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

Hansel and GretelDoitsu min’yō

Hansel and Gretel | Everyone’s Organ and Piano Book 2 (Yamaha)

This is a work handed down in Germany, based on the adventure story of a brother and sister who get lost in the forest.

Its charm lies in the exciting narrative combined with a lively melody, and the lyrics portray the siblings’ feelings as they summon courage to overcome hardships in the ominous woods.

It’s a perfect song for children who want to dive into the story’s world and become the characters themselves.

It was recorded on the album “Children’s Piano Album (Vol.

1)” in December 1998, and it has also been selected as a required piece for the 2024 PTNA Piano Grade Test.

With a structure where the left and right hands seem to tell different parts of the story, it’s recommended for children from age four who want to enjoyably develop their expressive abilities.

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!

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.

Toy Cha-Cha-ChaKoshibe Nobuyoshi

[Easy Piano] The Toy Cha-Cha-Cha

Nobuyoshi Koshibe, a shining star in the world of Japanese children’s songs.

One of his signature works is this “Omocha no Cha-Cha-Cha,” which depicts the nighttime adventures of adorable toys.

When children fall asleep, the toys leap out of their boxes and start dancing in a festive mood, all expressed with a lively rhythm.

The secret party woven by toy soldiers, French dolls, and animals is sure to spark children’s imaginations.

Born in 1959, this song became so popular that it was selected among the 100 Best Japanese Songs in 2007.

It’s perfect for a piano recital piece for four-year-olds, and its bright, cheerful atmosphere is sure to warm up the venue.

Do consider it as one of your options!

Carrying YouHisaishi Joe

Carrying You - 'Castle in the Sky' (Laputa) - Piano

Composer Joe Hisaishi has been responsible for the music in Studio Ghibli films for many years.

While his fantastical style might seem difficult, there are actually many simple pieces that even children can play.

This time, we’re introducing “Carrying You.” It’s one of the theme songs from the film Castle in the Sky and is characterized by its simplified accompaniment.

Since sheet music in various arrangements is available, it’s a good idea to choose a score that matches your child’s level and let them practice so they can enjoy performing it.

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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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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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