The Most Famous Piano Pieces by Level – From Beginner to Virtuoso

Explore the World’s Most Iconic Piano Music – and Find the Right Level for You
By Acosta Piano Studio – Premier Piano Lessons in Atlanta, Buckhead & Brookhaven

At Acosta Piano Studio, we believe that learning piano should feel like a journey—one that starts with simple, beautiful melodies and can lead to commanding the great masterpieces of classical and modern music. Whether you’re a beginner in Brookhaven, a progressing student in Buckhead, or an aspiring concert pianist in Atlanta, knowing which famous piano pieces match your current level can help you stay motivated and excited to practice.

Ready to be inspired? Here are some of the most famous piano songs, sorted by difficulty—from beginner-friendly classics to advanced showstoppers.

🎹 Beginner Level

These pieces are perfect for new pianists who are just starting their piano lessons.

Beethoven – “Ode to Joy” A melody that’s instantly recognizable and easy to play with one hand. Great for practicing finger independence.

Bach – “Prelude in C Major (from The Well-Tempered Clavier)” Simple arpeggios that sound rich and expressive—ideal for beginners who want to sound more advanced. 

Yann Tiersen – “Comptine d’un autre été” Modern, emotional, and great for developing hand coordination at an early stage.

🎼 Pro Tip from our Brookhaven instructors: Focus on even rhythm and relaxed hand movement to keep the sound flowing smoothly.

🎶 Late Beginner / Early Intermediate

You’ve mastered the basics—now it’s time to explore expressive playing and both hands working together.

Mozart – “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” (easy arrangement) Elegant, playful, and a perfect intro to classical style phrasing.

Yiruma – “River Flows in You” A modern favorite, beloved by teens and adults alike. This piece introduces left-hand broken chords and lyrical right-hand melodies.

The Beatles – “Let It Be” A beautiful pop song that’s approachable and rewarding for beginners learning chords and melody.

🎓 Buckhead piano students love mixing pop and classical in their lessons—this is a great balance of both!

🎼 Intermediate

These pieces are a great goal for students who’ve been taking lessons for about a year or more.

Chopin – “Prelude in E Minor” Melancholic and deeply expressive. Great for exploring rubato and emotional dynamics.

Scott Joplin – “The Entertainer" Syncopation and bounce! This ragtime classic adds rhythmic challenge and flair.

Beethoven – “Für Elise” (Full Version) The most requested piece among our Atlanta students—and rightfully so. It challenges both hands and introduces dynamic nuance.

🔥 Advanced

These pieces require years of dedication, but they’re the reward for sticking with piano training.

Liszt – “Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2” Dramatic, dazzling, and technically intense. A favorite of concert pianists.

Rachmaninoff – “Prelude in C# Minor” Thunderous chords, deep emotion, and a showcase of power and control.

Gershwin – “Rhapsody in Blue” For advanced players who want to mix classical and jazz with big flair and bigger technique.

🎹 If you're dreaming of these pieces, our Atlanta instructors can build a customized lesson plan to get you there.

Ready to Start Your Piano Journey?