When kids learn to play the piano, they want to learn some songs, not just music theory and a few melodies. Young children want to learn songs that they know from kindergarten, for example. That’s why nursery rhymes are the perfect choice for children to learn on the piano. They are simple, following a simple melody and repetitive structures. And since they already know most of them by heart, they can focus more on finger placement and rhythm without feeling overwhelmed.
Below are some of the most popular piano songs for young kids. For all of them, we will show you how to play them with simple letter piano notes. This allows you to play the songs without having to read the notes. But be sure to check out the individual articles to learn more about each song, download free sheet music, and more!
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is one of the most popular lullabies in the United States. Most parents have already sung it to their children at bedtime, making it a well-known song among kids. For both parents and children, it’s a great and easy song to learn on the piano. It requires only a few simple piano chords and notes, making it perfect for beginners.
Sheet Music & more: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Baa Baa Black Sheep
Baa Baa Black Sheep is a short and classic nursery rhyme that is easy to learn and to play on the piano. Sharing the same melody as Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and the Alphabet Song, it requires only a few basic piano chords and simple notes, making it ideal for beginners. Its straightforward structure and familiar tune provide an excellent introduction to piano playing, helping new learners practice melody and chord transitions.
Sheet Music & more: Baa Baa Black Sheep
Old MacDonald had a Farm
Old MacDonald Had a Farm is an excellent song for piano beginners because its simple and repetitive melody makes it easy to learn and play. The song’s familiar and engaging melody helps beginners practice basic piano skills such as hand coordination and note recognition. In addition, its use of various animal sounds makes the learning process fun and interactive for young students.
Sheet Music & more: Old MacDonald had a Farm
Alphabet Song
The Alphabet Song is an excellent nursery rhyme for preschoolers to learn on the piano. Often sung in kindergartens to teach children the English alphabet, it is an essential piece for kindergarten teachers to know. The song uses the same melody as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star or the Baa Baa Black Sheep.
Sheet Music & more: The ABC Song
Mary had a little Lamb
Another very popular song for children is Mary Had a Little Lamb. The nursery rhyme has several verses and it tells a nice story about a girl and her sheep that she takes to school. This story is actually based on a true event. It’s a great song for beginners on the piano because since most of the kids know the lyrics and it only requires basic notes.
Sheet Music & more: Mary had a Little Lamb
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday to You is not a nursery rhyme but a very catchy and easy song to play on the piano. It’s one of the most popular songs in the English-speaking world, and everyone knows the lyrics. This familiarity provides a solid foundation for learning it on the piano. Due to its brevity and simple melody, it is an ideal choice for beginners and must be included on our list of easy piano songs for kids.
Sheet Music & more: Happy Birthday to You
Wheels on the Bus
The Wheels on the Bus is a beloved children’s song and a favorite among many. Its catchy tune and repetitive lyrics make it incredibly popular, not just in English-speaking countries, but around the world, where it is often sung in translated versions. The song typically features seven verses, each describing different parts of the bus and the actions associated with them. Despite the number of verses, its straightforward structure ensures that it’s easy to remember.
Sheet Music & more: Wheels on the Bus
Itsy Bitsy Spider
“Itsy Bitsy Spider” is an excellent song for piano beginners due to its simple and repetitive melody, which makes it easy to learn and play. The accompanying hand movements often used when singing the song add an element of fun and engagement, reinforcing the connection between musical rhythm and physical action. This combination of simplicity, enjoyment, and educational value makes Itsy Bitsy Spider a perfect choice for introducing children to the basics of piano playing.
Sheet Music & more: Itsy Bitsy Spider
Brother John
Brother John (Original French title: Frère Jacques) is a French nursery rhyme that has been translated into many languages around the world. It is also one of the easiest songs for children to learn on the piano. The melody can be played with just a few simple notes, making it accessible to beginners. While there are more complex piano arrangements available, mastering this simple version can be a great motivation for young learners to continue their musical journey.
Sheet Music & more: Brother John
Five Little Ducks
Five Little Ducks is a charming nursery rhyme that helps children learn numbers and counting backwards. It is also easy to play on the piano, with a melody that young learners can pick up quickly. The song’s repetitive structure and easy note transitions make it an ideal choice for beginners. Playing Five Little Ducks on the piano can be a fun and educational experience, keeping children engaged and entertained while they develop their musical skills.
Sheet Music & more: Five Little Ducks
Humpty Dumpty
Humpty Dumpty is a nursery rhyme with rich historical origins. Although the lyrics never explicitly describe an egg, the image has become popular over time. Playing Humpty Dumpty on the piano provides excellent practice for mastering different notes on the piano, making it a valuable exercise for developing your piano skills. This familiar tune provides both a fun and educational way for beginners.
Sheet Music & more: Humpty Dumpty
Row Row Row your boat
Row Row Row your Boat may not be the most popular nursery rhyme, but it’s one of the best songs for young beginners to learn on the piano. There aren’t many shorter songs, which makes it perfect for beginners to be able to play in a day! Especially the “merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily” part is fun to play with children because of the faster repeating note sequences.
Sheet Music & more: Row Row Row Your Boat
Yankee Doodle
Yankee Doodle is a traditional American patriotic song that originated during the Revolutionary War. Initially, it was sung by the British to mock the disorganized colonial “Yankees.” However, over time, the song was embraced by the Americans and transformed into a symbol of patriotism. Today, Yankee Doodle is not only a cherished patriotic anthem but also a popular piece for beginner piano players to learn.
Sheet Music & more: Yankee Doodle
