For 2nd Grade Elementary School Students: Must-Play Pieces for Piano Recitals! Recommended Masterpieces & Famous Songs
Choosing pieces for a piano recital can be a real challenge for teachers, students, and parents alike.
“I want to play a piece I love, but is it too hard?” “I don’t have a specific piece I want to play, but if I don’t like it, I won’t be motivated to practice!” With situations like these, selecting a piece often becomes difficult.
In this article, we’ve picked out the best recommendations—balanced for character and level—for a piano recital featuring children around the second grade of elementary school.
If you’re struggling to choose a recital piece, we hope this helps!
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[For 2nd Grade Elementary Students] Pieces You’ll Want to Play at a Piano Recital! Recommended Masterpieces & Famous Songs (21–30)
Für EliseLudwig van Beethoven
A famous work by Ludwig van Beethoven, the German master whom every pianist admires at least once.
Written in April 1810, this piece resonates in the heart with its wistful, beautiful melody.
It begins with a gentle, conversational, and calm theme that instantly captivates the listener.
However, the mood changes dramatically in the middle section, revealing a touch of mature passion and dramatic intensity.
It’s as if a straightforward heart crosses paths with the desire to act grown-up.
Perfect for elementary and middle school students who want to challenge themselves with rich emotional expression and play the piano as if spinning a story.
Imagine the changes in feeling from scene to scene, and perform with expressive nuance!
On the Bridge of Avignonfuransu min’yō
A French folk song that symbolizes France’s rich culture.
Believed to have originated around the 15th century, this piece is based on the Saint-Bénézet Bridge in Avignon, southern France.
It features a bright, lively rhythm, with lyrics that depict the movements of various people dancing on the bridge.
In reality, however, it seems the dancing took place on the riverbank because the bridge was too narrow.
It’s best to play the left-hand accompaniment as lightly as possible to convey the sense of dancing and fun.
With its short and simple style, it’s perfect for children who have just started learning piano.
Performed at a piano recital, it’s sure to fill the venue with a cheerful, joyful atmosphere.
For 2nd Graders in Elementary School: Pieces You’ll Want to Play at Your Piano Recital! Recommended Masterpieces & Famous Songs (31–40)
Carrying YouHisaishi Joe
Composer Joe Hisaishi has been responsible for the music in Studio Ghibli works for many years.
“Carrying You” is known as the theme song for the 1986 film Castle in the Sky.
It’s an indispensable piece for the film’s climax and is closely tied to its romantic themes.
Since sheet music in various arrangements has been published, it would be nice to choose a version suited to your child’s level.
Expressing the pursuit of dreams, this piece is sure to resonate deeply with children.
Cute AugustineDoitsu min’yō
This folk song, born in 17th-century Vienna, has a bright and lively melody despite the tragic backdrop of the plague.
Modeled on the supposedly real musician Marx Augustin, it humorously portrays a protagonist who has lost everything to the plague.
Its memorable triple meter and lyrics that symbolize people’s strength in accepting tragedy are likely why it has been loved for so many years.
Today, it is widely embraced as a children’s song and used as a teaching material in music education.
It’s a piece that combines history and charm—perfect for a second-grade recital.
The ClownsWilliam Gillock
The work “Clowns” by William Gillock, an American music educator who left many piano pieces for children, is a popular piece that captures the hearts of many children with its lively melody.
Although it may seem simple at first glance, its rich accents and rhythmic changes make it a fun challenge for young performers.
When practicing, pay attention to hand position shifts and subtle chord changes while keeping the rhythm precise.
It’s also recommended to imagine specific scenes—such as the playful movements of clowns and the delighted audience watching them—so that the piece’s cheerful atmosphere comes through in your performance.
Heaven and HellJacques Offenbach
A masterpiece operetta by 19th-century French composer Jacques Offenbach.
Premiered in Paris in October 1858, it has remained beloved around the world ever since.
Based on ancient Greek mythology, its appeal lies in a distinctive interpretation infused with satire and humor.
In Japan, it’s familiar as a staple tune at school sports days.
Start at a slow tempo, and as you get the hang of it, gradually speed up.
Even those not accustomed to classical music can enjoy this highly entertaining piece—why not try performing it at your next recital?
SumireStreabbog
“Violet,” composed by Streabbog, a composer born in 1835 who left more than 1,200 piano pieces, is a recital staple beloved by many piano learners for its soothing melody.
Characterized by an elegant, memorable tune and a soft, gentle waltz rhythm, this piece allows students to enjoyably develop fundamental piano technique while deepening musical expression.
While it’s easy to focus on the melody, playing the left hand lightly is essential to achieve a charming atmosphere.
Practice each hand carefully, ensuring the left-hand accompaniment can be played accurately.