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What classical piano piece should I learn first?

The most beautiful easy piano pieces for beginners include Bach's Prelude to a Well-Tempered Clavier, Mozart's A Little Night Music, Chopin's Prelude in E Minor, Edward MacDowell's Prelude to a Wild Rose, Beethoven's Ode to Joy, Debussy's Claire de Lune, Strauss' Blue Danube, Offenbach's Can-Can, Schubert's Ave Maria, ...

takelessons.com - 15 Best Easy Classical Piano Songs to Learn for Beginners [Videos]
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Looking for the best easy classical piano songs to learn for beginner pianists? You’ve come to the right place! While mastering the works of Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven might sound intimidating, there are a number of beginner piano songs that sit nicely within the classical repertoire. The simplicity of these pieces contributes to their beauty and brings a sense of space to the music. This is great news for beginners who don’t need to spend years practicing before discovering the joy of playing beautifully simple piano pieces. If you’re interested in developing your classical piano style skills, start by practicing this list of piano classic music for beginners. Learning these pieces will give you a solid foundation that you can build upon as you advance in your lessons. Start slow and follow the advice of your piano teacher to develop proper technique along the way!

What Are the Top 15 Easy Piano Pieces?

The most beautiful easy piano pieces for beginners include Bach’s Prelude to a Well-Tempered Clavier, Mozart’s A Little Night Music, Chopin’s Prelude in E Minor, Edward MacDowell’s Prelude to a Wild Rose, Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, Debussy’s Claire de Lune, Strauss’ Blue Danube, Offenbach’s Can-Can, Schubert’s Ave Maria, Pachelbel’s Canon in D, Beethoven’s Fur Elise, Bach’s Minuet in G, Tchaikovsky’s Theme from Swan Lake, Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Liszt and Rossini’s William Tell Overture. Learn more about them below.

1. Bach’s “Prelude to the Well Tempered Clavier”

This piece uses two simple piano notes in the left hand with arpeggios in the right hand. While this piece is not very long, it is full of dynamics that you can play around with. As you learn the mechanics of playing the notes, remember to also pay attention to the feeling and the flow of the music. It won’t take long to discover the beauty of this Bach number!

2. Mozart’s “A Little Night Music” 1st Movement

This orchestral piece can be easily transposed to solo piano. Check out this helpful tutorial, which breaks it down at a much slower pace, and don’t forget to use a metronome while you practice! Speed up the tempo only after you can accurately play the notes.

3. Chopin’s “Prelude in E min, Opus 28, No 4”

This melancholy minor classical piece has a simple melody in the right hand with basic chords on the left hand. It’s not hard to discover the rich feeling that Chopin wove into this beautiful piece.

4. Edward MacDowell’s “To a Wild Rose”

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This easy classical music piano song is a very light, simplistic classical piece. It sounds easy and refreshing, with simple fingering.

See Also: 15 Simple Piano Solos that Sound Complicated

5. Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”

This is often the first classical piano song that students try when learning how to play the piano. That’s because the song has a very simple rhythm, melody, and fingering style. Just because it’s a classic piano music doesn’t mean the joy is lost!

6. Debussy’s “Claire de Lune”

Meaning “moonlight,” this classical piano song for beginners is pretty straightforward. Many pianists like to arrange this song in their own way, so head to YouTube for some creative and inspiring arrangements!

7. Strauss’ “The Blue Danube”

This fun waltz might sound tricky, but it is actually not hard to play at all. Check out the slowed-down version above and try your hand at this classic.

See Also: 15 Pop Piano Songs to Practice

8. Offenbach’s “Can-Can”

If you want a small challenge, this uptempo song is perfect. Try listening to the original orchestral version for some extra inspiration.

9. Schubert’s “Ave Maria”

“Ave Maria” is a must for beginners learning how to play classical music. This beautiful beginner piano song is appropriate to play at a wide range of events, from weddings to funerals.

10. Pachelbel’s “Canon in D”

Originally performed with strings, this classical piano piece can sound very full when played on the piano with chords. The main motif is instantly recognizable!

See Also: 10 Tips for Perfect Piano Practice

11. Beethoven’s “Fur Elise”

One of the most memorable melodies on the piano, beginners can easily pick up this piece in the right hand and use simplified bass root notes in the left. Once you get this one down, chances are, it will be one of your favorite simple piano songs to play.

12. Bach’s “Minuet in G”

Another easy piano piece that sounds difficult, this minuet is a joy to play for all ages, and is an especially great piece for beginner pianists. Because it’s quite popular, it’s easy to find different arrangements online.

13. Tchaikovsky’s Theme from “Swan Lake”

Everyone knows this romantic anthem, often played to accompany dancers. The legato piece has a strong melody and a very easy rhythm. See Also: 100 Easy Piano Songs to Play in All Genres and Styles

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14. Tchaikovsky’s “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”

This iconic song from “The Nutcracker” is very fun to learn on the piano. You can take it as fast or as slow as you want. It’s also a great song for practicing staccato.

15. Liszt and Rossini’s “William Tell Overture”

This is another one of those easy piano pieces that’s sure to please. There are many great themes from this work to which you can learn the melody and rhythm.

Related: 5 Easy Pop Songs to Play

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the notes and fingering rules, check out this video on how to read piano music:

There’s a Whole World of Classical Piano Music for Beginners

There you have it: our picks for the best piano songs for beginners. Now go give them a try! Don’t feel intimidated or overwhelmed by classical music – just start with the basics: scales, chords, and beginner piano songs such as these. If you keep at it, your fingers will start to find the notes all on their own! If you’re feeling stuck, you can find simplified arrangements for all of these songs in piano books, such as Hal Leonard and Alfred’s course books. There is also a wide range of instructional videos on YouTube that can help you master your next favorite classical piece. Although these resources can be helpful, nothing beats having your own piano teacher!

Post Author: Liz T.

Liz T. teaches singing, acting, and music lessons online. She is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music with a B.M in Vocal performance and currently performs/teaches all styles of music including Musical Theater, Classical, Jazz, Rock, Pop, R&B, and Country. Liz T.Liz T. teaches singing, acting, and music lessons online. She is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music with a B.M in Vocal performance and currently performs/teaches all styles of music including Musical Theater, Classical, Jazz, Rock, Pop, R&B, and Country. Learn more about Liz here!

Photo by Carlos Gracia

takelessons.com - 15 Best Easy Classical Piano Songs to Learn for Beginners [Videos]
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