When it comes to playing the piano, in addition to working on your technique, using your hands independently, using the pedal, etc., it also helps to have a varied repertoire that includes songs from different genres.
A diverse repertoire not only keeps your practice sessions interesting but also helps you develop a well-rounded musical understanding and appreciation.
Here are some delightful songs from classical music, jazz, and pop that pianists will find joy in learning and mastering.
Classical Music for Your Piano Repertoire
Let's start with classical music because so much is written for the piano. Remember that here we mean classical music as the art music that isn't necessarily folk or popular music.
After all, classical music includes music from the Classical Period, Baroque music, Romantic music, and even contemporary classical music.
Ludwig van Beethoven - "Moonlight Sonata" (Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27, No. 2). Beethoven, a German composer and pianist, is one of the most influential figures in the history of classical music. His 'Moonlight Sonata' is a prime example of his innovative use of dynamics and expressive melodies.
Almost everyone learning the piano will learn to play a song by Beethoven. This beautiful and simple piece is not only excellent for beginners but also highly recommended, making it accessible and achievable for all.
Frédéric Chopin - "Nocturne in E-flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2"
This is another moderately easy piece. It was written by the Polish composer Frédéric Chopin. While the trills might be tricky for beginners, it's a good song for any pianist.
Johann Sebastian Bach - "Prelude and Fugue in C Major, BWV 846" (from The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1)
This is one of those pieces that you'll likely know or recognize, even if you've never studied classical music before.
The German Baroque composer Johann Sebastian Bach lived in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, meaning that most of his pieces were written for keyboard instruments other than the piano.
That's not to say his pieces weren't written for keyboard instruments like the harpsichord, clavichord, or organ, which means they can all mostly be played on the piano.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - "Piano Sonata No. 16 in C Major, K. 545" ("Sonata facile")
Another classical piano piece that you'll recognize is this literally means "easy sonata," and while it's certainly too complex for absolute beginners, it's one that sounds good and could actually be learned by fairly new pianists.
It features a beautiful melody and simple structure, making it easier to learn than other pieces.
Franz Schubert - "Impromptu in G-flat Major, Op. 90, No. 3"
Franz Schubert was an Austrian Classical and Romantic composer. This delightful piece sounds best when played well on a piano.
Franz Liszt - "Liebestraum No. 3 in A-flat Major, S.541"
Here's another piece for the piano that you'll likely instantly recognize. As with most classical music, remember that it's mostly all in the public domain, and you can quite easily find the sheet music for every piece if you know how to read it.
Jazz Musicfor Your Piano Repertoire
When it comes to playing the piano, pianists will typically choose the classical route or the jazz route.
If you've chosen the jazz route or would like to expand your repertoire, we recommend these jazz pieces.
Bill Evans - "Waltz for Debby"
Bill Evans was an American jazz pianist from Plainfield, New Jersey. This is a beautiful song, and while it is not suited for absolute beginners, once you reach a level where you can play it, we recommend that you start learning the piece!
Thelonious Monk - "'Round Midnight"
This song by jazz and bebop pianist Thelonious Monk is a jazz standard. This means that it was essentially part of the repertoire of every jazz musician, particularly when it was published in the 1940s.
Duke Ellington - "Satin Doll"
The American Jazz pianist Duke Ellington was a legend of jazz and swing. The piece "Satin Doll" is undoubtedly one of his best and, like many other pieces, is excellent to play on the piano.
It's a great song that oozes unparalleled levels of cool.
Herbie Hancock - "Cantaloupe Island"
This song, published in 1964, is by jazz musician Herbie Hancock. It's another really cool song and one of Hanock's more classically jazz pieces. The artist has also created music across a range of genres, and his repertoire is something to look into if you develop a taste for keyboards and synthesizers, too.
Oscar Peterson - "C Jam Blues"
This is an excellent piece from the Canadian jazz pianist and composer. It starts with some of the nicest jazz bass you've ever heard and a seemingly simple piano melody.
Wait for it, though, because as the piece progresses, so does the piano playing.
Try not to bop along. We dare you.
Chick Corea – "Spain"
This is likely the most famous piece by the American jazz fusion pianist Chick Corea. It may sound a little different from the other pieces we've mentioned so far because it's played on a Rhodes electric piano.
Pop Musicfor Your Piano Repertoire
The piano is widely used in pop music. While you can learn to play whatever songs you like the sound of, here are some classic pop songs written for the piano or keys that you should know.
Advanced pianists aren't likely to struggle with any of these, but they should offer them a nice break from some of the more complex pieces that they have to learn for concerts, performances, or exams.
Elton John - "Your Song"
Elton John has written many wonderful songs during his long and prolific career. This is one of his most beautiful songs, and as a prolific pianist, it's one of his many pieces written for the piano.
Billy Joel - "Piano Man"
Billy Joel is another artist whose music regularly features the piano, none more famously than his piece "Piano Man."
This is an excellent song with a wonderful melody. You'll enjoy learning the parts for the piano, but if you can play and sing at the same time, you'll have even more fun.
The Beatles - "Let It Be"
For many, this Beatles song is one of their favorite songs to play, and it's very easy to learn. It can be played with one hand playing chords and the other tackling the melody.
You can also play it with the left hand covering the bass notes and your right hand playing the chords.
As such a popular and simple song, it can be arranged in many different ways. It is a fantastic option for any level.
Adele - "Someone Like You"
This is a beautifully simple, classic, modern pop song. A karaoke favorite, it's a straightforward song to play on the piano.
Take one hand to play the bass notes while your right-hand plays the arpeggios from the chords.
Coldplay – "Clocks"
For any pianist starting out, this piece by Coldplay is easy to play. This piece could be helpful if you're trying to get the hang of arpeggios.
It's also fun to perform if you sing because the piano and the vocals rarely overlap in complicated ways.
Get Help Playing the Piano with a Private Tutor
While we certainly recommend that pianists spend time learning these songs, we understand that they might not be at your level. After all, some of these may be too tricky for absolute beginners but far below the level required of intermediate pianists.
Instead, consider working with a dedicated piano teacher or tutor at Superprof who can choose each piece according to your level and the techniques you need to work on. Many of the tutors on the Superprof website also offer the first session for free, so you can try several tutors out before picking the best one for you and your piano playing.
Strengthen your piano skills when you search for piano lessons for adults on Superprof!
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