The piano is an extremely versatile musical instrument capable of far more than the classical works specifically composed for it. It is often thought that complex pop music is either unsuitable or too difficult to play on the piano. However, thanks to the skills of great arrangers, a vast catalog of easy piano songs is available. We'll look at some of them here.

“Control” (Zoe Wees)

This modern power ballad is accessible to pianists, with simple, repetitive harmony. The right-hand part includes both the original accompaniment and the melody, which often moves by steps with repeated notes. Zoe Wees's personal struggles are reflected in the lyrics, and the song builds to a climactic moment while conveying vulnerability.

“Tommi” (AnnenMayKantereit)

This reflective song uses solo piano, simple chords, and a straightforward bass line, even as it shifts in feel. Themes center on homesickness, making it accessible and rewarding for pianists.

“Mariage D'Amour (Richard Clayderman)”

Like much of the piano music performed by Richard Clayderman, this “marriage of love” crosses the borders between classical and light pop or film music. Written in 1979 by French composer Paul de Senneville, the song is a light waltz consisting of simple classical harmony and structure. The musical phrases are generally very similar, whilst changing key and sometimes moving to a higher or lower octave. Equally, the melody suggests something song-like, almost as if there could be words to fit the tune. A steady sense of rhythm is required to keep the waltz moving at a moderate tempo, but this romantic, slightly haunting music is certainly worth the practice.

“Hypnotized” (Purple Disco Machine & Sophie and the Giants)

This new song, released in 2020, truly bridges the gap between the disco style of earlier years and more recent house music. The song uses a simple structure, with the phrases constructed from just four chords. Similarly, the rhythm is constant and not too fast, and the vocal line stands out against this straightforward backing. The song describes the mood of someone who has become lost in the lights of our modern, frantic society. Purple Disco Machine is not a band but a solo artist: DJ and electronic music producer Tino Piontek, whilst Sophie And The Giants are a young band from Sheffield, UK. This collaboration between German and English musicians has a truly hypnotizing effect and was awarded three Platinum Records in Italy alone.

“Sleeping Lotus” (Joep Beving)

When examining easy piano songs, we might look for simplicity in both the melody and the accompaniment. This soothing piece by Dutch composer Joep Beving has just that. With no other instruments or vocals, this waltz is a solo piano work intentionally composed to be very playable at the piano. The left-hand chords offer no major jumps or challenges, and the right-hand melody is flowing and instinctive. Even when the arrangement becomes a little more complex, it fits in the hands very well and is certainly easy piano music. The composer states that his music should be without rules, although influence from classical masters is certainly present.

“Thankful” (Beth Hart)

Soulful, uplifting, and positive, this ballad has a great melody, inspiring harmony, and a steady pop feel. Beginning with single notes that develop into warm chords, this is great sheet music for beginners. Californian singer-songwriter Beth Hart learned classical piano as a child, and her music is deeply connected to the instrument. The song’s melody has plenty of repetition, making it easy to play on the piano. However, it is never uninteresting and is definitely a satisfying song to learn.

“Shallow” (Lady Gaga)

The 2018 film “A Star Is Born” was widely acclaimed for its soundtrack, performances, and direction. The hit song “Shallow” was originally performed with a guitar, but playing the piano version is easily achieved with just a few chords. The vocal lines (made famous by Lady Gaga) make this an easy piano song, and there is nothing that is rhythmically too challenging. The ‘shallow’ and ‘deep ends’ of life both feature in the lyrics. Enjoy playing this favorite from a great movie!

“Arcade” (Duncan Laurence)

Representing The Netherlands in (and comfortably winning) Eurovision 2019, this moving song for piano and vocals examines the heartbreak of losing a loved one. Dutch artist Duncan Laurence uses rhythmic devices in the song, and the lyrics describe a ‘roller coaster’ ride of emotions. Whilst the themes are intense, the piano music itself is quite straightforward, consisting mostly of chords and arpeggios. The song’s competition success in Tel Aviv soon went international, particularly thanks to widespread streaming on social media. Nevertheless, this is an intimate piano piece suitable for all pianists.

“Still Got The Blues” (Gary Moore)

Bluesy rhythms make this 1990 hit piano-friendly. The left hand covers the rhythm, while the right handles vocals and guitar lines. The harmony departs from traditional blues but remains familiar. Beginners can enjoy this flexible tempo piece.

“Adagio” (Lara Fabian)

Many songwriters have attempted to cover classical pieces, often adding their own lyrics to instrumental works from many years ago. Few have had the success of Lara Fabian’s “Adagio”, which is based on a piece for organ and strings by 18th-century Italian composer Tomaso Albinoni. The haunting melody will be familiar to many, and this modern version features both the original theme and a new, free vocal line. The slow pulse of the music and the soft changing of the chords create an atmosphere that is tragic and beautiful at the same time. Albinoni’s theme has been used in television and film for decades, and it’s time for Lara Fabian’s version to be accessible to all.

“All we got” (Robin Schulz & Kiddo)

Though lyrically meaningful, this 2020 collaboration uses repeated chords and bass figures in the left hand. The right hand features a catchy refrain. It proves that easy piano songs can come from electronic tracks.

“Le temps est bon” (Bon Entendeur & Isabelle Pierre)

A relaxed dance track yet full of old French flavor. This alternative/indie song uses a minor key and a descending bass line, both of which transport this modern music to the ancient streets of Paris. Bon Entendeur is no stranger to incorporating aspects of French culture into their music: their projects have featured soundbites from well-known French politicians and artists, blending them into their musical tracks. The lyrics here sing of simple happiness, enjoyment of good weather, and living a carefree life. The repetitive refrain (heard in both the solo and backing vocals in the original) is easy to play at the piano, and this is a great song for those wanting to play music that combines contemporary dance music techniques with traditional European zest.

“Regenbogenfarben” (Kerstin Ott & Helene Fischer)

This collaboration between two German singer-songwriters asks for the world to be painted in the “colors of the rainbow” (“Regenbogenfarben”). A message of hope for gay rights, this successful track was released in 2018 and is ideal for beginners as a piano piece. The lyrics are a call for acceptance, accompanied by a solid dance groove. The music consists of four basic chords, and the contrasts between the verses and powerful choruses are perfect for the piano. This is a great chance to play a song that addresses one of the social issues of our time.

“After the Landslide” (Matt Simons)

Hitting international charts in 2019, “After the Landslide” became the album’s title track. As the songwriter himself explains: “it encapsulates what the whole album is about''. The music of American artist Matt Simons is often keyboard-driven, and this song in particular translates very well into an easy solo piano arrangement. The original used various electronic effects, creating an atmosphere that is almost cinematic. The piano arrangement achieves this through rolling left-hand figures that are not difficult to play, as each requires only one hand position.

“Ausgehen” (AnnenMayKantereit)

This 2020 German punk-rock song asks, “Will you go out with me?” Its driving beat and bass line translate easily to piano, with a simple melody and slow chord progressions.

“Let It Be” (The Beatles)

Amongst the hundreds of songs that can be easily played at the piano, this timeless song from 1970 is an obvious choice. The album reached No.1 in countries around the world, and this title song has been covered and played in music venues and households countless times since. A song about hope and inspiration, this is surely one of The Beatles’ greatest hits. It begins, quite famously, with a piano riff, and these opening measures are among the best-known for the instrument in pop culture. The introduction, warm harmonies, full vocal line, and the guitar solo are all found in this easy piano arrangement.

“Mia and Sebastian’s Theme” (Justin Hurwitz)

The huge success of the 2016 movie “La La Land” proved that today’s audience can still be completely charmed by musical styles of a bygone era. Whilst perhaps focused on the jazz genre, the soundtrack explores cabaret and ‘music hall’ style, as well as the rhythms and textures of Broadway and even Hollywood. Composer Justin Hurwitz’s score is principally acoustic, and therefore “Mia and Sebastian’s Theme” is a great choice as an easy song to play at the piano. This simple waltz does not require the elaborate jazz improvisations heard in the original soundtrack. It speaks for itself as a warm, beautiful, romantic piece of piano music.

“Beautiful Madness” (Michael Patrick Kelly)

Formerly a member of the successful Irish group “The Kelly Family”, Michael Patrick Kelly's solo career has had its share of interesting moments. This 2020 song blends an Irish-American pop style with a Caribbean beat. It moves at a fairly fast pace, but the melody in the right hand of the piano version requires almost no jumps and is easy to play. The song is really all about the rhythm and the left hand providing a backing beat. It’s a fun and slightly unusual choice for an easy piano song. Don’t forget to watch the original music video featuring a pig and a dog in sunglasses.

“Fang das Licht” (Karel Gott & Darinka)

A great collection of easy piano music features songs from many different genres. This 1985 duet comes from an era of light pop hits that were hugely successful in Europe’s German-speaking nations. Such songs were almost always romantically sentimental, and their refrains were often so memorable that they quickly became embedded in musical culture. Karel Gott, although born in former Czechoslovakia, was a star of this era. “Catch the light” (“Fang das Licht”) works very well for the piano. The music's simplicity allows plenty of space to be as expressive as possible at the keyboard.

“Wicked Game” (Grace Carter)

The art of ‘covering’ songs from the past can often connect generations. In this haunting version of Chris Isaak’s 1989 hit “Wicked Game”, we hear young British singer Grace Carter (born in 1997) offer all the qualities of the original song, but also a sound and a singing style of today’s world. With few chords and mostly just the vocal and bass lines, this is a great song for the piano. It requires no strict backing rhythm and can be played freely and expressively. Much like Grace Carter’s version, the arrangement for solo piano offers a fresh look at a classic song.

“Better” (Lena & Nico Santos)

Young German pop star Lena Meyer-Landrut shot to fame in 2010 when she triumphed at the Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo with her song “Satellite”. Keeping pace with the times and pop culture's evolution, her 2019 hit “Better” was produced alongside her singer-songwriter contemporary, Nico Santos. It incorporates heavy beats and vocal passages reminiscent of American hip-hop. Even the language of the text suggests rap or ‘street music’ culture. An active melody and solid bass line are enough to bring the song to life in its version for piano. Great rhythmic playing and the percussive nature of the piano will create all the energy of the original hit.

“Self Control” (Laura Branigan)

Although the pop music of the mid-1980s is often identified by its technological breakthroughs in sound and some interesting hairstyles, it can still be very powerful when arranged as easy piano songs. The pulsating bass notes, close-shifting harmonies, and short melodic fragments can absolutely transport us to the extroverted music scene of the 1980s. “Self Control” was one of the defining songs of the era. The version by American singer Laura Branigan has become internationally renowned, although this was actually a cover of the original song (by Italian singer Raf). Unusually, both the original and cover were released in the same year, 1984.