What are some modern beginner piano songs?

I am a beginner at piano. I am not moving my hands side to side yet. What "normal" songs could I play?

• I am taking piano lessons and I am a beginner. I am not yet picking up my handa and moving them side to side. I hate always playing little kiddie songs. Are there any "normal" songs (ever on radio station of any kind) I can try to learn to play or that I should be able to try soon? I need to find something to get my interest or look forward to playing soon. I'm female, but I don't care if the song is meant for a male. I really appreciate any help you can give me! Thanks!

• Answer:

  You need to get a finger technique book and train your fingers with repetition of the exercises. It's boring and rote, but absolutely necessary if you want to improve. Getting better is not a walk in the park. In other words, there's no song that can automatically turn you into an accomplished pianist. As for moving hands sideways, scales and arpeggios are your friend (forward, backward, both hands in sync, both hands going the opposite direction in sync, major, minor, more than one octave). Add the exercises on top of that and you'll be set. For physical improvement, just watch other pianists. You'll notice that the energy flows down the arm, through the wrist, then the fingers like a river would (i.e. no sloppy wrists and no wrists pointed up, your wrists should be straight and your elbows slightly higher, correct bench height and posture can ensure that). Edit... I left out one little trick if you are a beginner. My first lesson with a good teacher was learning to just hit one key properly. For a whole hour. Beginners hands are week, so you provide backup by putting the thumb behind the hitting finger until you develop strength. Never, ever use flat fingers. Hopefully you are using a real piano, instead of a keyboard with no "weight" behind the keys.