[For 6-year-olds] A curated selection of standout pieces for piano recitals!

A Small SongCornelius Gurlitt

Little Song (Gurlitt) Children's Music Recital (Recommended for Beginner Piano Recitals)

A popular piece for piano recitals, “Little Song.” Although Khachaturian also has a piece with the same title, the one introduced here is by Gurlitt.

This work is a short piece included in the collection “Children’s Music Party,” and as the title suggests, it’s composed to be very easy—suitable even for young children.

The tempo markings and use of both hands are very simple, but with this kind of piece the left-hand accompaniment tends to get too loud, causing the right-hand melody to be overshadowed.

Learning to play the accompaniment more softly to bring out the melody is a crucial skill for future piano playing, making this an ideal foundation to build from around age six.

For recitals, adding more dynamics and phrasing will make it even better.

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Ryo

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glass slipperWilliam Gillock

[Recommended for Piano Recitals] The Glass Slipper ♪ Gillock / The Glass Slipper, Gillock

William Gillock, a composer famed for his beautiful melodic sense to the point of being called the Schubert of music education.

Gillock’s style avoids advanced technique and instead brings out each piece’s charm through rich expression, which is why his works frequently appear as assignments for beginners.

This time we introduce “The Glass Slippers.” It’s perfect as a first waltz for a six-year-old, so why not give it a try?

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Ryo

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Chase the mysteryJuhara Ryoko

Chase the Mystery / Ryoko Kihara R. Kihara [Recommended for Piano Recitals]

A piece characterized by a mysterious, thrilling atmosphere.

Its storyline-like structure, which unfolds gradually from a suspenseful introduction, creates a sense of immersion reminiscent of game or anime background music.

Though only about the difficulty level of completing Beyer, it skillfully weaves in rhythmic changes and harmonic progressions, resulting in a work that shines on stage.

Included in the album “Piano Land 5: Sing and Play with Your Teacher” and published by Ongaku No Tomo Sha in February 1992, this piece is beloved for allowing performers to express the music as if telling a story.

Highly recommended for those who want to perform at recitals or competitions.

With a powerful performance, it is sure to captivate the audience.

Birthday MarchLouis Köhler

"Birthday March" composed by L. Köhler (from The Teacher’s Selection: Piano Recital Masterpieces 1)

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 essential elements for early piano study, such as chord staccato and smooth legato in the melody.

Another appeal of this piece is the wide dynamic range, from lively passages to gentle, delicate ones.

Imagine a birthday surprise as you play, and bring the music to life with rich expression.

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yuri

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Impromptu of the WindNakata Yoshinao

Yoshinao Nakada: Improvisation of the Wind / Shitaku Hara (43rd Prizewinner Commemorative Concert, A1 Division [Gold Prize])

One track included in the album “Children’s Dreams” is striking for its refreshing melody that feels like a breeze passing through.

Its light, flowing, and free melodic line is pleasing to the ear, and the use of glissando adds an appealing touch that shines in recitals.

This 1-minute-20-second miniature blends graceful phrases with delicate touch, drawing out the piano’s expressive power to the fullest.

Selected as a required piece for the Grade C category of the 2011 PTNA Piano Competition, it is also recommended for six-year-old children who want to hone their technique while experiencing the joy of music.

With fingerings designed to feel natural for smaller hands, it’s crafted so anyone can enjoy playing it.

PicnicMary Clark

[Piano Recital Recommendation] Picnic ♪ Clark / Lilt, Clark

Clark’s “Picnic” is bright and full of momentum.

It’s a piece that conjures up the image of a cheerful picnic in the warm spring weather.

The hallmark is its buoyant, almost skipping rhythm, which appears repeatedly throughout the piece.

Aim to play it with a lively feel without letting it become heavy.

Also, in the middle section where the right and left hands alternate, be sure to clearly bring out the dynamic contrasts between the two.

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HATSUMI

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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.