It’s never too early (or late) to start learning the piano! Whether you have an illustrious grand piano or a funky techno-beat electronic keyboard, you can teach your child several easy piano songs for beginners in a fun and encouraging fashion.
Introducing your child to the fundamentals of music can help them in many different ways. Studies have shown that there’s a substantial correlation between music and language skills. It turns out that learning new scales, chords, and songs is much like learning new words, sentences, and stories. This makes their formative years a perfect time to start learning music!
Whether you’d like your child to be the next Mozart or you’re just looking for a way to build up their cognitive skills, these keyboard basic beginner piano songs are a great place to start. As they grow older, you’ll both be glad they got the music fundamentals down at a young age, as this can be the beginning of a lifetime of musical enjoyment! And the best part of all is that learning easy piano for kids can be a fun bonding activity for you and your little one.
Here are some easy songs to play on piano!
What Are the Simple Piano Song Notes for Beginners?
Piano music for beginners can require little more than the basics:
- Start by learning the notes of a scale, such as a C Major or G Major scale.
- Practice chords and progressions, such as I-IV-V-I.
- Try playing simple melodies to learn how to read basic sheet music diagrams.
- Incorporate improvisation exercises into practice sessions.
Taking piano lessons with an experienced instructor is the best way to learn piano song notes and chords, as well as some of your favorite songs. Sign up for piano lessons today, and you’ll learn everything you need to know, including what you see in the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F35UkNPC1jw
Easy Piano Chords: Songs Will Be Easier Once You Master These Chords!
Some parents are hesitant to teach their children basic music skills because they don’t know where to begin. The good news is that you don’t need to be a professional player to teach your child easy keyboard songs like the ones below. In fact, you don’t need any musical experience to get started — you can even learn alongside your child!
First off, you’ll need to learn the location of the notes on the piano. Start by finding C — it’s the white key directly to the left of the group of two black keys. Using only the white keys, the notes continue in alphabetical order up to G, and then they restart at A.
You can label the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, and B with stickers to make it easier for your child. Most of the easiest piano song notes will all fall on the white keys, so there’s no need to worry about labeling sharps and flats just yet. Once you’ve found where these seven notes are, you and your kids can start learning basic songs to play on piano.
10 Easy Piano Songs for Beginners and Kids
Below, we feature 10 of the easiest piano songs for beginners and for kids. The song notes that go along with them, and tutorials to help you see it all in action. Start with our selection of basic kids piano songs with letters, and your kid will be playing up a storm before you know it.
1. Mary Had a Little Lamb
This is often one of the first keyboard songs for kids that instructors will teach new students. The song has additional verses about the adventures Mary and her lamb have, to keep the fun going while you sing and play together. Check out the verses and piano letters below.
Mary had a little lamb
E D C D E E E
Little lamb, little lamb
D D D E G G
Mary had a little lamb
E D C D E E E
Its fleece was white as snow
E D D E D C
Here’s an excellent video tutorial, showing all the notes labeled:
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2. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Any easy song to play on the piano that any beginner will love playing on the piano. One of the great things about this song is that almost every note is played twice in a row, meaning there are fewer notes for your child to locate.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star
C C G G A A G
How I wonder what you are
F F E E D D C
Up above the world so high
G G F F E E D
Like a diamond in the sky
G G F F E E D
Twinkle, twinkle, little star
C C G G A A G
How I wonder what you are
F F E E D D C
Here’s a helpful video tutorial from Mahalo.com for more practice:
3. If You’re Happy and You Know It
This is one of the most fun basic piano songs for beginners to learn. The tune gives your little musician the chance to clap and dance while playing. The only tricky part of this song is the inclusion of B flat.
This note is the small black key located directly between the A and B keys. If you are using a toy piano or xylophone, you may not have this key and can leave it out.
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands
C C F F F F F F E F G
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands
C C G G G G G G F G A
If you’re happy and you know it
A A Bb Bb Bb Bb D D
Then your face will surely show it
Bb Bb A A A G F F
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands
A A G G G F E E D E F
Here’s another helpful tutorial:
4. The Itsy Bitsy Spider
Children love singing this song and it’s pretty simple to play, too. One fun idea is for you to play the song while your child does the motions, then switch roles.
The itsy bitsy spider went up the water spout
G C C C D E E E D C D E C
Down came the rain and washed the spider out
E E F G G F E F G E
Out came the sun and dried up all the rain
C C D E E D C D E C
And the itsy bitsy spider went up the spout again
G G C C C D E E E D C D E C
Here’s a super slow tutorial that is easy to follow along with:
5. Old MacDonald Had a Farm
This is another classic children’s piano song that your son or daughter will love playing over and over again so they can sing about every animal on the farm.
Old MacDonald had a farm
G G G D E E D
E-i-e-i-o
B B A A G
And on that farm he had a cow
D G G G D E E D
E-i-e-i-o
B B A A G
With a moo moo here and a moo moo there
D D G G G D D G G G
Here a moo, there a moo
G G G G G G
Everywhere a moo moo
G G G G G G
Old MacDonald had a farm
G G G D E E D
E-i-e-i-o
B B A A G
Here’s a tutorial for this easy song for piano:
6. Row, Row, Row Your Boat
This song is a great place to start when it comes to easy things to play on the piano. Encourage your child to play it in a round using the song notes we provided, and they’ll never want to stop!
Row, row, row your boat
C C C D E
Gently down the stream
E D E F G
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily
C C C G G G E E E C C C
Life is but a dream
G F E D C
Press play on this tutorial to help you get the hang of it.
7. Happy Birthday to You
You never know when this tune will come in handy! Whether you’re celebrating someone’s birthday or just looking for a piano song for kids to practice, this one will do the trick.
Happy birthday to you
G G A G C B
Happy birthday to you
G G A G D C
Happy birthday dear (name)
G G G E C B A
Happy birthday to you
F F E C D C
This handy tutorial shows you how to play this number at a slow tempo. Once you get comfortable with it, you can speed it up.
8. Yankee Doodle Dandy
Everyone is familiar with this catchy tune, but did you know “Yankee Doodle” is actually the state anthem of Connecticut? What’s more, the lyrics predate the American Revolution, but the melody is thought to date back to Medieval times! Encourage your little one to experiment with this patriotic piano song for kids.
Yankee Doodle went to town
C C D E C E D
Riding on a pony
C C D E C B
He stuck a feather in his cap
G C C D E F E D
And called it macaroni
C B G A B C C
Play along with this tutorial, which includes printable kids piano sheet music, too.
9. Jingle Bells
It’s always a good idea to know a festive song or two, and “Jingle Bells” is sure to get you in the holiday mood. Let your little one go wild on this easy piano song for kids, and before you know it, you’ll find yourself wanting to decorate the Christmas tree and hang the garland.
(D^) B – B B B – B B B-^D G A B
(Oh) Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
C C C C C B B
Oh what fun it is to ride
B B B A A B A D
In a one horse open sleigh
B B B B B B B D G A B
Check out this tutorial for some of the easiest beginner piano songs.
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10. Baby Shark
No kid can resist learning to play “Baby Shark” on the piano. It’s practically a rite of passage these days. Once your child masters this kid’s pop song, you won’t be able to stop humming along!
Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
D E G G G G G G G
Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
D E G G G G G G G
Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
D E G G G G G G G
Baby shark
G G F#
Check out the easy tutorial to see this tune in action.
Easy Classical Piano Songs
Are you a budding piano enthusiast looking to dive into the world of classical piano music? Or maybe you’re a seasoned pianist in search of something light and elegant to add to your repertoire? Whichever group you belong to, this list is for you.
1. Beethoven – Ode to Joy
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, is an iconic piece of classical music that many people are familiar with, and “Ode to Joy” is a well-known section from the melody. This simple tune is perfect for beginners who want to venture into classical piano. Here are the notes for the main melody:
E E F G G F E D C C D E E D D
Keep practicing this at a slow, steady pace, and you’ll quickly find how addictive this melody can be!
2. Bach – Minuet in G Major
J.S. Bach’s Minuet in G Major, BWV 114, is an exquisitely charming and graceful piece that has set the standard for other minuets since its creation. The piece may appear to be complicated, but with consistent practice and determination, it’s a fantastic piece to have in any beginner’s repertoire. Here’s the first phrase of the melody:
D E F# A G F# E D B A G F# E D
Give this piece a try to experience a touch of Baroque magnificence right at your fingertips!
3. Tchaikovsky – Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
From the iconic ballet, The Nutcracker, comes the enchanting Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, a magical and ethereal piece that will captivate both players and listeners alike. The simplified melody below allows you to experience just a taste of this classic:
E D# E B D C A A B G# A
Once you’re comfortable playing this, try adding in some “magical” touches with gentle dynamics and fluid expression.
4. Chopin – Prelude in E Minor
Chopin’s Prelude in E Minor, Op. 28 No. 4, is a moody and mesmerizing piece perfect for those who aren’t shy of delving into more melancholic and introspective sounds. The melody is simple enough for beginners to handle, yet has a depth of emotion that will leave a lasting impression. Here are the notes for the haunting melody’s first phrase:
E F# G F# E D B D C
Mastering this Prelude involves more than just playing the right notes; it’s an opportunity for you to dive deep into your emotions and truly connect with the music.
5. Satie – Gymnopédie No. 1:
The Gymnopédie No. 1 by Erik Satie is an alluring and atmospheric piece that transports both the performer and audience into a dreamy and pensive state. This simple yet evocative composition is excellent for beginners who want to explore the more impressionistic side of classical piano repertoire. The main melody goes like this:
G A G E G C B A G D F E
Capturing the essence of this delicate piece requires a sensitive and gentle touch, so be sure to pay close attention to your touch and dynamics as you practice.
Disney Easy Piano Songs
Do you often find yourself humming along to your favorite Disney songs and secretly wishing you could serenade your friends (or just yourself) with those magical tunes on the piano?
You’re not alone! Disney songs have been enchanting generations young and old for decades. With their memorable melodies and catchy lyrics, these songs have lodged themselves deep within our hearts.
But what if you could take your love for Disney music a step further by learning to play some of these tunes on the piano?
Here are a few Disney easy piano songs you can learn.
1. “A Whole New World” from Aladdin
This romantic ballad between Aladdin and Jasmine has been melting hearts since 1992, and the good news is that it’s actually quite simple to play on the piano! The song is set in the key of D major and includes the following notes for the melody: D E F# G A B C#. For the main melody, use your right hand:
D E F# A – A A, A G A B – B A G F#
E F# A A G F# E – D E D B
Repeat this melody for each verse, and for the chorus, play:
F# A B – D E D
A G F# – A E D
Follow along with a tutorial or sheet music for the left hand chords, and you’ll be soaring through the skies like Aladdin and Jasmine in no time!
2. “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid
Every Disney fan knows and loves this beautiful ballad sung by Ariel as she dreams of a life above the sea. This song is in the key of F major and the melody notes are: F G A Bb C D E.
The intro melody, played with your right hand, goes as follows:
F F F A – G G G
A A A – G F
And the melody for the verses is as follows:
C D E – F G F E
D E F – A G F
With practice, you’ll soon feel like you’re under the sea with Ariel, exploring the wonders of the ocean!
3. “Hakuna Matata” from The Lion King
A song that represents “no worries,” “Hakuna Matata” is a light-hearted and fun piece to play on the piano. The song is in the key of Bb major, and the melody notes for this song include: Bb C D Eb F G A. The right-hand melody, which is repeated throughout the song is as follows:
Bb A G – G A G F F F
D Eb D C – Bb A G
You’ll be spreading the carefree vibes of Timon and Pumbaa as you master this lively Disney number!
4. “Beauty and the Beast” from Beauty and the Beast
A timeless classic, this enchanting love theme will surely capture the hearts of all who hear it. The song is set in the key of Eb major, which includes the following melody notes: Eb F G Ab Bb C D. The right-hand melody is as follows:
Bb C D – Eb D C Bb
C D Eb – G F Eb D
Practice this song to relive the tale as old as time, and transport your listeners to the magical world of Belle and the Beast.
5. “Let It Go” from Frozen
Unleash your inner snow queen (or king!) with this modern Disney classic. “Let It Go” is set in the key of G major and features the following melody notes: G A B C D E F#. The right-hand melody for the verse goes as follows:
B A A G – B A G E
E F# G A – G F# E D
A B A G – A G E D
Sign Your Child Up for Beginner Piano Lessons Today!
These basic keyboard songs for beginners will help your child learn the basics of music and have fun while doing it. Learning how to play this basic piano melody is a rewarding journey at any age, so if your child enjoys playing these easy songs to play on the piano, it might be time to turn to beginner piano lessons for kids.
Here at TakeLessons, your child will receive private lessons from a certified piano tutor, who will provide them with the skills they need to move on to more challenging sheet music for kids. It’s also a great way to improve their technique for years to come! There’s never been a better time to put your child on a path toward mastering this instrument.
Do you and your child have other favorite beginner keyboard piano songs you like to play together? Let us know in the comments below!
Photo by Eduardo Merille
Suzy S.