[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!

Playlist

[Piano Etudes] Recommended for Beginners! A Curated Selection of Easy, Playable Pieces
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Merry Christmas, Mr. LawrenceSakamoto Ryuichi		Melody, one of Ryuichi Sakamoto’s signature songs
2	Wish Upon a StarLeigh Harline		A wish upon a star, simple and beautiful
3	Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi		Piano performance commentary on Yumi Matsutoya’s “Haru yo, Koi”
4	Six Minuets No. 2, WoO 10 in G majorLudwig van Beethoven		Beethoven’s Minuet
5	Moon RiverHenry Mancini		How to Play and the Appeal of Moon River
6	Piano Sonata No. 11, K. 331, Movement III “Turkish March”Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart		Mozart's Turkish March is a difficult piece.
7	Let It BeThe Beatles		Tips for Playing Beatles Classics on the Piano
8	magicianWilliam Gillock		Gillock's “The Magician” is a lively, rhythmical children's favorite.
9	Für EliseLudwig van Beethoven		Für Elise, a famous piece for beginners
10	Theme of Jonetsu TairikuHakasé Tarō		The theme song of Jonetsu Tairiku composed by Taro Hakase
11	Piano Sonata No. 16, K. 545Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart		Mozart’s Piano Sonata No. 16 is a bright and highly popular work.
12	Pavane for a Dead PrincessMaurice Ravel		Ravel’s elegant piano piece Pavane
13	Sonatine Op. 36 No. 1 in C majorMuzio Clementi		Clementi’s Sonatina. For beginners.
14	BoyhoodInoue Yosui		Tips for Playing Yosui Inoue’s Classic “Shonen Jidai” on Piano
15	Over the RainbowHarold Arlen		Beginner Piano for Over the Rainbow
16	Burgmüller 25 Progressive Pieces, Op. 100 No. 2, ArabesqueJohann Burgmüller		Burgmüller “Arabesque” Left-Hand Melody Practice
17	Arabesque No. 1Claude Debussy		Practice Debussy’s famous piano pieces
18	Nocturne No. 2, Op. 9-2Frederic Chopin		Chopin Nocturne soothing music elegance
19	Album for the Young, Op. 68-14: Little StudyRobert Schumann		Beginner piano exercises by Schumann
20	A Doll’s Dream and AwakeningTheodor Oesten		The doll awakens and concludes at the party
21	I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu		You can perform Kyū Sakamoto’s classic songs in a variety of arrangements.
22	Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro		A signature spring song that established the Moriyama style
23	Maiden’s PrayerTekla Bądarzewska		Master Tekla’s classic song with slow practice
24	Bells of the AlpsTheodor Oesten		A showy recital piece by the German composer Oesten that begins with the sound of bells.
25	Country RoadHon’na Yoko		Beginner-friendly piano piece of the theme song from Whisper of the Heart
26	The Alps at sunsetTheodor Oesten		A piano piece depicting the mountains of the Alps
27	SumireStreabbog		Stribog’s Adorable Waltz
28	Invention No. 1J.S.Bach		A contrapuntal piece by Bach. The subject is repeated while changing.
29	Let’s dance the waltz.William Gillock		Gillis’s beginner pieces are fun
30	Always With MeKimura Yumi		A theme song from a Ghibli film that sings of the preciousness of life
31	My Heart Will Go OnCéline Dion		Titanic theme song, a practice piece for beginners
32	Album for the Young: 24 Easy Pieces, Op. 39, No. 9 — The New DollPyotr Tchaikovsky		Tchaikovsky’s piano etudes
33	Piano Sonata No. 14, Op. 27 No. 2 “Moonlight,” First MovementLudwig van Beethoven		A piano etude with profound beauty
34	12 Variations on “Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman” (Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Variations)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart		Mozart’s “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” Variations
35	Minuet in C-sharp minorMaurice Ravel		Ravel’s short minuet piece
36	Noble and Sentimental Waltzes: Waltz No. 2, Assez lent (fairly slow), G minorMaurice Ravel		Music that peers deep into the heart
37	Bling-Bang-Bang-BornDJ matsunaga		Piano Pieces for Beginners in Anime Songs
38	Mysterious Adventureiketakeshi		Enjoyably performing Dragon Ball anime songs
39	Odoru Pompoko RinOda Tetsurō		Let's play 'Chibi Maruko-chan' songs on the piano
40	Fine On The OutsidePriscilla Ahn		Background of the film’s theme song and its moving musical expression
41	First workday of the yearHisaishi Joe		The fresh, hopeful music of Kiki’s Delivery Service
42	Someone at any timekōryū		Nostalgic and warm music that conveys peaceful hope
43	Le Tombeau de Couperin, No. 2: FugueMaurice Ravel		Ravel’s composition: the only fugue in memory of his fallen comrade
44	Arrietty’s SongCecile Corbel		Cécile Corbel: The Allure of Film Music
45	Hanyu no YadoInguranndo min’yō		The poignant insert song from Grave of the Fireflies
46	The River of That DayHisaishi Joe		Spirited Away, a melody that lingers in the heart
47	Round Dance of the Sunflower HouseHisaishi Joe		The gentle music of ‘Ponyo’ portrays the brilliance of life.
48	againHisaishi Joe		Iconic songs from Spirited Away, moving music
49	CatbusHisaishi Joe		Totoro’s music is a fantastical burst of dynamism.
50	Village in MayHisaishi Joe		The melody of My Neighbor Totoro is refreshing.
51	DepartureHisaishi Joe		A famous song from Kiki’s Delivery Service that expresses hope and a new journey
52	Sometimes, old storiesHisaishi Joe		The ending song of Porco Rosso, a track by Tokiko Kato
53	On a sunny dayHisaishi Joe		A heart-lifting waltz from Kiki's Delivery Service
54	Main themehoshikatsu		A piano piece that weaves nostalgic memories
55	Burgmüller 25 Etudes, Op. 100 No. 25 “La chevaleresque” (The Lady’s Ride)Johann Burgmüller		A dazzling étude that expresses knightliness
56	Polka from Album for ChildrenLouis Heinrich Köhler		Make the recital fun with a lively polka tune
57	Invention No. 2 in C minor, BWV 773J.S.Bach		The Appeal of Bach’s Invention in C Minor
58	French Suite No. 1, BWV 812: Minuet IIJ.S.Bach		Bach’s elegant dances, performed at home
59	French Suite No. 2, BWV 813: GigueJ.S.Bach		A light 3/8-time dance by Bach
60	French Suite No. 2, BWV 813: Menuet IJ.S.Bach		Bach’s elegant triple-meter dance
61	French Suite No. 3, BWV 814, MinuetJ.S.Bach		An elegant baroque-style dance suite
62	Gavotte from French Suite No. 4, BWV 814J.S.Bach		Introduction to Masterpieces of French Dance Music from the Baroque Era
63	French Suite No. 5, BWV 816: SarabandeJ.S.Bach		Classical music, the sarabande of the Baroque era is captivating.
64	French Suite No. 6, BWV 817 – GavotteJ.S.Bach		An educational masterpiece of Baroque suites for beginners
65	French Suite No. 6, BWV 817: SarabandeJ.S.Bach		A dance imbued with Bach’s profound spirituality
66	Polonaise in G minor (BWV Anh. 119)J.S.Bach		Loving music for Bach’s wife
67	Musette in D majorJ.S.Bach		An approachable piece born from Bach’s music notebook
68	Animal Crossing: New Horizons ‘Main Theme’Todaka Ikusei		Play the Animal Crossing theme with one finger
69	Variations in E-flat major, Op. 82, MWV U 158 — Theme: Andante assai espressivoFelix Mendelssohn		Mendelssohn's Elegant Variations
70	Songs Without Words, Book I, Op. 19, No. 4: A Secret ConversationFelix Mendelssohn		A calm and graceful miniature, rich in emotion
71	Songs Without Words, Book III, Op. 38, No. 4: HopeFelix Mendelssohn		A calm and approachable piece from the Songs Without Words collection
72	“Butterflies” Op. 2, IntroductionRobert Schumann		Introduction to a masked ball. A Romantic, fantastical miniature.
73	“Butterflies,” Op. 2: No. 10, “Unmasking the Mask”Robert Schumann		Schumann’s piano suite, a masterpiece brimming with lyric poetry
74	“Butterflies,” Op. 2, No. 12: “Final Scene and the Returning Brothers”Robert Schumann		Schumann’s Butterfly finale depicts the end of a ball
75	“Butterflies,” Op. 2, No. 3: “Waltz”Robert Schumann		Introduction to Schumann’s “Carnival of the Butterflies,” Waltz No. 3
76	Carnaval, Op. 9 No. 2: PierrotRobert Schumann		Schumann’s Pierrot pieces depict delicate emotions.
77	Carnaval, Op. 9 No. 5 — EusebiusRobert Schumann		Schumann's works, a world of quiet dreams
78	Three Sonatas for Children, Op. 11 No. 1 “II. Theme and Variations” Op. 118a-2Robert Schumann		The charm of variations filled with love for children
79	Three Sonatas for Children, Op. 11, No. 2: “3. Evening Song” Op. 118b-3Robert Schumann		Schumann’s heartwarming piano piece
80	Album for the Young, Op. 68 No. 35 “Mignon”Robert Schumann		A poetic piece by Schumann inspired by Mignon
81	Alliance de David, Dance Collection No. 18, Non presto, C major — not fastRobert Schumann		A serene, small piece by Schumann brimming with poetic sentiment
82	Morning Songs No. 1: In a calm tempoRobert Schumann		A Schumann piano piece expressing the quiet of morning.
83	Carnaval, Op. 9 No. 12 – ChopinRobert Schumann		Schumann’s masterpiece filled with love for Chopin
84	French Suite No. 1, BWV 812: SarabandeJ.S.Bach		An approachable dance piece, ideal as an introduction to Baroque music
85	French Suite No. 2, BWV 813 – CouranteJ.S.Bach		Elegant dance works of Baroque music
86	Minuet in F major, K. 4, from Nannerl’s Music BookWolfgang Amadeus Mozart		The elegant minuet from Mozart’s childhood
87	Piano Sonata No. 16 in C major, K. 545, No. 2Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart		Beautiful masterpieces of classical music
88	Six Ecossaises No. 3Ludwig van Beethoven		A lively Scottish-style social dance tune
89	Six Écossaises No. 5Ludwig van Beethoven		An elegant dance in E-flat major, with a light, lively rhythm
90	Seven Ländlers, WoO 11 No. 3Ludwig van Beethoven		A classical work for piano in the Ländler style, premiered in Vienna in 1799
91	7 Ländler WoO 11 No. 4Ludwig van Beethoven		The cheerful music of Austrian folk dance
92	7 Ländler WoO 11 No. 7Ludwig van Beethoven		An elegant 3/4 time, a masterpiece by Beethoven
93	11 New Bagatelles for Piano, Op. 119: No. 1 in G minorLudwig van Beethoven		Beethoven’s piano miniature, profound musicality
94	11 New Bagatelles for Piano, Op. 119 No. 8 in C majorLudwig van Beethoven		Rich music, a pleasant resonance, and moving emotion
95	11 New Bagatelles for Piano, Op. 119 No. 9 in A minorLudwig van Beethoven		A gem of a piano miniature introduced
96	Piano Sonata No. 20, Op. 49 No. 2, Second MovementLudwig van Beethoven		A warm triple-meter piece in minuet form
97	Piano Sonata No. 25, Op. 79, Movement IIILudwig van Beethoven		A graceful romantic masterpiece in 9/8 time
98	Serenade No. 13 in G Major “Eine kleine Nachtmusik,” II. AndanteWolfgang Amadeus Mozart		Mozart’s graceful and moving masterpiece
99	Allegro in C major, K. 1b, from the Nannerl NotebookWolfgang Amadeus Mozart		A short and lively piece composed by Mozart
100	Allegro in F major, K. 1c, from Nannerl’s Music BookWolfgang Amadeus Mozart		Composed by Mozart at age five; a bright and approachable piece.
101	Andante in C major, K. 1a, from Nannerl’s Music BookWolfgang Amadeus Mozart		An adorable miniature piece written at the age of five
102	Minuet in G major, K. 1 (K6 1e), from the Nannerl NotebookWolfgang Amadeus Mozart		Beautiful Minuet by 5-Year-Old Mozart
103	Minuet in C major, K. 1 (K⁶ 1f), from Nannerl’s Music BookWolfgang Amadeus Mozart		A refined minuet masterpiece for a five-year-old
104	Minuet in F major, K. 5, from Nannerl’s Music BookWolfgang Amadeus Mozart		A work by six-year-old Mozart for his sister
105	MemoryWolfgang Amadeus Mozart		An elegant piano piece in G major
106	Eight Pieces, Op. 84: No. 3, FugueGabriel Fauré		Elegant musical expression of French music
107	Barcarolle No. 4 in E-flat major, Op. 36Gabriel Fauré		Fauré’s elegant and delicate, beautiful works
108	Aladdin “Friend Like Me”Alan Menken		An upbeat jazz piece that captures Genie's cheerful personality.
109	Children’s Album, Volume 1: “Album of My Boyhood,” No. 5: EtudeAram Khachaturian		A lively piano piece of Armenian traditional music
110	The Lion King: “Circle of Life”Elton John		The Lion King's famous anthem of life
111	The Lion King ‘Hakuna Matata’Elton John		A bright, encouraging Disney song
112	New Cinema Paradiso ‘Love Theme’Ennio Morricone		An inspiring masterpiece from a 1988 Italian film
113	Snow White: “Whistle While You Work”Frank Churchill		A musical piece interweaving nature sounds with classic songs from Disney films
114	Three New Etudes No. 2 in A-flat majorFrederic Chopin		You can learn technique and musical expression through Chopin’s études.
115	Prelude in C minor, Op. 28 No. 20Frederic Chopin		Chopin piano piece, characterized by funeral-like qualities and emotional expression
116	Passacaglia Harpsichord Suite No. 7 (HWV 432)Georg Friedrich Händel		A masterpiece that distills the charm of Baroque music
117	Tokyo Disneyland ‘Pirates of the Caribbean Yo Ho’George Bruns		Pirates of the Caribbean pirate theme song
118	25 Etudes Op. 100, No. 1 “Innocence”Johann Burgmüller		Burgmüller’s études are highly artistic.
119	Burgmüller 25 Études Op. 100 No. 11 “The Wagtail”Johann Burgmüller		A light, bird-like piece in 2/4 time
120	Burgmüller 25 Progressive Pieces, Op. 100, No. 19 “Ave Maria”Johann Burgmüller		A religious piece inspired by a cathedral church choir
121	Burgmüller 25 Easy and Progressive Studies, Op. 100 No. 20 “Tarantella”Johann Burgmüller		A passionate piece inspired by Southern Italian dances.
122	Birthday MarchLouis Köhler		Köhler’s Birthday March
123	Turkish MarchLudwig van Beethoven		Performance Tips for Beethoven’s Turkish March
124	Babayaga Op. 39-20Pyotr Tchaikovsky		A famous piece for children that depicts a witch's tale through music
125	The Splendor of YouthRichard Carpenter		A classic by the Carpenters that resonates with the heart.
126	springSamuel Maykapar		Micah Pál’s spring piece is gentle and rich in variation
127	Toy Story 2 “When She Loved Me”Sarah McLachlan		An emotional ballad from Toy Story 2
128	Buzz buzz buzzBohemia min’yo		Bunbunbun is for beginners.
129	Dance and SongNakata Yoshinao		An enchanting piano solo piece with a Japanese-style rhythm
130	A Whole New WorldAlan Menken		The Appeal of Disney’s Popular Songs and Love Songs
131	Spinning SongAlbert Ellmenreich		Classic pieces for piano recitals
132	chopsticksArthur de Lulli		Arranging Lully’s pieces for piano four hands
133	The Future Projection IIDREAMS COME TRUE		Singing about the joy of making a future with my lover come true
134	Songs Without Words, Book II, Op. 30, No. 6: Venetian Boat SongFelix Mendelssohn		The Gondola Song from Mendelssohn's Songs Without Words
135	Flower SongGustav Lange		A famous piece by Lange, suitable for beginners yet satisfying to play
136	CanonJohann Pachelbel		Famous ceremony pieces for piano beginners
137	MusetteJ.S.Bach		The attribution to Bach is questionable, and the authentic authorship is unknown.
138	Jesu, Joy of Man’s DesiringJ.S.Bach		Choral movements from Bach's church cantatas
139	Amazing GraceJohn Newton		Many beautiful hymns have been covered.
140	Album for the Young, Op. 68 No. 10: The Happy FarmerRobert Schumann		The joy of a farmer returning from work
141	Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15, No. 7: DreamingRobert Schumann		A famous piece from Schumann’s Scenes from Childhood
142	Yesterday Once MoreCarpenters		A smash hit by the Carpenters. No. 1 on the Oricon chart for 26 consecutive weeks.
143	Summertime BluesWilliam Gillock		A lovely blues rhythm song
144	Sad WaltzWilliam Gillock		Composed by Gillock. The sheet music is simple, but it’s a timeless masterpiece for adults that resonates with the heart.
145	Minuet in F major, K. 2Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart		Beethoven: Mastering Expressive, Graceful Minuets
146	The Skaters’ WaltzÉmile Waldteufel		An elegant waltz for skaters
147	Beauty and the BeastDizunī		Belle and the Beast's dance scene
148	Carrying YouInoue Azumi		Introduction to a video featuring a piano beginner-friendly arrangement of Laputa’s theme song.
149	Voice of the Seaurashima tarō (kiritani kenta)		Playing the Sea Voice of Urashima Tarō on piano
150	“The Four Seasons” No. 1 “Spring”Antonio Vivaldi		Vivaldi’s Spring from The Four Seasons is brilliant and splendid.
151	Ave MariaCharles Gounod		Multiple versions of Ave Maria and practice methods
152	To the Wild RoseEdward MacDowell		A beautiful piano piece by MacDowell for beginners
153	Ave MariaFranz Schubert		How to play Schubert’s “Ave Maria”
154	Grandfather’s ClockHenry Clay Work		Play the old clock on the piano step by step
155	Csikos PostHermann Necke		The liveliness of Csíkos Post, a piano piece
156	Six EcosaisLudwig van Beethoven		Beethoven’s Ecossaises for Beginners
157	Ode to JoyLudwig van Beethoven		Play Beethoven’s Ode to Joy on the piano
158	Happy birthday to youMildred J. Hill／Patty Smith Hill		How to Play the Happy Birthday Song and Tips for Performing It
159	Winnie the PoohThe Sherman Brothers		The gentle tone of Winnie-the-Pooh
160	Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major, K. 331, 3rd movement “Turkish March”Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart		Mozart's Turkish March increases in difficulty step by step.
161	GreensleevesInguranndo min’yō		Introduction to the piano sheet music for Greensleeves
162	Moon RiverHenry Mancini		Masterpieces of movie theme songs, beautiful melodies that resonate in the heart
163	Burgmüller 25 Easy and Progressive Studies, Op. 100 No. 15 “Ballade”Johann Burgmüller		Burgmüller’s narrative and elegant piano pieces
164	Children’s Album, Book I: A Picture Book of Boyhood – No. 1, Little SongAram Khachaturian		Beginner-level piano piece composed by Khachaturian
165	Forest Sketches No. 1: To a Wild RoseEdward MacDowell		A healing, simple piece by McDowell
166	5 Pieces (Suite of Trees), Op. 75: No. 2, The SpruceJean Sibelius		Sibelius tree suite Nordic beautiful
167	Burgmüller 25 Progressive Pieces Op. 100, No. 25 “La chevaleresque” (The Lady’s Ride)Johann Burgmüller		Burgmüller’s composition, the horse-leaping horseback-riding piece
168	Minuet in G major, BWV Anh. 114J.S.Bach		It's a beautiful piece by Bach, and it's not difficult if you play it as written in the score.
169	FlamencoWilliam Gillock		A piece that depicts flamenco dancing
170	I can’t put it into wordsOda Kazumasa		Gently perform and sing along to Kazumasa Oda’s classic songs
171	Moonlight SerenadeGlenn Miller		Jazz standard songs, for beginners
172	Let It GoIdina Menzel		Theme song of Frozen
173	Album for Children No. 1: Viennese WaltzWilliam Gillock		Beautiful and impressive piano pieces for beginners
174	Indian danceWilliam Gillock		A rhythmic piece by Gillock that depicts an Indian dance