Are you looking to have some magical time at the piano?
When it comes to the piano, most people like to play songs that excite them or have special memories attached. Disney music and songs fall under both these categories, without any shadow of a doubt. The piano has been a favorite instrument for children ever since time immemorial and 37% of the child pianists start playing at some point, the reason being piano becomes an outlet to channel their emotions (happy or sad) into music.
But hey, let’s cut to the chase:
Disney songs are catchy, well-written pieces that help you learn everything from beginner chords to advanced accompaniment techniques. If you find yourself whistling the tune of “Let it Go” or bouncing along with “A Whole New World”, it’s never too early to add these songs to your repertoire.
The Right Kind of Practice Music Matters
In this article, you will learn about everything there is to learn about Disney piano music. From why every piano player should be playing Disney songs to your own list of favorite Disney songs, you will also know where you can find the best sheet music that will help you enhance your skills.
Read on to find out:
- Why Disney Songs Make Perfect Piano Practice Music
- The Best Disney Songs for Every Level
- How to Find Quality Disney Sheet Music That Works
- Why Disney Music Helps You Learn Piano Skills
Why Disney Songs Make Perfect Piano Practice Music
Disney music has a unique component that separates it from the rest of the music genres…
Heartfelt emotional connections.
Think about it. When you’re sitting down for the tenth time to practice scales, your brain automatically tunes out. But when you start playing “Beauty and the Beast” at the piano, suddenly your heart is involved.
They’re designed for success
Did you know that Disney composers write music specifically for those tunes to be memorable and easily accessible? Here is what they do to make it happen:
- Easy chord progressions that sound fancy
- Hooks in the melody to sing in your head
- Enough emotional peaks to stay engaged
- Clear musical phrases to chunk for memorization
Disney music is genius when it comes to helping you learn the music quickly.
They have the perfect learning curve
Disney piano music grows with you. “When You Wish Upon a Star” is stunning as a simple melody when you are a beginner. But then you add jazz chords, and all of a sudden, you are dazzling a crowd. It works for a grade 1 student and a concert pianist with the same song.
Just like the piano has grown in interest by 15% in recent times, Disney songs help people keep their interest high and motivation to learn the piano in full swing.
The Best Disney Songs for Every Skill Level
Okay, okay: Not all Disney songs are the same difficulty level.
Some will make you tear your hair out in frustration while others will send your confidence soaring. So, how do you choose the right songs for your skill level?
Beginner Level Disney Songs
The following Disney songs are best to start with as a beginner:
- “A Spoonful of Sugar” – Easy melody and simple rhythm
- “Hakuna Matata” – Good for learning basic chords
- “Beauty and the Beast” – Easy hands coordination
- “When You Wish Upon a Star” – Classic Disney melody and sounds so great
Intermediate Level Disney Songs
If you are ready to up the ante, the following songs will give you a challenge:
- “A Whole New World” – Teaches you key changes
- “Let It Go” – Great song to learn dynamic expression
- “Part of Your World” – Good for working on your range
Did you know that…
Intermediate level Disney songs actually have you learning real piano skills? “Let it go” is not just a fun song but it is actually a masterclass in tension and release in music.
Advanced Level Disney Songs
If you are ready to play some showstoppers:
- “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” – Has full orchestra arrangements
- “Circle of Life” – Great for building technique and expression
- “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” – Contemporary complexity with Latin feel
Finding Quality Sheet Music That Actually Works
Here’s the part where most pianists mess up…
They find random Disney sheet music from dodgy websites and wonder why it sounds all wrong or is impossible to play.
The truth is, sheet music is not the same quality. Ever.
Professional vs. Amateur Sheet Music Arrangements
When looking for disney sheet music, we recommend finding arrangements by professional musicians. These include:
- Keep the true feel of the song
- Properly notated and edited
- Helpful fingering suggestions
- Multiple difficulty levels
What to Look For in Quality Sheet Music
Quality Disney sheet music should:
- Clear notation – easy to read and well-spaced
- Accurate harmonies – listen to it and ensure it sounds like the movie version
- Correct level of difficulty – appropriate for your skill level
Tip for the pros: Many professional publishers release simplified versions of the same song. Start with the easy arrangement first and add to it as you improve your skills.
How Disney Music Teaches You Essential Piano Skills
I have a secret to tell you. Disney songs are actually piano technique boot camps. Each and every song teaches specific skills that carry over to your other playing.
Chord Progressions
Disney composers love chord progressions you’ll find in any popular music. Learn “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and you’ve just unlocked the progressions used in hundreds of other songs.
Emotional Expression
Here is the thing about Disney music, you cannot be inexpressive with Disney songs. You cannot play a Disney song like a robot and get away with it.
Disney songs push you to develop musical sensitivity and dynamic control.
Hand Coordination
Disney songs require your hands to do completely different things. The left hand has to do A while the right hand does Z. At the same time.
Making Piano Practice Fun Again
Piano practice is boring. Scales and piano exercises can feel like work after a while. Disney music fixes this problem, almost instantly. 47% of young musicians have reported wishing they could play the piano, and Disney songs are what inspire this desire in most individuals.
Working on Circle of Life or Moana has you not only playing piano, but also getting ready to recreate some of the most powerful musical moments in movie history. That is a motivation you cannot put a price on.
Here is something mind-blowing…
Disney songs make you sound better than you are. The melodies are so strong and recognizable that even basic arrangements sound impressive to a listener.
Getting Started with Your Disney Piano Adventure
Ready to take off? Here is your action plan:
- Pick something you love. If under the sea gets you smiling, that is your starting point. Choose passion over difficulty, always.
- Invest in professional sheet music. Your playing will sound infinitely better, and you’ll avoid forming bad habits.
- Start with simplified arrangements even if you are at an intermediate level. You can always add difficulty later on.
- Disney music is all about storytelling and emotional communication. Don’t sweat about technical accuracy – get the magic across.
Bringing the Magic Home
Disney piano music has an advantage that no other traditional exercises can match, the magic of joy.
The numbers never lie. Playing Disney music has the power to make people want to start learning the piano, get them playing and ultimately develop real musical skills, all while never making them feel like they are working.
Disney songs are perfect for beginner piano players and advanced pianists alike, adding to the Disney soundtrack to your musical journey.
Pull up that bench, crack open that sheet music and let the magic take you on your Disney piano journey. Your fingers might be playing the piano, but your heart will be soaring with the song.
Isn’t that cool?
Every Disney song you learn to play isn’t just another piece in your piano-playing journey, but a pathway to musical expression and joy you will feel with the piano for a lifetime.
