Sheet music
Pop songs for piano: 17 pieces
The songs most people play their first accompaniment with – with notes on key and transpose function for anyone singing along.
17 pieces13 for beginners
Beginner
All of MeJohn LegendThe wedding piece of the 2010s – an accompaniment pattern you learn once and then carry.
ImagineJohn LennonProbably the best-known piano accompaniment in pop history – and one of the friendliest for beginners.
HallelujahLeonard CohenThe song played at weddings and funerals alike – with a chord progression the lyrics themselves describe.
Let It BePaul McCartneyFour chords everyone knows – the piece many people play their first accompaniment with.
Someone Like YouAdeleAdele’s arpeggio pattern – one of the most rewarding pieces for a first performance of your own.
CreepRadioheadFour chords repeated ninety times – and never boring.
A Thousand YearsChristina Perri, David HodgesThe most played wedding song of the 2010s – calm, even and without a single hard passage.
Viva la VidaColdplayFour chords at marching tempo – one of the most rewarding pop pieces for the left hand.
Last ChristmasGeorge MichaelThe Christmas song half of Europe argues about every year – and everyone sings along anyway.
PerfectEd SheeranSheeran’s wedding waltz – the six-eight metre makes it softer than most pop ballads.
Shape of YouEd SheeranThe most streamed pop song of its time – four chords, one rhythm, done.
DespacitoLuis Fonsi, Erika EnderThe summer hit that broke every streaming record – on the piano four chords with a Latin rhythm.
Mad WorldRoland OrzabalIn the quiet 2001 version a pure piano piece – four chords, a great deal of effect.
Intermediate
ClocksColdplayThe descending quaver figure that identifies Coldplay within two bars.
SkyfallAdele, Paul EpworthAdele’s Bond song – dark, measured and remarkably effective on the piano.
How Far I’ll Go (Moana)Lin-Manuel MirandaThe song that runs on repeat in children’s rooms – and asks more of the pianist than it sounds.