Teaching Piano Chord Progressions with Pop Songs

Chord Progressions are the ingredients to music, but sometimes practicing them in drill like fashion can be a bit boring.  But accompanying familiar songs can get students asking to play them for fun!  I compiled a list of familiar melodies that include the primary chords.

I start with a  I-IV-I-V-I pattern, and once students become familiar with that I have them listen for the change up in the order of chords in songs that include the same chords but don't follow the pattern exactly.  Lyric sheets on Ultimate Guitar Tabs provide are helpful in providing the order of the chords.

Pop Songs with Easy Chord Progressions in C, F and G Major

C Major
Kiss the Girl (Little Mermaid)
I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ
Down on the Corner
Lava (Pixar short)  - Can you figure out the different order of I, IV and V chords?
Challenge: Try Everything (Zootopia) - Play and sing in C, than transpose to Db to play with the video.

F Major
The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Hey Jude (Beetles) (start at 50 seconds)
Can You Feel the Love Tonight (Beginning)

G Major
Can You Feel the Love Tonight (2nd Half)

After students have mastered the primary chords, I introduce the vi chord with a songs of the students choice that use the most famous 4 chords.  Lyric sheets on Ultimate Guitar Tabs  and Hook Theory Chord Progressions are helpful in providing the order of the chords for many familiar songs although parental supervision is advised on these sites as some song covers may not be suitable for children.