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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- [Disney Songs] Pick-up of Classic Pieces a 6-Year-Old Would Love to Play at a Piano Recital
- For Preschoolers to Elementary School Children: Challenging Piano Pieces — A Curated Selection from Competition Repertoire
- [For 5-year-olds] A curated selection of recommended pieces for a piano recital!
- [For Piano Recitals] Simple yet Cool Classical Pieces
For 2nd Grade Elementary Students: Pieces You’ll Want to Play at a Piano Recital! Recommended Masterpieces & Famous Songs (1–10)
clownDimitri Kabalevsky
Dmitry Kabalevsky, a prominent modern Russian composer who produced many pieces for children.
When people in Japan hear “Clowns,” they often think of “Galop of the Comedians,” which is frequently used as background music at school sports days.
However, the piece here is “Clowns” from the collection “24 Pieces for Children, Easy Pieces,” composed in 1944 and published the following year.
It features a melody that shifts chromatically through accidentals and a lively left-hand accompaniment that makes use of staccato.
Though short, it is striking and perfect for recitals.
Rather than merely following the notes, try playing it while enjoying the way the music unfolds and changes from moment to moment.
CanonJohann Pachelbel
Johann Pachelbel’s signature work, Canon, by the German composer, is a classical masterpiece that continues to captivate people around the world with its beautiful harmonies.
Although originally written for three violins and basso continuo, it is beloved in many instrumental arrangements and is frequently performed at piano recitals.
Its simple yet moving melody resonates deeply even with young children.
When practicing, focus on the horizontal flow and aim to connect the notes smoothly.
TarantellaWilliam Gillock
William Gillock’s Tarantella is a perfect piece for early elementary piano students.
It uses the rhythm of the dynamic southern Italian dance, the tarantella, allowing players to develop finger agility and a sense of rhythm while having fun.
To bring out the full charm of the piece, aim for as fast a tempo as you can manage.
Focus on precise rhythm and use a metronome to gradually increase the speed so you can play evenly articulated notes even at a brisk tempo.
magicianWilliam Gillock
William Gillock’s “The Magician” is a charming piece that, while light and playful in character, demands both expressiveness and technique from the performer.
In particular, the harmony woven by the rhythmic left-hand accompaniment and the right-hand melody makes it perfect for helping children discover both the fun and the depth of piano playing.
By preparing this piece for a recital, they can naturally develop a sense of rhythm and musical expression.
It’s an ideal selection for children who want to stand out on stage and, above all, enjoy playing the piano.
Impromptu of the WindNakata Yoshinao
One track included in the album “Children’s Dreams” is striking for its refreshing melody that feels like a breeze passing through.
Its light, flowing, and free melodic line is pleasing to the ear, and the use of glissando adds a captivating touch that shines in recitals.
This 1-minute-20-second miniature blends graceful phrases with delicate touch, fully drawing out the piano’s expressive power.
Selected as a required piece for the Grade C category of the 2011 PTNA Piano Competition, it’s recommended for those who want to refine their technique while savoring the joy of music.
With natural fingerings that consider different hand sizes, it’s designed so anyone can enjoy playing it.
glass slipperWilliam Gillock
William Gillock’s “Glass Slippers” is a lovely piece designed to help lower-elementary students become familiar with the world of piano.
By working on this piece, which has a simple melody and structure, students can learn the joy of playing while also developing technical fundamentals and musical expression.
If you practice with careful attention to accents and a sense of rhythm, and also focus on finger movement and pedal use, you can naturally acquire essential piano techniques and performance skills.
Dance and SongNakata Yoshinao
This is a captivating solo piano piece woven from two elements: “Dance” and “Song.” Rhythmic, Japanese-style melodies blend beautifully with a gentle singing quality, creating an evocative work that conjures scenes of a summer night.
The invigorating “Dance” section, brimming with mixed meter in 5/8 and syncopation, alternates with the “Song” section, sung over graceful harmonies, holding the listener’s heart throughout.
It’s recommended for those seeking a family-friendly recital piece or wishing to deepen rhythm study while valuing a Japanese aesthetic.
With thoughtful use of staccato and pedaling, performers can further broaden expressive range, making it a rewarding work to learn.