[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] A selection of recommended pieces for piano recitals! (21–30)
Waltz of the FlowersPyotr Tchaikovsky
When it comes to the ballet music The Nutcracker, it’s such a classical masterpiece that hardly anyone hasn’t heard of it! In addition to a concert suite arranged by Pyotr Tchaikovsky himself, it is performed in a variety of instruments and ensembles, including piano solo and four hands.
In particular, the charming and approachable Waltz of the Flowers is widely loved, adopted in children’s teaching materials, and popular as a recital piece.
The triple meter may seem simple, but it can be tricky to get the hang of.
Try creative practice methods—such as feeling the beat with hand claps—and shape it into a light, graceful waltz.
AllegrettoCornelius Gurlitt
Cornelius Gurlitt, a German composer.
Many of his works are charming and bright, making them perfect repertoire for recitals by children who have only recently started learning piano.
This piece, too, is characteristically Gurlitt: elegant and cheerful.
It’s very short, which makes it an appealing challenge.
The title “Allegretto” means “a little fast,” so be careful not to rush as the tempo increases.
Try performing it while paying attention to the triple meter and musical markings such as slurs and crescendos.
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.
Holiday in ParisWilliam Gillock
This piece was composed by William Gillock, known in the classical music world as the “Schubert of children’s composers.” His works do not require advanced technique, yet they captivate with beautiful melodies and distinctive harmonies.
Born in 1917, Gillock showed an interest in the piano from the age of three and went on to compose more than 300 educational piano pieces.
His styles range widely from Romantic to jazz, and his appeal crosses borders, earning particular popularity in Japan and Germany.
This work is notable for its lively character that evokes the atmosphere of Paris.
Because it can become slippery if your fingers aren’t well controlled, it’s perfect for practicing finger independence and a supple wrist.
It’s also ideal as a recital piece, so be sure to give it a try.
Dance and SongNakata Yoshinao
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.
Come, let’s dance the waltz.William Gillock
William Gillock, the great American composer, excelled at writing pieces that sound impressive despite not requiring advanced technique.
He’s a familiar name even to beginning pianists.
Among his works, “Shall We Dance a Waltz?” is one I especially recommend.
Both the accompaniment and the main melody are very simple, making it perfect for helping children internalize the waltz rhythm.
It also makes a strong impression in performance, so consider it as a piece for a piano recital.
March of the DwarfsMartha Mier
This piece is from the collection “Piano—All by Myself, Piano—Together” by American composer Martha Mier, a set of approachable pieces that let you enjoy learning the basics of piano technique.
In this short piece of under a minute, you’ll find a variety of expressions of a ‘kobito’—a cute yet slightly mysterious little sprite.
Use the accents in the right-hand melody to bring out the kobito’s mischievousness.
For the left-hand staccato, keep the rhythm precise while taking care not to make it too heavy.