7 Genre types (with multiple compositions) that every piano student should aim to learn from!

As a piano student, learning a variety of pieces can help you improve your skills and keep your practice sessions engaging.

In this article, we’ll explore seven genres that every piano student should aim to learn from.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, these types of pieces will challenge you, entertain you, and help you develop your musicality. From classical masterpieces to crowd-pleasing showstoppers, we’ve got you covered.

1. Classical masterpieces

Classical music is the bedrock of piano education, offering timeless works that refine technique, expression, and musicality. These pieces often serve as milestones in a student’s progress.

• “Für Elise” by Ludwig van Beethoven: This piece is ideal for intermediate students, introducing them to arpeggios and dynamic contrasts.
• “Prelude in C Major” by Johann Sebastian Bach: Perfect for beginners, this prelude helps students understand counterpoint and harmonic progression.
• “Sonata in C Major, K. 545” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Known as the “Sonata Facile,” this piece is great for developing clarity, precision, and classical form understanding.

Learning classical masterpieces helps students build a solid technical foundation and develop an appreciation for the rich history of piano music.

2. Jazz standards

Jazz pieces are essential for developing improvisational skills, understanding complex rhythms, and exploring new harmonic landscapes. Jazz standards also teach the art of swing and syncopation.

• “Watermelon Man” by Herbie Hancock: Known for its funky groove, this piece is excellent for practising rhythmic precision and syncopation.
• “Misty” by Erroll Garner: A beautiful ballad that introduces students to lush harmonies and expressive playing.
• “Blue Monk” by Thelonious Monk: A blues piece that helps students get comfortable with the blues scale and the structure of a 12-bar blues.

Incorporating jazz standards into practice sessions encourages creativity and a deeper understanding of rhythm and harmony.

3. Popular songs

Playing contemporary hits keeps practice sessions enjoyable and relatable. These pieces often feature familiar melodies and rhythms, making them accessible and fun for students.

• “Someone Like You” by Adele: This emotionally powerful ballad is perfect for practising expressive playing and chordal accompaniment.
• “Clocks” by Coldplay: Featuring a repetitive arpeggiated pattern, this song helps students work on evenness and control.
• “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran: With its rhythmic drive and catchy melody, this piece is great for developing pop piano techniques.

Learning popular songs can motivate students by allowing them to play music they enjoy and recognise.

4. Film and television themes

Film and television scores offer a range of emotional and dynamic expressions, demonstrating how music can set a scene and evoke emotions.

• “Hedwig’s Theme” from Harry Potter by John Williams: This magical theme is great for practising articulation and dynamic contrasts.
• “Game of Thrones Theme” by Ramin Djawadi: Known for its dramatic and powerful motifs, this piece helps students explore minor scales and epic themes.
• “The Imperial March” from Star Wars by John Williams: This iconic march is perfect for practising rhythm and power in playing.

These pieces add excitement to practice sessions and show how music enhances storytelling.

5. Blues and boogie-woogie

Blues and boogie-woogie styles are excellent for improving rhythm, hand coordination, and understanding the blues scale and form.

• “Boogie Woogie Stomp” by Albert Ammons: This energetic piece introduces students to the left-hand boogie-woogie pattern and syncopated rhythms.
• “Blues for Alice” by Charlie Parker: A more advanced piece that helps students navigate complex jazz harmonies and fast tempos.
• “Honky Tonk Train Blues” by Meade Lux Lewis: A challenging yet rewarding piece that combines stride piano techniques with a driving rhythm.

Playing blues and boogie-woogie pieces develops a strong sense of rhythm and improvisational skills.

6. Folk and traditional music

Exploring folk music from various cultures broadens a student’s musical horizons and enhances interpretative skills.

• “Greensleeves” (Traditional English): This beautiful melody is perfect for practising lyrical playing and phrasing.
• “Sakura” (Traditional Japanese): A hauntingly beautiful piece that introduces students to pentatonic scales and different cultural expressions.
• “Tarantella” (Traditional Italian): A lively dance that helps students work on fast tempos and intricate rhythms.

Playing folk music helps students appreciate different musical traditions and develop versatility in their playing.

7. Minimalist and experimental pieces

For advanced students, minimalist and experimental music offers unique challenges and opportunities for exploring new textures and techniques.

• “Gymnopédies” by Erik Satie: These pieces are perfect for practising a delicate touch and creating a serene atmosphere.
• “In C” by Terry Riley: An introduction to minimalist music, this piece helps students understand repetitive structures and gradual changes.
• “Metamorphosis” by Philip Glass: These pieces challenge students to maintain focus and precision while exploring minimalist patterns.

Learning minimalist and experimental pieces encourages students to think about music innovatively and develop a unique sound.

Conclusion

Incorporating various pieces into your piano repertoire is essential for developing a broad skill set and maintaining motivation.

Each type of piece offers unique benefits, from classical masterpieces to jazz standards and contemporary hits.

By exploring these recommendations, students can enhance their musical journey and become versatile, well-rounded pianists.

I understand that some of these pieces, such as Greensleeves, were not explicitly written for piano, but you can find piano versions of that beautiful composition. Here is an arrangement by Dominique Makowski that is easy and beautiful to start with.

Going through a lot of repertoire from many styles will most certainly increase your musical abilities and wisdom!

Happy playing!