[Childcare] A collection of recommended melodica (pianica) songs for 4-year-olds

The First StepSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

Music Concert [4-year-olds' Pianica Performance: From Backstage to the Main Show] (2023-02-25)

How about trying to play “Hajime no Ippo,” a song that’s also very popular as a kindergarten graduation tune, on the melodica? It’s fairly challenging, but it’s perfect to include as the culmination of the children’s melodica practice.

Since the piece itself is long, start by singing the solfege (do-re-mi) to firmly memorize the score.

The finger movements are quite large too, so divide it into parts and practice little by little.

By the time they can play it, the children will surely be brimming with confidence! Give it a try.

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your handsSakamoto Kyu

Scenes from music concert practice [3-year-olds ensemble; 4- and 5-year-olds on pianica] 2022-02-21

“If You’re Happy and You Know It” is a song you can enjoy by clapping your hands, stomping your feet, and expressing the concept of “happiness” through body language as you sing.

Its bright, positive feel is appealing, and it’s loved around the world across differences in race, language, and culture.

It’s definitely a song we’d like children to know.

As a practice piece for the melodica, it’s relatively challenging, so start by singing it with solfège and make sure to memorize the score well.

With steady practice, once they can play it, children are sure to experience a sense of confidence and achievement.

King Kamehameha of the Southern Islandssakushi: itō akira / sakkyoku: morita kōichi

[For 4-year-olds Ensemble] For Recital: “Hamehameha King of the Southern Island” — Melodica, Bells, Guiro, Maracas, Homemade Instruments, Plastic Bottles, Let’s Try It! Kindergarten, Nursery School, Percussion — Akiko Yamamoto

How about trying to play “The Great King Kamehameha of the Southern Islands,” a perfect song for hot summer days, on the melodica? The tempo is fast and the piece is fairly long, so have a teacher or adult play the main melody while the children limit themselves to just three notes—like C, E, and G—to match the melody.

With simple finger movements, everyone can play together, making it enjoyable even for beginners who’ve just started the melodica.

Not only that, you can make the most of the song’s charming, unique lyrics by singing the chorus out loud, shaking maracas to the sound of waves, and freely enjoying an ensemble in various ways.

It’s a tune that will get everyone excited and energized, so be sure to include it as a practice piece for the melodica.

The Clock SongSakushi: Tsutsui Keisuke / Sakkyoku: Murakami Taro

Easy Pianica Performance: “The Clock Song” — A tune even toddlers can play ☆ Tried it on a keyboard harmonica

The song “Tokei no Uta” vividly captures the clock’s long and short hands moving and ticking in rhythm.

How about practicing it in June to coincide with Time Day on June 10? Since the melody spans a wide range and the finger movements are complex, it’s recommended to introduce it once students are comfortable with the melodica.

In the lyrics, the long hand is described as the ‘adult hand’ and the short hand as the ‘child hand,’ so when playing on the melodica, it’s good to adjust your breath accordingly to express loud and soft dynamics for each part.

Mary’s lambsakushi, sakkyoku: sara heiru

Melodica “Mary Had a Little Lamb” … 4-year-olds (Elephant Class)

Often included in music textbooks, “Mary Had a Little Lamb” is an American nursery rhyme.

The title is one that’s likely to make children ask, “Who is Mary?” The song is said to have originated from a story about a girl named Mary Elizabeth Sawyer, who, at her brother’s suggestion, took her pet lamb to school, causing quite a commotion.

It’s a delightful, uniquely American episode.

This piece can be played using only the notes do, re, mi, and so, and because the melody repeats often, it’s perfect for children who have just started playing the melodica.

Since it’s a very short song, practice it over and over to master basic finger movements.

Momotarosakushi: fushō / sakkyoku: Okano Teiichi

Easy Pianica Performance: “Momotarō” — A Song Even Young Children Can Play ☆ Tried Playing It on a Keyboard Harmonica

Composed by Teiichi Okano, this piece is a lively children’s song inspired by a traditional Japanese folktale.

It sets the brave story of Momotaro to a march-like, rhythmic tune that makes for a fun performance.

The lyrics spark children’s imaginations, and the easy-to-remember melody is part of its charm.

More than a century after its 1911 release, it remains a beloved classic.

It’s perfect for music activities in preschools and kindergartens, and it’s also great to play on a melodica!

Smilesakushi: kitagawa yūjin / sakkyoku: kitagawa yūjin

Smile

Just by singing and dancing, this energetic song makes your heart flutter with excitement and fills you with happiness.

Written and composed by Yujin Kitagawa, it’s included on the album “Yuzu Smile,” released in July 2003.

With its bright, poppy melody and lyrics that convey a message of believing in the power of a smile, it’s beloved by a wide range of listeners, from children to adults.

It’s perfect for singing at a kindergarten entrance ceremony, and it would also be super cute to dance to with parents at events like sports days.

It’s a wonderful song that brings smiles to everyone!