Learning and playing the piano is a rewarding practice and many students find it to be a great way to express themselves creatively. Yet, the experience is always better when we truly enjoy the music we are playing.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, you’ll find that there are many popular songs for piano that you can learn and enjoy to play.
In this article, we’ll take a look at 30 of the most popular songs for piano students. You will also find the Spotify link to waste no time and enjoy the music!
“Für Elise” by Ludwig van Beethoven
This iconic piano piece was written by Beethoven in 1810, but it was not published until 1867, 40 years after the composer’s death.
It’s known for its catchy melody and playful rhythm, making it a favorite among piano students.
“Moon River” by Henry Mancini
This classic song, written by Mancini in 1961, was featured in the movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and has since become a popular choice for piano players. The smooth and melodic tune is a great way to improve your skills.
Interesting fact, the song was originally written as a waltz, but Mancini later changed it to a ballad.
“Linus and Lucy” by Vince Guaraldi
This upbeat and livelysong was written by Guaraldi in 1965 and is the theme song for the popular cartoon “Peanuts.” It’s a fun and playful tune that’s perfect for piano students of all levels.
Interesting fact, it is often considered as the unofficial anthem of the Peanuts franchise.
“Let It Be” by The Beatles
This iconic song, written by Paul McCartney in 1970, is a classic example of the Beatles’ ability to write simple yet powerful melodies. The message of the song and its timeless appeal make it a favorite among piano students.
Interesting fact, the song was written as a message of hope and comfort to McCartney’s mother, who had recently passed away.
“Misty” by Erroll Garner
This classic jazz standard, written by Garner in 1954, is known for its beautiful and emotive melody. Its popularity has stood the test of time, and it remains a favorite among piano players.
Interesting fact, the song was written in just five minutes, and it became one of the most recorded jazz standards of all time.
“Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz
Written by Harold Arlen and E.Y Harburg in 1939, this classic song was featured in the movie “The Wizard of Oz” and has become one of the most popular songs of all time. The timeless melody and powerful lyrics make it a favorite among piano students.
Interesting fact, the song was almost cut from the movie because the studio thought it slowed down the film’s pace, but it was later kept in, and it went on to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
“Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin
This iconic composition was written by Gershwin in 1924 and is considered to be one of the most popular and recognizable pieces of music from the 20th century. The combination of classical and jazz elements makes it a favorite among piano students.
Interesting fact, Gershwin wrote this piece in just three weeks, and it premiered at Aeolian Hall in New York City, with Gershwin himself playing the piano.
“Clair de Lune” by Claude Debussy
This classic piece of music was written by Debussy in 1888, and it is considered to be one of the most popular and recognizable compositions from the Impressionist era. The dreamy and ethereal melody makes it a favorite among piano students.
Interesting fact, “Clair de Lune” is French for “moonlight”, and Debussy was inspired by the poetry of Paul Verlaine when he wrote this piece.
“The Entertainer” by Scott Joplin
This classic ragtime composition was written by Joplin in 1902 and is considered to be one of the most popular and recognizable pieces of music from the ragtime era. The syncopated rhythm and playful melody make it a favorite among piano students.
Interesting fact, “The Entertainer” was written as a piano roll, which was a mechanical way of recording and reproducing music on a player piano, and it became one of Joplin’s most popular and enduring compositions.
“Chopsticks” Traditional
This simple and recognizable melody is a traditional piano piece that is often taught to beginner piano students. It is a popular song, and it is easy to learn, which makes it a great choice for those just starting out.
Interesting fact, the melody of “Chopsticks” is believed to have originated in the 19th century, and it was first published in 1877 as a duet for piano called “The Celebrated Chop Waltz”. It was later simplified and became known as “Chopsticks”.
“Heart and Soul” by Hoagy Carmichael
This classic song was written by Hoagy Carmichael in 1938 and has since become a popular choice for piano players. The catchy and upbeat melody makes it a favorite among piano students.
Interesting fact, “Heart and Soul” was first recorded by Larry Clinton and his orchestra, and it reached number one on the Billboard chart. It has been covered by many artists over the years and it is considered as one of the most popular songs for piano.
“Summertime” from Porgy and Bess
This classic song was written by George Gershwin in 1935, and it is a part of the opera “Porgy and Bess“. The song is known for its beautiful melody and has since become a popular choice for piano players.
Interesting fact, “Summertime” is considered as one of Gershwin’s most popular songs, and it has been covered by many artists over the years, including Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, and Miles Davis.
“All of Me” by John Legend
This popular song was written by John Legend in 2013, and it quickly became a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard chart. The song is known for its emotional lyrics and powerful melody, making it a favorite among piano players.
Interesting fact, “All of Me” was written for Legend’s wife, Chrissy Teigen, and it was inspired by their relationship. The song has since been covered by many artists and it is considered as one of the most popular modern songs for piano.
“Wonderwall” by Oasis
This iconic song was written by Noel Gallagher in 1995, and it quickly became a hit, reaching number two on the Billboard chart. Thesong is known for its catchy melody and powerful lyrics, making it a favorite among piano players.
Interesting fact, “Wonderwall” was written for Gallagher’s then-girlfriend, and it has since been covered by many artists and it is considered as one of the most popular songs in modern culture, not only for piano players.
“I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz
This popular song was written by Jason Mraz in 2008, and it quickly became a hit, reaching number six on the Billboard chart.
Interesting fact, “I’m Yours” was written as an experiment, and it was the first song that Mraz wrote on the ukulele.
“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
This popular song was written by Christina Perri in 2011, and it was featured in the movie “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1”.
Interesting fact, “A Thousand Years” was written in just one day, and it was inspired by the character Bella from the Twilight Saga.
“Let Her Go” by Passenger
This popular song was written by Mike Rosenberg, also known as Passenger, in 2012 and quickly became a hit, reaching number one on charts around the world.
Interesting fact, “Let Her Go” was written about a past relationship and the regret of letting someone go.
“Love Story” by Taylor Swift
This popular song was written by Taylor Swift in 2008 and quickly became a hit, reaching number four on the Billboard chart. The song is known for its catchy melody and romantic lyrics, making it a favorite among young piano players.
Interesting fact, “Love Story” was inspired by the Shakespeare play “Romeo and Juliet” and it was written about a love that was forbidden by the parents.
“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
This iconic song was written by Dolly Parton in 1974, and was made famous by Whitney Houston in 1992, when she recorded it for the movie “The Bodyguard”. The song is known for its powerful lyrics and emotive melody.
Interesting fact, “I Will Always Love You” was written as a farewell to Porter Wagoner, a country singer for whom Dolly Parton used to perform. It was later covered by Whitney Houston and it became one of the most successful songs of all time.
“Viva La Vida” by Coldplay
This popular song was written by Coldplay in 2008 and quickly became a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard chart.
Interesting fact, “Viva La Vida” was inspired by the story of King Louis XVI, and it is the first song to use the technique of the string octet.
“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen
This iconic song was written by Leonard Cohen in 1984, and it quickly became a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard chart.
Interesting fact, “Hallelujah” took Cohen five years to write, and it has been covered by many artists, with over 300 versions recorded. The song has become a classic and it is considered as one of the most popular songs for piano.
“Someone Like You” by Adele
This song was written by Adele and Dan Wilson in 2011 and quickly became a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard chart. The song is known for its melancholic lyrics and powerful sound.
Interesting fact, “Someone Like You” was written about a past relationship and the feelings of moving on. The song has since been covered by many artists and remains an instant classic and the song that took Adele to international stardom.
“Jingle Bells” Traditional
This classic holiday song was written by James Lord Pierpont in 1857 and has since become a popular choice for piano players during the Christmas season. The catchy and upbeat melody makes it a favorite among piano students.
Interesting fact, “Jingle Bells” was originally written for Thanksgiving, but it became more associated with Christmas. The song was also the first song to be broadcast from space, by the crew of Gemini 6 in 1965.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” Traditional
This classic holiday song was written by Johnny Marks in 1949 and has since become a popular choice during the Christmas season.
Interesting fact, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was written as a marketing tool for the department store Montgomery Ward, and it became one of the most popular and enduring Christmas songs of all time. It has been covered in many times in different genres, creating (truly interesting) pieces of art over the decades since its conception.
“Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms
This classic holiday song was written by Joe Beal and Jim Boothe in 1957, and it was made famous by Bobby Helms. The upbeat and playful melody makes it a favorite among piano players during the Christmas season.
Interesting fact, “Jingle Bell Rock” was one of the first Christmas songs to be written in the rock and roll style, and it became a hit for Bobby Helms, reaching number six on the Billboard chart.
“White Christmas” by Irving Berlin
This classic holiday song was written by Irving Berlin in 1940 and has since become one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time.
Interesting fact, “White Christmas” was written for the movie “Holiday Inn” and it was recorded by Bing Crosby in 1942, becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time.
“Silent Night” Traditional
This classic Christmas carol was written by Joseph Mohr in 1818 and has since become a popular choice for piano players during the Christmas season. The peaceful and emotive melody makes it a favorite among piano students.
Interesting fact, “Silent Night” was originally written in German, and it was first performed on Christmas Eve in 1818 in the small Austrian village of Oberndorf.
“Auld Lang Syne” Traditional
This classic song is traditionally sung on New Year’s Eve and has since become a popular choice for piano players during the New Year.
Interesting fact, “Auld Lang Syne” is Scottish and means “old long since” or “the good old days”, and it is a song about remembering old friends and times.
“Happy Birthday to You” Traditional
This staple song is commonly sung to celebrate a person’s birthday and has since become a popular choice for piano players during birthday celebrations. The upbeat and playful melody makes it a favorite among piano students.
Interesting fact, “Happy Birthday to You” was first published in 1893 by the sisters Patty and Mildred Hill and it is considered as one of the most recognizable and popular songs in the world.
“Lavender’s Blue” Traditional
This traditional nursery rhyme and lullaby has been passed down through generations and has since become a popular choice for piano players. The simple and melodic tune makes it a favorite among piano students.
The Bottom Line
If you are a music teacher, you may find many of these popular piano songs as a great resource to motivate your students. Piano students, especially younger ones, show special motivation and interest in their practice when they play the music they enjoy. This is something we have explored in our recent article on best strategies for motivating piano students.
And if you are a piano player yourself, eager to improve your skills but have a great time while doing it, these popular piano songs may help you as well. It is not about their popularity but their style and sound, making them exceptional to learn and play.
