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

Third movement from Sonatina, Op. 36 No. 1Muzio Clementi

M. Clementi / Sonatina Op. 36 No. 1, Movement III, Performance: Kyoko Nakagawa

Movement No.

3, which begins with a light touch and features a bright, vibrant melody, is a refined piece that adds brilliance to any piano recital.

Technically approachable for practice and rich in opportunities for lively expression, it has been loved by many pianists since its publication in 1797.

Its logical flow—from exposition to development and recapitulation—also makes it suitable for learning the basic forms of classical music.

It is a work I highly recommend to those aiming for a brisk, energetic performance.

By improving finger independence and mastering fast passages, you will truly experience the joy of playing.

March of the DwarfsMartha Mier

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

This piece is from American composer Martha Mier’s collection, “Solo Piano — Together at the Piano,” written to help learners enjoyably build fundamental piano skills through approachable pieces.

It captures a charming yet slightly mysterious image of a “kobito” (a little goblin/gnome).

Use the accents in the right-hand melody to convey the impish, mischievous character.

For the left-hand staccato, play evenly and be careful not to make it too heavy.

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The EntertainerScott Joplin

Entertainer; Bastien Piano Basics [2]

A famous piece by composer Scott Joplin, renowned for his style incorporating ragtime—a musical genre that flourished in America from the late 19th to early 20th century! Composed in 1902 as a ragtime piece for piano, this work has been arranged in various versions included in children’s piano textbooks.

While the original features abundant chords and octaves, there are many child-friendly arrangements built from a left hand that keeps the beat and a right hand that plays a single melody line.

It’s also great practice for rhythm and tone color changes, making it a perfect choice for a lively six-year-old who loves upbeat music!

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!

speed carNakata Yoshinao

[Recommended for Piano Recitals] Speedy Car ♫ Yoshinao Nakada / The Speedy Car, Yoshinao Nakada

This piece, often used as a piano practice work, is filled with a crisp rhythm and a lively sense of momentum.

It vividly evokes the feeling of a car speeding down the road, and it’s the kind of music that makes you smile as you play.

The effective use of performance markings such as accents and staccato makes it a compelling piece for learning technical elements like rhythmic precision and varied touch.

It’s a perfect choice for a boy to perform at a piano recital, inviting him to imagine scenes as he plays and capturing the audience’s hearts.

Highly recommended for those who want to create an energetic stage presence or develop expressive power through music.

Carnival BallWilliam Gillock

[Piano Recital Recommendation] Carnival Ball ♪ Gillock / Carnival Ball, Gillock

This piece is a brilliant, rhythmic work inspired by Brazil’s Carnival, featuring striking samba rhythms and melodies.

Its left-hand syncopation and lively right-hand phrases are captivating, vividly expressing the dynamism of Latin music.

Published in 1969, it conveys a passionate atmosphere despite its simplicity and has an addictive quality that makes both performers and listeners instinctively start to move.

With an energetic, cool character that’s perfect for boys, it’s sure to energize the venue when performed at a piano recital.

Combining a natural flow that masks its technical demands with strong stage appeal that enchants audiences, it’s a superb piece.

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.