[Piano Recital] Carefully Selected Masterpieces and Popular Pieces Recommended for 3rd Grade Elementary School Students!

Waltz No. 6 in D-flat major, Op. 64 No. 1 “Minute Waltz” (“Little Dog Waltz”)Frederic Chopin

Chopin: Waltz No. 6 “Minute Waltz” in D-flat major, Op. 64-1 / Kippei Kuniyasu (46th Prize Winners’ Memorial Concert, Category B [Gold Prize])

Frederic Chopin’s Waltz No.

6 in D-flat major, Op.

64-1, is a perennially popular piece for recitals.

Affectionately known as the “Minute Waltz” or “Little Dog Waltz,” it is said to be an improvisatory work depicting the scene of George Sand’s pet dog—Chopin’s lover’s dog—spinning in circles as it chases its tail.

Its light, playful melody continues to capture hearts across generations.

Playing with the image of a puppy’s cute movements in mind will help children further refine both their technique and their musical sensitivity.

Sonatina in C major, Op. 36 No. 1Muzio Clementi

Sonatine in C major, Op. 36-1 (Clementi)

A work for piano learners by the Italian composer Muzio Clementi, published in 1797.

It consists of a lively and energetic first movement, a gentle and lyrical second movement, and a rhythmic and spirited third movement.

Despite its simple structure, it is ideal for learning fundamental piano technique.

Written in bright, approachable C major, it’s a beloved piece that lets performers enjoy the act of playing.

Clementi, often called the “Father of the Piano,” was a composer who made major contributions to the development of piano music.

This work strongly reflects his role as an educator and is perfect for anyone studying the piano.

You don’t have to play all the movements—give it a try!

Piano Sonata No. 16, K. 545, First MovementWolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mao Fujita performs Mozart’s Piano Sonata in C Major No. 16, K. 545 – Verbier Festival 2021

Mozart, who left a brilliant legacy in the world of classical music.

Among his works, this piece is said to have been written for beginners, yet its lively rhythm and beautiful melody embody Mozart’s timeless charm.

It begins in the bright key of C major and is characterized by an accompaniment known as the Alberti bass.

For many people learning piano, it is one of the first sonatas they encounter, making it ideal for building foundational skills—recommended even for upper elementary students.

But beyond basic technique, it is a wonderful piece that conveys rich musical expression, so by all means, give it a try.

glass slipperWilliam Gillock

[Recommended for Piano Recitals] The Glass Slipper ♪ Gillock / The Glass Slipper, Gillock

William Gillock’s Glass Slippers is a lovely piece designed to help lower elementary school children become familiar with the world of piano.

By working on this piece, which features a simple melody and structure, students can learn the joy of playing while also building technical fundamentals and musical expression.

If they practice with careful attention to accents and a sense of rhythm, as well as to finger movement and pedal use, they will be able to naturally acquire essential piano techniques and performance skills.

Sonatina No. 10, Op. 36-4, First MovementMuzio Clementi

Sonatina Album No. 10 / Clementi Op. 36-4: First Movement

Opening with the indication con spirito (lively), this piece is characterized by a light and cheerful tone.

Set in F major and in triple meter, it has a rhythmic structure and a performance time of about 2 minutes and 30 seconds, making it one of the more approachable works in sonatina form.

In the exposition, a first theme featuring repeated bass notes contrasts with a brisk second theme built on staccato and dialogue-like elements.

In the development, these themes are explored in varied ways using techniques such as inversion and repetition, and in the recapitulation the themes from the exposition return with slight modifications.

For piano students, it is a highly valuable piece not only for improving technique but also for cultivating musical expression.

Babayaga Op. 39-20Pyotr Tchaikovsky

La sorcière Op.39-20 P.I. Tchaikovsky Baba Yaga (The Witch) Tchaikovsky

This is a masterpiece created by a Russian composer devoted to nurturing children’s hearts through music.

The work vividly portrays, in sound, the tale of a mysterious witch who lives in a hut standing on chicken legs and travels in a flying mortar—captivating children’s imaginations.

With a melodic line that includes rapid ascending and descending scales and wide leaps, along with unstable harmonic sonorities, it skillfully conveys the witch’s eeriness and enigmatic movements.

Composed in 1878, its brisk tempo and richly descriptive power brim with immediacy, letting listeners savor the story’s excitement.

Brimming with expressive nuance and drama, this piece is perfect for a child’s piano recital or as an encore.

A recommended classic for anyone who wishes to foster imagination through music.

Etude AllegroNakata Yoshinao

[Recommended for Piano Recitals] Etude Allegro ♫ Yoshinao Nakada / Etude Allegro, Yoshinao Nakada

One of the pieces composed by Yoshinao Nakada for children, Etude Allegro is a lively and cheerful work packed with Nakada’s originality and technical elements.

In particular, the glissandos in the piece are sure to spark children’s enthusiasm for performing.

The flow from the songful middle section back to the bubbly main theme conveys a meticulously crafted sense of narrative.

With its variety of timbres, dynamic contrasts, and shifts in character—elements essential for piano study—it’s an excellent piece to try at a recital.