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

Children’s Album, Volume 1: “Album of My Boyhood,” No. 5: EtudeAram Khachaturian

[Piano Recital Recommendation] Etude ♪ Khachaturian / Etude, Khachaturian

This striking 1-minute 30-second miniature, notable for its staccato, has long been loved as a piece that children can enjoy performing.

Its lively rhythm and simple yet emotionally rich melody create a musical world that beautifully blends Armenian folk color.

While it demands good balance between the hands and rhythmic precision, it is full of charm that captivates audiences in recitals.

Written in C major and 4/4 time, it is recommended for those who want to develop their sense of rhythm and finger independence, as well as for those eager to take on an expressive work that incorporates elements of folk music.

Babayaga Op. 39-20Pyotr Tchaikovsky

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

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

This work vividly depicts in music the tale of a mysterious witch who lives in a hut standing on chicken legs and travels in a flying mortar—an irresistibly engaging story for children.

With a melody line featuring rapid ascending and descending scales and wide leaps, along with unstable harmonies, it skillfully conveys the witch’s eeriness and enigmatic movements.

Composed in 1878, its fast tempo and vivid descriptive power brim with immediacy, letting listeners relish the thrill of the narrative.

Rich in expression and drama, this piece is also perfect for a child’s piano recital or as an encore.

A recommended classic for those who wish to cultivate imagination through music.

Children’s Album, Volume 1, “Picture Book of Boyhood”: No. 7, Hobbyhorse (Cavalry)Aram Khachaturian

Wooden Horse (Khachaturian – Childhood Photograph)

This charming piano miniature is filled with children’s playfulness and spirit of adventure.

Depicting scenes of kids riding a rocking horse and playing cavalry, it is characterized by a light, rhythmic style.

Incorporating elements of Armenian folk music, its distinctive rhythms and melodies lend it a subtly mystical atmosphere.

Composed in 1926, the piece is brief—about 1 minute and 10 seconds—yet captivating for its rich expressiveness.

It’s perfect for piano recitals and competitions, leaving listeners with a warm impression.

Highly recommended not only for those who want to develop their sense of rhythm and expressive ability, but also for nurturing children’s imagination.

Dance and SongNakata Yoshinao

[Recommended Piano Recital Piece] A Dance and Song ♫ Yoshinao Nakada

This is a solo piano piece that begins with light 5/8-meter staccato and syncopation.

Rhythmic, dance-like elements alternate with an elegant singing melody, vividly capturing the exhilaration of a summer night and its serene afterglow.

Composed during the mature period of the composer, who served as a lecturer at Kobe Yamate Women’s Junior College in 1993, it is one of the most popular tracks among the 24 pieces included in the album “Children’s Dreams.” While incorporating Japanese-style elements, it possesses a universal appeal and is highly regarded as a recital repertoire.

It is recommended for those aiming to level up while enjoying piano performance, as it allows players to savor the beauty of melody and harmony while honing both technical skills and expressive depth.

Oni and FairyCatherine Rollin

Lorin Piano Course Repertoire 1: Perfect for your very first recital after starting piano. Introducing 7 recommended pieces!

Composer Catherine Rollin, who is also highly regarded as a music educator.

If you’re a beginner, you’ve probably tried one of Rollin’s pieces at least once.

Among her works, the one I especially recommend is “Goblins and Fairies.” It carries the essence of the Romantic style and makes a strong impression in performance.

Because the hands are positioned somewhat far apart, it may be a bit challenging for a four-year-old, but it’s definitely a piece worth attempting.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

TulipInoue Takeshi

At my first piano recital: preschooler — Tulips, Frog Song, and The Raccoon of Knuckle Mountain @YUKI

Takeshi Inoue is a Japanese composer who has created numerous children’s songs.

Among his works, “Tulips” is his most famous piece.

Its difficulty on the piano is very low, making it suitable even for beginners and young children.

It’s an excellent choice for a first piano recital.

The arrangement shown in the video is approachable even if you’re not yet comfortable using both hands, and because the piece is catchy, it also sounds impressive.

Be sure to check it out.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Buzz buzz buzzBohemia min’yo

Bun Bun Bun / Piano Duet

Up to now I’ve mainly introduced solo pieces, but here I’d like to present a duet.

It’s “Bun Bun Bun,” a Bohemian folk song well known in Japan.

The key point for this piece as a duet is that the primo part is very easy.

The secondo features some moderately fast arpeggios, so it may be difficult for a four-year-old to play, but the primo part is extremely simple.

It can be played with one hand, making it suitable even for absolute beginners.

It’s a must-check piece for parents and children planning to perform together at a piano recital.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem