Beethoven’s 9th Symphony Main Theme
This well-known classical tune translates well onto piano and my learners of any age will likely be playing it at some point. It’s a good one for very early on with learners age 10+ and can be used to demonstrate a lot of the basics of music notation. It uses hands in a middle C position.
Shadow Chasing
From my soon-to-be-published collection of pieces called “Getting Unstuck” which is ideal for younger learners who may have successfully played lots of one-hand pieces of pieces where the melody swaps between hands but are now trying to conquer the challenge of hands-together co-ordination, these pieces will be great for slightly older beginners as well. The left hand has only middle C and the right just E, F and G.
Stepping Out
Another piece from my soon-to-be-published collection of pieces called “Getting Unstuck” which is ideal for younger learners who may have successfully played lots of one-hand pieces of pieces where the melody swaps between hands but are now trying to conquer the challenge of hands-together co-ordination, these pieces will be great for slightly older beginners as well. The left hand is in a ‘low C position’ with just C and G semibreves throughout and a five-finger middle-C position for right hand.
Hall of the Mountain King
A well-known fun-to-play piano piece using a few accidentals – so it is great for when pupils are beginning to learn about sharps and flats. The hands share the melody and only work one at a time.
Happy Birthday
Once a beginner is playing with two hands, is reading reasonably well and is confident enough to allow once hand to move around a little during a piece this easy piano version of Happy Birthday is great. The more complex dotted rhythm which we frequently sing is not notated here but the learner can play it anyhow and it can be discussed with the teacher if appropriate.