15 Easy Piano Songs for Kids

If you’re looking for some easy piano songs to get your kids started, then this is the guide for you!

You’re probably already familiar with the most popular nursery rhymes, so learning to play them on a piano shouldn’t be difficult. Let’s get right into it!

1. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

One of the most loved nursery rhymes, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” features a five-finger range and involves easy repetition, making it a perfect choice for beginners.

All you need to play the song correctly are the C, D, E, F, G, and A keys, and only the first three keys are used for the first sentence of the song. If you sing the rhyme as you play the piano, you will understand the key sounds and the rhythm more clearly!

2. Itsy Bitsy Spider

A testament to simplicity, “Itsy Bitsy Spider” leverages the power of repetition, making it less daunting for learners. The song calls for the G, C, D, E, and F keys, played exclusively with the right hand. A fun tip: if your child has a xylophone, it can serve as a supplementary practice tool alongside the piano.

3. Old MacDonald

“Old MacDonald” might not be as short and concise as “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” but it is not hard to learn at all. In fact, it is one of the few poems that can be modified every time they are sung without losing their charm. 

The piano keys used in this song are F, G, A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. This versatile tune can be altered with each rendition, adding a creative touch.

4. Happy Birthday To You

Every child recognizes the “Happy Birthday” song, making it a valuable addition to their piano repertoire. Using the F to G keys, starting with both thumbs on middle C can simplify the learning process. Breaking down the melody line by line can help in mastering this festive tune.

5. Baby Shark

Modern, catchy, and loved by toddlers, “Baby Shark” is a delightful tune with a touch of challenge due to its intermediate difficulty. It’s built on a repetitive pattern across six semitones. Its engaging rhythm ensures kids will enjoy both playing and dancing to this song.

6. Row Row Row Your Boat

“Row Row Row Your Boat” stands out as a beginner-friendly choice, primarily due to its consistent use of the five-finger position. You’ll be primarily using your right hand for the C, D, E, F, and G keys. For the left hand, the keys involved are C, B, A, G, and F.

7. Jingle Bells

The festive charm of “Jingle Bells” makes it a song many wish to play. Fortunately, its simplicity ensures it’s accessible for even novice pianists. The melody, characterized by its five-note range and repetitive patterns, primarily uses the right hand’s middle C, D, E, F, and G keys. To add depth with the left hand, combine the C, E, and G keys.

8. Mary Had a Little Lamb

“Mary Had a Little Lamb” is incredibly popular with kids, and its melody is very simple to play, so you can easily learn it for them and even teach them how to play it too!

The song can be played using a single hand and features four different keys—middle C, D, E, and G. Since all these notes are next to each other, you don’t have to move your hand around.

9. If You’re Happy and You Know It

Evoking fond memories of lively classroom singalongs, “If You’re Happy and You Know It” remains a joyous tune for many. Set in the F major key, it’s playable with just one hand. Though slightly brisker than some earlier entries, it’s a manageable challenge. Start by placing your thumb on middle C, with the progression involving the D, E, F, and G keys.

10. The Wheels on the Bus

“The Wheels on the Bus” is not just a popular children’s song but also an excellent piece for beginner pianists to practice rhythm and timing. As fingers move through the middle C, D, E, F, and G keys, the song allows players to experiment with pace and understand the relationship between melody and rhythm.

11. London Bridge is Falling Down

Most children already sing this classic nursery rhyme, making the transition to playing it on the piano seamless. Its repetitive melody offers a great starting point for beginners and helps them familiarize themselves with the keys. Before you know it, they’ll be playing this tune with confidence and grace.

12. Baa Baa Black Sheep

A song filled with simple storytelling, “Baa Baa Black Sheep” offers a blend of whimsical lyrics about sheep and wool. Given its shared melody with “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” children who are familiar with one can easily transition to the other. This pattern recognition can serve as an excellent confidence booster for kids.

13. Yankee Doodle

Rooted in American tradition, “Yankee Doodle” isn’t just for parades and patriotic events. Its basic melody is an ideal choice for those starting their musical journey. The song’s structure is uncomplicated, allowing young learners to focus on mastering the basics.

14. Hokey Pokey

While “Hokey Pokey” is typically associated with dancing, it offers more than just a dance routine. Its melody is direct and easy to follow, making it another suitable song for those just beginning to explore the piano.

15. Bingo (B-I-N-G-O)

The key to learn “Bingo” on piano lies in its repetition. This characteristic not only makes the song catchy but also aids beginners in familiarizing themselves with specific keys and sequences, reinforcing their learning through repetition.

Summary

Introducing children to the piano through easy and recognizable songs provides a solid foundation for their musical journey. It nurtures their enthusiasm, instills confidence, and ensures a gradual learning curve. As they master these simpler melodies, they build the necessary skills and confidence to tackle more complex pieces in the future.