The 20 Best Songs to Play on Piano
Playing the piano is not just about hitting the right keys; it’s about expressing emotions and telling a story through music.
Choosing the right song to play can either make or break your performance. You want something that deeply resonates with you, or it won’t showcase your skill.
From timeless classics to modern hits, this list of the best songs to play on piano offers something for everyone.
Get ready to fill the room with beautiful melodies and captivating rhythms!
1. “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen
“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen is a soulful piece that captures emotions beautifully on the piano.
Its repetitive chord progression is beginner-friendly, making it easy for everyone to perform, while its haunting melody and profound lyrics resonate deeply, making it a rewarding play for any pianist.
2. “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
“Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey is an anthem that everyone loves. The piano part, with its iconic intro and steady rhythm, is perfect for bringing energy to any performance.
It’s a great song for beginners to practice chord transitions and for experienced players to captivate their audience. It may be a bit challenging for a beginner, though.
3. “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra
“Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra is a timeless classic that’s fun to play on the piano.
Its jazzy chords and swing rhythm make it a challenge, but a challenging one!
This song is perfect for honing your timing and adding some sophistication to your repertoire.
4. “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel
“Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel is a beautiful ballad that’s great for piano. Its flowing melody and rich harmonies showcase the piano’s expressive capabilities.
This song is perfect for practicing dynamics and playing with emotion.
5. “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
“They Can’t Take That Away From Me” by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong is a jazz standard that’s lovely on the piano.
Its smooth chords and elegant melody are ideal for practicing phrasing and adding a touch of jazz to your playing. It’s one of my personal favorites!
6. “Georgia On My Mind” by Ray Charles
Ray Charles made a lot of iconic pieces, but Georgia On My Mind is hard to match.
It’s a soulful tune that’s perfect for the piano. Not only that but its heartfelt melody and bluesy chords also make it a joy to play.
This song is excellent for developing a soulful touch and expressing deep emotion.
7. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley is a romantic classic that’s beautiful on the piano. Its gentle melody and simple chords make it easy enough for beginners while still enchanting for advanced players. It’s a perfect song for serenading or playing at weddings.
8. “Piano Man” by Billy Joel
“Piano Man” by Billy Joel is a must-play for any pianist.
Its storytelling lyrics and catchy melody make it the ultimate crowd-pleaser. I’d go for it if I were performing for my family.
The piano parts, including the iconic harmonica mimicry, offer a fun challenge and showcase the piano’s versatility.
9. “I’ll Be Seeing You” by Billie Holiday
“I’ll Be Seeing You” by Billie Holiday is a nostalgic ballad that’s wonderfully expressive on the piano. Its tender melody and flowing chords make it perfect for practicing expressive playing and connecting emotionally with the audience.
10. “Moonlight in Vermont” by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
“Moonlight in Vermont” by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong is a serene song that’s perfect to play on a piano. It’s a bit challenging because of its melody and unique phrasing, but it’ll help you develop your repertoire.
11. “Someone to Watch Over Me” by Ella Fitzgerald
“Someone to Watch Over Me” by Ella Fitzgerald is a heartfelt piece that shines on the piano. It features a tender melody and lush harmonies, making it ideal for practicing expressive playing and conveying deep emotions through music.
12. “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
Are you playing at a wedding? This is the song to choose!
“The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra is a classic love song that was made to be played on a piano.
Its smooth melody and rich chords make it perfect for setting a romantic mood and practicing smooth, lyrical playing.
13. “Für Elise” by Beethoven
“Für Elise” by Beethoven is a piano staple that’s loved by many. Its memorable melody and varying dynamics make it a great piece for beginners to practice technique and for advanced players to showcase their skill.
14. “Hit the Road Jack” by Ray Charles
Here’s another iconic song by Ray Charles!
“Hit the Road Jack” is a lively tune that’s fun to play on the piano. Its rhythmic pattern and catchy melody make it a great piece for practicing timing and bringing energy to any performance.
15. “November Rain” by Guns N’ Roses
“November Rain” by Guns N’ Roses is a rock ballad that translates beautifully on the piano.
Its epic melody and dramatic chords make it perfect for showcasing your emotional playing and adding a rock edge to your repertoire.
16. “Clocks” by Coldplay
“Clocks” by Coldplay is a modern classic with a mesmerizing piano riff. Its repetitive arpeggios and driving rhythm make it a great piece for practicing precision. It’ll also add a contemporary touch to your playing.
17. “Someone Like You” by Adele
If you want to make a memorable, powerful performance, this is the song for you.
“Someone Like You” by Adele is a powerful ballad that’s deeply moving on the piano. It has a heartfelt melody and some simple chords that allow for expressive playing, making it a favorite for conveying emotion and connecting with listeners.
18. “All Too Well” by Taylor Swift
“All Too Well” by Taylor Swift is an emotional song that’s beautifully suited for the piano.
The song has storytelling lyrics, which add to any performance. It also features melodic chords that make it perfect for practicing expressive playing and adding a personal touch to your performance.
19. “Let Her Go” by Passenger
“Let Her Go” by Passenger is a melancholic tune that sounds lovely on the piano.
Its gentle melody and simple chords make it easy for beginners. At the same time, delivering a heartfelt performance that matches the song’s feelings is a nice challenge for more experienced players.
20. “Moonlight Sonata” by Beethoven
“Moonlight Sonata” by Beethoven is a profound piece that’s a staple in piano music. Its hauntingly beautiful melody and rich harmonies make it a rewarding piece to play, perfect for showcasing your emotional depth and technical skill. However, it’s not a piece for beginners.