
This is the second of three posts highlighting some of my favorite sheet music piano solos for students.
These favorites lists are the result of a year-long focus in my studio, exploring the wide range of sheet music solos in publication. Check out this post if you want to read about the nine things I learned from that project.
Since I have quite a few to mention, I divided the list into three posts. Today I’ll be sharing favorite pieces at the Early Elementary, Elementary, and Late Elementary levels, including the reason I love them and a link where you can purchase them.
The first post featured Halloween-themed music, and the third will feature Early Intermediate, Intermediate, and Later Intermediate pieces.
Please note I am an affiliate in the Sheet Music Plus Easy Rebates program which simply means if you purchase any of these pieces using the links I provide, I will get a small percentage back without it costing you any extra.
Early Elementary

Dancing Drums by Joyce Grill
Why I love it: It’s in Aeolian (Natural Minor) tonality and has a really catchy beat.
I Like Bananas by Julie Knerr
Why I love it: A fun and silly piece that helps beginning students explore the range of the piano.
I Love Coffee from Piano Safari
Why I love it: A rote solo piece, I Love Coffee, is a theme with six variations. There is a multitude of fun ways to use this piece, both as a student solo and even in a small group.
In My Dreams By Jennifer Linn
Why I love it: It has a beautiful melody that seems to play around the tonic to start, then moves into a lovely contrasting B section.

Start Your Engines by Kevin Olson
Why I love it: Most early elementary pieces are catered to young children, but this one appeals to older students. I even had a 14-year-old boy who played and loved this piece.
It includes a B section where the student works on slowly accelerating (like a car) until the final three measures, where they play “as fast as they can,” culminating in a note cluster “crash” of the car.
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