Looking for some fun piano duets to play with your friends? Below, piano teacher Julie P. shares the 25 best piano duets for every instrument and skill level…
One of the best things about playing an instrument is getting to play with others. If you’re learning how to play the piano, chances are you’re going to want to play with other musicians.
After all, it’s a lot of fun to share the musical experience someone else. You can play duets with another pianist or with anyone else who plays an instrument; there is no limit to the possibilities for playing duets.
Playing a duet can be complicating, as there are many different elements you have to consider. For example, you need to coordinate with the other person for tempo, dynamics, and rhythm.
Since piano duets can be tough, I’ve provided a few helpful pointers below to help you get started.
Tips on Playing Piano Duets
Whether you’ve played a duet before or this is your first time, it’s always helpful to review some quick and easy tips.
- Get comfortable: If you’re playing with another pianist, make sure both players are comfortable with the bench and music placement. It will feel strange to share the piano with someone else, so talk to each other to make sure you’re both comfortable.
- Communication is key: If you’re playing with a different kind of instrumentalist, set up his or her chair and stand so that you can clearly see one another. Communication is very important when playing duets.
- Listen carefully: One of the hardest things about playing piano duets is getting used to listening to your part and your partner’s part. To help with this, try playing your individual parts for each other so you can hear each part before playing them together.
- Divvy up responsibilities: Discuss who will count off or set the tempo, as well as who will turn the pages if necessary. It can be helpful to practice short sections of the piece before trying to run the whole piece through.
Now that you’ve reviewed the helpful tips above, you’re ready to play your first piano duet. To help inspire you, below are 15 easy piano duets for different skill levels and instruments.
Easy Piano Duets for Beginners
If you’re a beginner piano player, these easy piano duets are perfect for you. You might want to practice these popular piano duets with your piano teacher before you invite someone else to play with you.
Let it Go-Frozen
Take Me Out To The Ballgame
Click here for the piano sheet music.
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
Click here for the piano sheet music.
Ode To Joy
Click here for the sheet music.
Easy Piano Duets for Intermediates
Need something a bit more challenging? This list of popular piano duets is great for intermediate players who aren’t yet experts, but want something a little more advance than introductory songs.
Straw Hat Strut-Jazz, Rags and Blues, Book 1
Click here for the sheet music.
The Entertainer
Click here for the sheet music.
Hakuna Matata
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House of the Rising Sun
Click here for sheet music.
Guitar and Piano Duets
Do you have a friend who plays the guitar? These popular guitar and piano duets are great. Just make sure that you follow the tips above to make sure your performance goes off without a hitch.
Canon in D
The Scientist
Hey Jude
Skyfall (Adele)
Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen)
Piano and Violin Duets
The piano and the violin sound beautiful together. Get inspired by this list of piano and violin duets below.
Amazing Grace
Click here for sheet music.
We Wish You A Merry Christmas
Click here for sheet music.
Libertango
Click here for sheet music
Hopefully, a few of the easy piano duets above get you excited about playing. Feel free to pick any song you like on this list or create your own arrangement of the music.
If you’re not yet confident in your skills, try practicing with your piano teacher. He or she will be able to give you some great pointers about where you can improve. Then when you’re ready, grab a friend and create your own unique arrangement!
Photo by Marlo Carvajal
Post Author: Julie P.Julie P. teaches flute, clarinet, music theory, and saxophone lessons in Brooklyn, NY. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Ithaca College and her Masters in Music Performance from New Jersey City University. Learn more about Julie here!
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