[For 5-year-olds] A curated selection of recommended pieces for a piano recital!

castanetWilliam Gillock

[Recommended for Piano Recitals] Castanets ♫ Gillock / Castanets, Gillock

Castanets, included in American composer William Gillock’s Piano Pieces Collection 1, is a cool piece with an exotic flavor.

The key to this piece is the repeated chord accompaniment.

How lightly and rhythmically you can play the repeated chords that appear in both hands will determine the overall character of the music.

In the freer, cadenza-like section in the latter half, your expressive ability is put to the test, so it’s best to have a concrete image in mind and play the undulating melody with a slightly tenacious, lingering touch.

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Waltz of the FlowersPyotr Tchaikovsky

Tchaikovsky — The Nutcracker: “Waltz of the Flowers” — Piano — Age 5

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.

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AllegrettoCornelius Gurlitt

[Recommended for piano recitals] Allegretto ♪ Gurlitt / Allegretto, 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.

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HATSUMI

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Holiday in ParisWilliam Gillock

[2018 Student Piano Competition: Gold Prize] (Age 7) Paris Holiday, 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.

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!

Midnight OwlWilliam Gillock

[Piano Recital Recommendation] Owl at Midnight ♪ Gillock / Owl at Midnight, Gillock

How about a slightly mysterious piece composed by William Gillock, a leading figure in music education? It conjures up the image of owls glowing-eyed and gliding quietly through a midnight forest—a piece with a cool, atmospheric vibe.

Because it easily inspires storytelling, it will draw out rich expressiveness from the performer.

The gradual crescendos and the contrast between staccato and legato create a captivating effect that sets listeners’ hearts racing.

This work is also a staple in the PTNA Piano Step program and is perfect for four-year-old children who want to step into the role of a story’s protagonist.

March of the DwarfsMartha Mier

Dwarfs’ March / Martha Mier – First Recital – Imabari City Mika Piano School – First Grade

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.

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HATSUMI

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