[For 4-year-olds] Recommended pieces for a piano recital!

Burgmüller 25 Etudes, Op. 100 No. 1 “La candeur” (A Candid Heart)Johann Burgmüller

Burgmüller: 25 Etudes, No. 1 La Candeur – Classical Piano – CANACANA

This is the first piece from Johann Burgmüller’s renowned piano etude collection, 25 Études faciles et progressives.

The flowing melody in the right hand feels as if a pure heart has turned directly into song—truly lovely.

With the gentle left-hand chords supporting it, children will find it easy to grasp the character of the piece.

Composed in December 1851, it’s now even used as a train departure chime, so you’ve likely heard it before.

It’s a perfect choice for a recital by a child around four years old who wants to express their feelings through the piano.

It also helps practice smooth finger movement, so let’s enjoy adding it to your repertoire!

Piano Pieces for Children ‘Rhythm of the Rainbow’ 1. The Dandelion Took FlightHirayoshi Takeshu

Takemichi Hirayoshi / Rainbow Rhythm 1. The Dandelion Flew / Performance: Asuka Sakuma

Takeshi Hiraoyoshi, a great composer who created many masterpieces—particularly choral works and solo pieces for children—has left a lasting legacy.

“For Children: Piano Pieces ‘Rainbow Rhythm’ No.

1: The Dandelion Took Flight” is one of his signature works and is frequently performed at piano recitals.

While a sense of rhythm can be developed, it is also an area where natural talent makes a significant difference.

This piece is ideal for training that rhythmic sense, with a clearly defined, lively pulse throughout.

It’s best to let the student enjoy playing while keeping a special focus on executing the left-hand rhythm accurately.

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Ryo

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Minuet in G major, K. 1 (K6 1e), from the Nannerl NotebookWolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mozart Menuet No.1 K.1 (TAKE 1) 1st Composition 5 YEARS OLD

An elegant minuet that the young Mozart wrote for his sister, Maria Anna Mozart.

In G major and triple meter, this piece is characterized by its straightforward melody.

Structured in an ABA ternary form with 8-bar repeats, it’s an approachable work free of stiffness.

Composed in Salzburg between December 1761 and January 1762, it displays a level of musical construction and expressiveness that seems remarkable for a five-year-old.

With its simple yet beautiful melody and clear structure, it’s recommended for beginners at the piano or those looking to try Mozart’s music.

Its unpretentious atmosphere and rhythmic charm make it an ideal piece for taking a first step into classical music.

Waltz of Hansel and GretelTamaru Nobuaki

Waltz of Hansel and Gretel

This is a charming waltz that feels like the well-known brother and sister from the Grimm fairy tales are holding hands and dancing in the forest.

The piece appears in the text Piano Dream 3, published in May 1998, and its appeal lies in how it invites you to play while imagining a story.

The buoyant triple meter seems to express the excitement of discovering a house made of sweets.

Because it’s easy to grasp the imagery of the piece, it’s perfect for a four-year-old who wants to express their feelings through music.

It would be wonderful to play it with the feeling of becoming the story’s protagonist and enjoy the performance.

Small WorldThe Sherman Brothers

It's a Small World [Easy Piano] Pianon Pippi

Popular as a piece for piano recitals, “It’s a Small World” is a great choice for beginners—you can fully enjoy the character of the song with just a few notes.

Unlike other tunes that became famous as songs in films or anime, this piece was composed by the Sherman Brothers, who are songwriters, specifically for a new Disney attraction.

The right-hand melody flows in a way that makes finger movement easy, and with a simple arrangement in the left hand, you can play it with almost no position shifts.

If you want to experience the world of Disney music on the piano, why not start with this piece?

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yuri

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My Neighbor TotoroHisaishi Joe

Piano recital ♫ I wonder if Sakurako-chan will do well. My Neighbor Totoro. Nervous and excited.

Joe Hisaishi is a Japanese composer who has worked on Studio Ghibli films and created numerous famous pieces.

He’s an extremely popular composer known even by those who aren’t familiar with classical or piano music.

Among Hisaishi’s works, one piece I recommend for preschoolers’ recitals is “My Neighbor Totoro.” Its lively, upbeat character is memorable, and because it moves along briskly at a steady tempo, it’s easy to perform even for children who have just started learning.

Furthermore, while it’s approachable, it also provides practice in feeling off-beats, making it a valuable experience for those aiming to step up their skills.

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Ryo

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Habanera on a Summer NightHirayoshi Takeshu

[Recommended for Piano Recitals] Summer Night Habanera ♪ Takekuni Hirayoshi / Summer Night Habanera, Takekuni Hirayoshi

This captivating piece weaves passionate traditional Cuban rhythms with striking melodies.

Over a quietly pulsing, heartbeat-like rhythm in the bass, a brilliant melody unfolds at a relaxed pace.

Like moonlight floating in the night, it carries a beautiful, mysterious aura, offering performers ample room to showcase their sensitivity and expressive range.

Premiered in 1996, it is written for advanced players yet possesses a rich resonance that enchants audiences.

Its graceful melody and dynamic development leave a strong impression, lending it the dignity and brilliance befitting the finale of a recital.

As a work that fully draws out the piano’s expressive potential, it is recommended for upper elementary students who are confident in their performance technique.