16 Easy Piano Songs for Beginners

The exciting journey of learning to play the piano introduces you to a world of musical possibilities. Whether you’re a complete novice or someone returning to the piano after a long hiatus, starting with easy songs can help build confidence. It also lays a solid foundation for future learning.

Let’s explore 16 easy piano songs perfect for beginners willing to improve their piano skills. These popular songs offer beginner players unique opportunities to develop essential skills and techniques.

1. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

One of the most iconic children’s songs, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”, is an excellent choice for beginners. With its simple melody and repetitive structure, this timeless classic is perfect for practising basic finger movements and hand coordination, and is often taught during piano lessons for beginners.

Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVLFrziDSvg

2. Mary Had a Little Lamb

Another childhood favourite, “Mary Had a Little Lamb”, is a great beginner’s song focusing on sequentially playing single notes. The repetition of the melody improves your control of the instrument and enhances your efficiency. As you master the melody, you’ll improve your ability to read music and play with proper timing.

Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdSDMIF67M8&t

3. Jingle Bells

While typically associated with the holiday season, “Jingle Bells” is one of the most catchy tunes. It is a fun and easy piano song that can be enjoyed year-round. This upbeat tune offers opportunities to practice playing chords and experimenting with different rhythms.

Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OMRZG6YfFY

4. Happy Birthday

The arguably world’s most popular and best-loved melody, “Happy Birthday”, is another popular and easy-to-play melody for beginners. Whether taking private music lessons or learning independently, practising this piano melody can help you significantly improve your skills. Once you master it, you can also confidently flaunt your piano skills at a birthday party.

Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMcCl1ANLe8

5. Ode to Joy: Ludwig van Beethoven

As one of the composer’s best-known pieces, “Ode to Joy” is an iconic classical music piece that is surprisingly simple to play for beginners. Its repetitive nature and straightforward melody make it an ideal piece for honing your piano skills while enjoying a timeless classical masterpiece.

Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEKDTqDM8v8

6. Let it Go from Disney’s Frozen

For fans of Disney’s Frozen, “Let It Go” is a popular choice that is fun to play and relatively easy for beginners. With its catchy melody, simple rhythm, and memorable lyrics, this song provides a great opportunity to practice playing chords and adding expression to your performance.

Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCPeOigAKek

7. Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen

While “Hallelujah” may seem complex at first glance, it’s quite accessible for beginners once you break it down. Focus on learning the basic chord progression, then gradually add embellishments and flourishes as you become more comfortable with the song.

Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-DqMLcTT7Q

8. Imagine: John Lennon

John Lennon’s “Imagine” is a timeless ballad and one of the best beginner piano songs. It is perfect for beginners looking to explore more contemporary music. With its simple chord progression and poignant lyrics, this song offers a meaningful musical experience for pianists of all levels.

Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFwi-nZdQl8

9. Clocks: Coldplay

“Clocks” by Coldplay is another modern classic that’s surprisingly beginner-friendly. Its distinctive piano riff is repetitive yet satisfying, making it an excellent choice for building finger dexterity and rhythm. This beautiful piece can help you polish your basic music skills to advanced levels.

Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkyL_fw25js

10. Can’t Help Falling in Love: Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is a beautiful ballad that’s relatively easy to learn on the piano. Focus on mastering the chord progression, and then experiment with adding your own interpretation and style to the song.

Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pi27xfwvnM

11. A Thousand Years: Christina Perri

“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri is a romantic piano ballad perfect for beginners looking to showcase their newfound skills. Take your time learning the melody and chord changes, and don’t be afraid to add your personal touch to the song.

Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwElYQMUt7M

12. Love Me Tender: Elvis Presley

This timeless ballad is known for its tender lyrics and gentle melody. This hit song is a perfect choice for beginner pianists. Its simple chord progressions and easy-to-follow rhythm make it a great song for practising melody and accompaniment.

Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2DQhylp_dE

13. Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz

This iconic song by Judy Garland in the beloved film features a beautiful and soaring melody. The melody in the entire song is relatively easy to play on the piano. Beginners will enjoy practising the smooth transitions between chords and the opportunity to express themselves through the song’s emotional depth.

Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pps6phegOhY

14. Can’t Help Falling in Love: Elvis Presley

With its romantic lyrics and haunting melody, this beautiful piece is an ideal song for piano. It is also one of the favourites among novice and advanced pianists. Beginners will appreciate the simple chord progressions and the chance to evoke the song’s heartfelt sentiment with their playing.

Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNPaa-A8PkA

15. Moonlight Sonata: Ludwig van Beethoven (1st Movement)

While Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” is known for its complexity, the first movement offers beginner pianists a manageable introduction to this classical piano music. With its hauntingly beautiful melody and expressive dynamics, it’s a rewarding piece to learn and perfect for developing finger dexterity and control.

Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMk_0e5Qv3E

16. Lean on Me: Bill Withers

With its catchy melody and soulful lyrics, this uplifting anthem is a joy to play on the piano. Beginner piano players will find the repetitive chord progressions easy to master, allowing them to focus on capturing the song’s message of friendship and support through their playing.

Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTA883UKrVI

These beginner piano songs provide a strong foundation to build your piano skills. With consistent practice, you can expertly play your favourite songs on the piano.

Learning to play the piano is a rewarding experience that offers countless benefits. They extend from improved cognitive skills to enhanced creativity. By opting for good online music lessons and starting with easy piano songs for beginners, you’ll build confidence. The interactive lessons by West Island Music Academy will help you develop essential skills and lay the groundwork for future musical endeavours. So, grab your sheet music, sit at the piano, and let the majestic piano music begin!