2 [Free Sheet Music]

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It’s a lively, dynamic piece that brings to mind the scene in the film My Neighbor Totoro where Satsuki and Mei ride a mysterious creature through the night sky.

The song first appeared on the album My Neighbor Totoro Image Song Collection, released in November 1987, and its charm lies in a light, catchy feel that children naturally hum along to.

The fantastical, bouncing melody seems to capture the excitement of setting out on an adventure.

The tempo is fast, and coordinating both hands with a springy touch may take some practice, but start by playing the melody with one hand as if you’re humming it.

Once your fingers get used to it, try both hands with the feeling of dashing lightly ahead!

Village in MayHisaishi Joe

[Piano for Beginners] May Village Level 1 [Free Sheet Music with Do-Re-Mi Notation]

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It’s a captivating piece with a buoyant melody that conjures up lush, green countryside scenes.

It’s that song from the 1988 film My Neighbor Totoro, played as the sisters, thrilled about their new life, appear on screen.

What’s wonderful about this piece is its brisk, jazz-like rhythm, which adds a stylish, cheerful touch to Japan’s tranquil landscapes.

When playing it on the piano, the key is to bring out a skipping, bouncy sense of rhythm.

If you play energetically and with joy, you’ll surely capture the piece’s sense of excitement.

Try to bounce lightly across the keys as if you were the story’s protagonist.

DepartureHisaishi Joe

[Beginner Piano] Departure Level 2 [Free Sheet Music]

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This is an iconic piece from the film Kiki’s Delivery Service that brings to mind the scene where the heroine sets off for a new town.

The bright, refreshing melody played by the orchestra perfectly captures that thrilling feeling of taking a first step with hope—and just a touch of anxiety—in your heart.

Beloved since the film’s release in July 1989, this piece lifts your spirits just by listening.

Its friendly tune makes it a great recommendation for those taking on the piano as well! With a simple left-hand accompaniment arrangement to practice, it’s easier to grasp the buoyant rhythms in the right hand.

Try playing these hope-filled tones that herald the beginning of the story.

Sometimes, old storiesHisaishi Joe

Tokiko Kato 'Once in a While, Let's Talk About the Old Days' — Porco Rosso (film) Ending Theme [Moving if you can play it! How to Play on Piano] ☆4

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It’s a piece whose melancholy, chanson-like melody lingers in the heart, gracing the ending of the film Porco Rosso.

Originally created by Tokiko Kato in 1987, it was given a grand orchestral arrangement for the movie.

The lyrics warmly look back on days gone by, mirroring the protagonist Porco’s outlook on life and lending the story a deep afterglow.

This song also carries a heartwarming anecdote in which words from the lyrics inspired the studio’s name.

With its exquisitely beautiful melody line, even a simple accompaniment allows you to fully savor the song’s tender, bittersweet atmosphere.

It’s a piece I highly recommend to anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the story and perform with heartfelt emotion.

On a sunny dayHisaishi Joe

[Easy Piano] Studio Ghibli – Kiki’s Delivery Service – “On a Clear Day”

This buoyant waltz colors the scene in Kiki’s Delivery Service where the protagonist sets off with hope in her heart.

The melody, brimming with exotic flair from the accordion and mandolin, seems to capture the anticipation of entering a new world.

Although it was reportedly composed at a rapid pace to coincide with the film’s July 1989 release, the piece’s expansive, joy-filled lines betray none of that rush and are truly captivating.

Its steady, easy-to-grasp triple meter makes it a great recommendation for piano learners.

Start by playing the beautiful right-hand melody as if singing it, then add the simple accompaniment; you’ll find it leads smoothly to playing with both hands.

Main themehoshikatsu

Only Yesterday, Main Theme, Beginner, Print Sheet Music, Arranged by Chiharu Kawada, Piano, omoide poroporo, main theme

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This is the music from the film Only Yesterday that evokes memories from long ago, as if they spring vividly to life in the protagonist’s heart.

Released in July 1991, the film uses this beautiful melody to accompany the inner landscapes of a 27-year-old woman as she recalls her 10-year-old self.

Featured on the album Only Yesterday Original Soundtrack, the piece is characterized by a quiet, nostalgic tone centered on piano arpeggios.

With its relaxed tempo and gentle movement, it’s approachable even for those new to the piano.

Cherish the clear, shimmering resonance—as if fragments of memory are sparkling—and play each note with care.