The 8 Best Piano Solos to Explore for Every Level
Learning to play the piano is exciting. If you are taking lessons, there is a good chance that you are being taught things like scales, etudes, and quite a bit of theory. But what you really want to do is jump right into your favorite solo piece, right?
Maybe you have a favorite song that is currently top on the charts. Or maybe you have a favorite classic that you have always wanted to be able to play. Maybe you even have that I-know-I’ve-made-it-when-I-can-play-this-song song. Whatever it is, learning to play a solo regardless of what level you are at can boost your confidence and get you practicing more.
Since you can’t just choose a random piano solo, we’ve collected some of the best of the best that can be explored at whichever level you find yourself.
Practicing Your Piano Solos
Before you grab your solo piece, it is important that you know a couple of things:
- Use your solo as an encouragement to practice more. If you play something you enjoy playing, you are more likely to stick with it and practice more.
- Practice your scales and etudes. We know that it is so exciting to play a song we love or a musical piece that makes you sound like a pro, but don’t only play it. Be sure to continue practicing these fundamentals as they will help you greatly in the future.
Now, without any more wasted time, let’s take a look at the 8 best piano solos to explore at every level. There are so many to choose from!
Who is the piano man? You are! You can become Billy Joel’s Piano Man regardless of your skill level. A simple arrangement, an easy key signature, single bass notes for the left hand, and a well-known melody for the right — it is the recipe for some fun times. The best part is that nearly everyone knows the lyrics (the chorus, at least) so you are sure to get some impromptu performers when they hear the tune.
- Blinding Lights by The Weeknd
If there was ever a new popular song that repeated itself over…and over… and over again, it is Blinding Lights. Just like the above song, the right hand knocks out the melody and the left is just chord shells.
With a little practice, you will be busting through the riffs, one right after the next – and no one has to know you have repeated anything. You just look that good. And, for good reason – because you are. And who doesn’t love The Weeknd?
If there was ever a song that sparks an entire crowd to start singing, it is Sweet Caroline. This tune has made it in movies, has been played at every karaoke bar, and is known by young and old alike.
A rhythmically steady left hand keeps the piece moving forward as the right hand, again, belts out the melody. It is a fun piece that you will surely find enjoyment with.
If you have ever seen the Phantom of the Opera then you know just how incredibly beautiful this piece is. The love and emotion that comes from the piece is enough to make you want to run out and hug and twirl the first stranger you see on the street. Ok, well maybe not that far, but it is romantic and full of gushy love.
And the musical piece itself is delightful. Maybe because it just is musically or maybe it is because it stirs up the emotions we know that come between these two characters. Whatever it is, it is a great piece to add to your solo collection.
This piece is geared toward intermediate piano players, but is surely able to be played by anyone at any level with some extra attention.
If you think you have not heard this piece, you probably have. It is a wildly popular classical piece that has found its way into our lives in lots of little ways. But you will find that it is catchy and super fun to play. It even engages both hands but not in a way that is too complicated or overwhelming for beginners.
The fun and flowing melody of Fur Elise makes you feel as though you’ve really got this piano thing — you can really do this. You will sound great!
Much like Fur Elise, this piece – The Entertainer – is a well known piece that you may not think you know until you hear it. It is a ragtime piece that gets the fingers moving. And while it sounds complicated, it really isn’t. Sure, there are more advanced versions, but the repetition and easy movements make it a great piece for anyone at any level. Besides, it will make you sound like the great pianist your heart knows you are.
Ave Maria in any form is not at all a complicated piece. In fact, if you have been practicing your scales, chords, and arpeggios, then you will find it to be a breeze. There are repetitive patterns throughout the entire piece. It is an incredible piece of music that will warm up your fingers and make you feel good.
Once you learn this impressive tune, you will surely draw people in.
Oh, Disney. How can you go wrong with Beauty and the Beast? Disney is always great for giving us those wonderful songs that draw us straight into the animated screen, aren’t they? With this one, you will learn to play the tune as your mind pictures Belle and the Beast having a moment with each other dancing around the room.
It is an easy piece in which the left hand focuses on chords and the right on the melody. Play it around others and you are sure to elicit a smile.
Final Thought
Exploring new music is a great way to keep your interest up and your fingers moving. Try something new today!