Play Easy Piano songs in under a month
Bored of just scales and technique? Want to add some actual songs into your practice schedule but can’t think what for your level? Uninspired by the pieces in your learning material? Then this article on 10 easy piano songs is designed especially for adult learners is for you.
Learning piano as an adult is empowering — it helps with concentration, develops patience and gives a sense of acheivement. As adult learners, we are engaging in the process for a reason, we have mad e conciose decision to learn the piano. Often, this means we have a clear objectives in the type of music we want to play.
To stay motivated, it really helps to have quick wins, to get a sense of accoumplishment early in the process. By having a some key pieces that are within reach but still give you that sense of accomplishment is important but sometimes it can be difficult to find the right ones.
In the following list of 10 easy piano songs, you’ll find pieces across genres and eras—each one chosen to introduce essential techniques, and give you an opportunity to play something you know. To empower you with that sense of progress. Read on for the list of songs…
1. Let it be
- Composer - Paul McCartney, John Lennon
- Genre - 60's Pop - Rock
Techniques:
- Introduction to triad chords in both hands
- Slow, repetitive chord progressions
- Simple melody matching classic pop phrasing
What you will gain by learning this piece:
2. Ode to Joy
- Composer - Ludwig Van Beethoven
- Genre - Classical
Techniques:
- Right-hand melody, stepwise motion
- Playing with even tempo
- Optional: Add simple left-hand chords/chord tones
What you will gain by learning this piece:
3. Jingle Bells
- Composer - James Lord Pierpont
- Genre - Holiday - Traditional
Techniques:
- Simple right-hand melody with five-finger reach
- Repetitive rhythm and clear structure
- Builds finger speed and accuracy
What you will gain by learning this piece:
4. Twinkle, Twinkle, little Star
- Composer - Jane Taylor
- Genre - Children's folk
Techniques:
- Five-finger positioning
- Right-hand melody, basic rhythm
- Introducing left-hand single notes
What you will gain by learning this piece:
5. Perfect
- Composer - Ed Sheeran
- Genre - Pop ballad
Techniques:
- Slow, lyrical phrasing in right hand
- Chord arpeggios or simple chord block in left hand
- Pedal work for sustained notes (optional)
What you will gain by learning this piece:
6. Canon in D - Simplified
- Composer - Johann Pachelbel
- Genre - Classical
Techniques:
- Chord progressions in left hand
- Simple repetitive patterns
- Moving notes between hands
What you will gain by learning this piece:
7. Someone like you - Simplified
- Composer - Adele, Dan Wilson
- Genre - Pop
Techniques:
- Basic broken chord arpeggios (usually left hand)
- Steady, flowing right‑hand melody
What you will gain by learning this piece:
8. Clocks
- Composer - Coldplay
- Music Genre - Pop
Techniques:
- Patterned left-hand looping motif – this can be tricky to nail down but it sounds so recognisable when you achieve it.
- Syncopation and even hand coordination
What you will gain by learning this piece:
- Composers - Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, George David Weiss
- Music Genre - Pop ballad
Techniques:
- Simple chord blocks
- Slow, expressive melody
- Introduction to phrasing and musical “storytelling”
What you will gain by learning this piece:
10. Mary Had a Little Lamb
- Composer - Sarah Josepha Hale
- Music Genre - Folk
Techniques:
- Stepwise motion, hand coordination
- Repetitive finger movement
- Simple right‑hand melody to build reading confidence
What you will gain by learning this piece:
How all of these songs can broaden your range
It’s true that there is a big variation of – well let’s say difficulty in these songs, but giving them a go will give you a broad perspective also. As a beginner we need to understand what works with us, what moves us. I know, Twinkle Twinkle little star or Mary had a little lamb are not going to give you that “emotional” connection you are looking for, but they will give you a sense of progress. Think of them like putting on socks before trying shoes, just more comfortable.
My Bonus Tips for Adult Beginners
- Practice slow, then speed up. Loop tricky parts and use apps with “practice mode.”
- Listen while you play - don't only follow notes, listen for changes in tone.
- Record yourself and play back - then do it again a month later, you will be amazed at the difference
Need more inspiration?
If you are a new adult learner and found this post useful. These posts may be up your street:
Conclusion
Pick any of these songs and start today. Each one is easy but rewarding, with sheet music and tutorials a click away. Within a short time, you’ll not only be playing music you enjoy, but you’ll have discovered the technical areas you need to improve upon. Giving you a focus for your learning and targeting specific areas of improvement.
Happy playing, Jon
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Thank you Jon these are just what I needed. As a piano student for about a year now I do struggle to play the harder songs and get frustrated. This list of songs are probably where I should start. Thank you
Hi Dave, thanks for getting in touch. I’m really glad you found this helpful. That’s absolutely my intention to reach out to other folk like us and try to help stay motivated. Let me know how you get on with them. I’m currently learning Angels by Robbie Williams and although it’s tricky, I am determined to get there. Just keep pushing mate and you will get there.
I’m travelling over the next couple of days but will be posting something new next week, so keep an eye out and stay in touch.
Until then, enjoy the process.
Cheers, Jon