Learn Piano Easily: Top Billy Joel Songs for Beginners

Billy Joel is a legendary musician known for his catchy pop hits and impressive piano skills. Many aspiring pianists are drawn to his music and want to learn how to play his songs on the piano. However, some of his songs can be challenging to learn for beginners or those with limited experience playing the piano.

Fortunately, there are some Billy Joel songs that are relatively easy to learn on the piano, making them great options for those who want to start playing his music. Whether you're a fan of "Piano Man" or want to learn some of his other popular hits, there are several songs that you can master with some practice and dedication.

With the help of modern technology, aspiring pianists can also use apps and online resources to learn how to play Billy Joel songs on the piano. These tools can be especially helpful for those who don't have access to a piano teacher or want to learn at their own pace.

Background on Billy Joel

Billy Joel is an American singer-songwriter and pianist who was born on May 9, 1949, in The Bronx, New York City. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold over 150 million records worldwide. Joel began playing the piano at a young age, and his father was a classical pianist who encouraged his son's musical interests.

Joel's music career took off in the 1970s with hits such as "Piano Man" and "New York State of Mind." He is known for his ability to blend different genres of music, including rock, pop, and classical, into his songs. Joel's music often tells stories and is known for its emotional depth and honesty.

Many of Joel's songs are love songs and ballads that have become iconic. His music has been featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials, making it a part of popular culture.

Billy Joel's influence on music is undeniable, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians and fans today.

Easiest Billy Joel Songs to Learn on the Piano

Beginner Level

For those just starting out on the piano, there are a few Billy Joel songs that are relatively easy to learn:

• "Piano Man" - This classic tune features a simple melody and chord progression that is easy to follow. For an absolute beginner I suggest start where the lyrics start and not the opening.
• "Uptown Girl" - Another popular hit, "Uptown Girl" has a catchy melody that is easy to pick up.
• "The Entertainer" - This upbeat tune features a repetitive melody that is easy to memorize. However, when Billy plays this song live, it's incredible fast. Don't expect to play it as fast as Billy when you get started.

Intermediate Level

If you have some experience playing the piano, you may want to try these slightly more challenging Billy Joel songs:

• "Just the Way You Are" - This romantic ballad features a beautiful melody and some slightly more complex chord progressions.
• "She's Always a Woman" - Another popular love song, "She's Always a Woman" has a simple melody but some more intricate piano accompaniment.
• "Vienna" - This lesser-known Billy Joel song has a hauntingly beautiful melody and some interesting chord changes.

Advanced Level

For more experienced piano players, these Billy Joel songs will provide a challenge:

• "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" - This epic song is over seven minutes long and features multiple sections with varying tempos and chord progressions.
• "The Stranger" - The title track from Billy Joel's fifth studio album, "The Stranger" has a complex piano accompaniment and some challenging key changes.
• "Angry Young Man" - This fast-paced song features a difficult piano intro and some intricate finger work.

Regardless of your skill level, there is a Billy Joel song out there for you to learn on the piano. With sheet music and online tutorials readily available, aspiring piano players can easily pick up one of these classic tunes and start playing.
This book below was recently published by Billy with his keyboard player David Rosengarten. I recommend all the books in the series.

 

Tips for Learning Billy Joel Songs on Piano

Learning to play Billy Joel songs on the piano can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help make the process easier:

• Find a good teacher: A good teacher can help you learn the basics of playing the piano and guide you through the process of learning a new song.
• Use tutorials: There are many online tutorials available that can help you learn how to play a Billy Joel song on the piano. These tutorials can be a great resource for beginners.
• Download sheet music: Sheet music can be a helpful tool for learning a new song. There are many websites where you can download sheet music for Billy Joel songs.
• Listen to other piano players: Listening to other piano players can be a great way to learn new techniques and get inspiration for your own playing.

By following these tips, you can make the process of learning a Billy Joel song on the piano easier and more enjoyable.

Conclusion

Learning to play the piano can be a challenging, yet rewarding experience. For those who are fans of Billy Joel, there are many songs to choose from that are both enjoyable to play and relatively easy to learn.

Through this article, readers have been introduced to five of the easiest Billy Joel songs to learn on the piano, including "Piano Man," "Just the Way You Are," "Vienna," "New York State of Mind," and "She's Always a Woman." Each of these songs has its own unique style and melody, making them a great starting point for anyone looking to expand their piano-playing skills.

While it may take some time and practice to master these songs, the end result is sure to be worth the effort. By starting with these easier songs, players can gradually build their skills and move on to more challenging pieces in the future.