[For 5-year-olds] A curated selection of recommended pieces for a piano recital!
Five-year-olds are starting to do more on their own and are becoming interested in reading and writing letters and numbers.
I usually teach piano and also work with children in the senior kindergarten class who are turning five.
They often get curious about the titles of different pieces, and after recitals they’ll share their impressions of their friends’ performances, saying things like, “〇〇-chan’s piece was so cool!”
This time, I’ve picked out pieces that are perfect for a five-year-old’s piano recital.
To match each child’s preferences, I’ll introduce a variety of recommended works with different moods—lively pieces, brilliant showpieces, and gentle, lyrical selections.
Please use these ideas as a reference for your next recital.
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[For 5-year-olds] Handpicked Recommended Pieces for Piano Recitals! (11–20)
Grandfather’s ClockHenry Clay Work
“My Grandfather’s Clock,” an American popular song that is also well-loved in Japan as a children’s song, features a simple, repeating melody that makes it approachable even for beginner pianists.
The right hand follows the familiar vocal melody, while the left hand can create a variety of atmospheres depending on the arrangement.
Start with single notes, and as you become more comfortable, try versions like the provided sheet music: using chords, broken chords (arpeggios), or adding a bit of rhythm for a pop feel.
Challenge yourself with different versions as your playing improves.
strollJoe Hisaishi
Even decades after the 1988 release of the animated film My Neighbor Totoro, its opening theme “Sanpo” remains a staple and an immovably popular choice for recitals.
The cry of “I want to play Totoro!” from students has become a familiar refrain for piano teachers.
Since a variety of arrangements are available for purchase, it’s easy to find sheet music suited to each level, making it ideal to let each student play from music that matches their abilities.
Fairy’s HarpJohn S Thompson
John S.
Thompson is one of the composers who helped shape modern American music.
He wrote many works for children, and his pieces are still frequently performed at piano recitals today.
This time, we would like to introduce The Fairy Harp from Thompson’s works.
There is a section where the hands cross, which some children may find challenging, but it serves as good practice for playing a variety of piano pieces in the future.
It’s also helpful to work on finger independence and a supple wrist so the music can be performed smoothly, like a harp.
Birthday MarchLouis Köhler
A charming piece that’s perfect for a first recital and is included in many children’s piano collections! Louis Köhler’s “Birthday March” is simple and easy to remember, yet it’s packed with important elements for piano study, such as chord staccatos and smooth legato in the melody.
Another appeal of this piece is the wide range of dynamics you can explore—from lively passages to softly played sections.
Imagine a birthday surprise as you perform, and bring the music to life with expressive playing.
He is the pirate.Klaus Badelt/Hans Zimmer
Klaus Badelt is a film score composer from Germany, born in 1967.
He is known for his collaborations with Hans Zimmer and worked on the music for the Pirates of the Caribbean series.
The work is extremely popular as a movie theme, characterized by a valiant melody and a powerful, thrilling sound.
As energetic music that symbolizes the world of adventure and pirates, it leaves a strong impression on listeners.
It expresses the excitement of the film, a spirit of adventure, and the pirates’ free-spirited nature, making it a perfect piece for a 5-year-old’s piano recital.
Once the performer feels more comfortable, it would be good to increase the tempo.
Give a lively performance and get the audience excited!
Piano Pieces for Children ‘Rhythm of the Rainbow’ 1. The Dandelion Took FlightHirayoshi Takeshu
Takashi Hiraoyoshi is a great composer who has created many masterpieces, focusing on choral and solo works for children.
“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 certainly be developed, it is also an area where natural ability makes a significant difference.
This piece is ideal for training rhythmic sense, with well-defined rhythms throughout.
It’s best to encourage students to enjoy playing it while consciously keeping the left-hand rhythm precise.
[For 5-year-olds] A selection of recommended pieces for piano recitals! (21–30)
Waltz of Hansel and GretelTamaru Nobuaki
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.