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[Western Music] Challenge Yourself with Piano and Vocals! Introducing Unforgettable Classics with Sheet Music

Accompanist / Piano InstructorYuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

Have you ever found yourself thinking, “It’d be so cool to casually do a sing-and-play performance in English…”?

In this article, we’ll introduce classic Western songs that are perfect for anyone wanting to try sing-and-play, along with sheet music that includes recommended accompaniment parts.

Songs in English can feel intimidating at first, but if you build up your practice in stages—start with just the bass line and vocals, then add right-hand chords once you’re comfortable—you may find you can master foreign songs more smoothly than you expect.

Use the performance videos as a reference, and take the plunge—give it a try!

[Western Music] Challenge Yourself with Piano and Vocals! Introducing Unforgettable Classics with Sheet Music (11–20)

Bridge over Troubled WaterSimon&Garfunkel

Bridge over troubled water – Simon & Garfunkel (Piano Cover by Emily Linge)

Bridge over Troubled WaterSimon&Garfunkel

http://www.print-gakufu.com

Simon & Garfunkel are a folk-rock duo emblematic of the 1960s.

Known as one of their signature works, this song expresses the friendship and love that help us get through difficult times.

Written in 1969, when America was in political and social turmoil, the piece offered hope and comfort to many.

It features a melody influenced by gospel music and lyrics that resonate deeply.

Beginning with a simple bass line in the left hand and gradually adding chords in the right, the song’s world steadily unfolds.

If you play it with a sense of compassion for someone, you’ll feel a deeper warmth.

Still beloved by many today, it remains a song that stays close to people’s hearts.

Raise the rankinglower

In conclusion

This time, we introduced some Western songs recommended for piano-vocal performances.

“Singing while playing” is by no means easy, but the comfort of controlling the accompaniment at your own singing tempo and in sync with your own breathing is one of the pleasures of piano-vocal performance that you can’t experience with karaoke.

In particular, when it comes to Western songs where fitting the words in can be tricky, you might actually find it easier to sing when you can perform at your own pace.

Set aside the notion that it’s difficult, and give piano-vocal renditions of Western songs a try!