[Piano Pieces for Young Children] Perfect for Recitals! A Curated Selection of Brilliant, Showy Favorites

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.

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.

Polka from Album for ChildrenLouis Heinrich Köhler

[Recommended for piano recitals] Polka ♫ Köhler / Polka, Koehler

Are you looking for a piece that will make you feel buoyant and joyful at a recital? This is a piece from the piano collection Kinder Album, Op.

210—a set of 30 works compiled in the 19th century for educational purposes.

Its lively polka rhythm conjures images of twirling around a ballroom.

It’s also ideal for learning to vary tone color—playing briskly with staccato and elegantly with legato.

With a brightness that brings smiles to listeners’ faces, it’s a recommended choice for children who want to develop expressive power and shine on stage at their recital.

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!

Etude AllegroNakata Yoshinao

Recital: Etude Allegro — 6-year-old kindergarten senior 🙋 The new channel URL has been changed 🙌

This is a brilliant and lively piece included in the 1956 published sheet music collection “Children’s Piano Pieces.” Its defining feature is the unbroken stream of buoyant sixteenth notes, evoking the image of someone dashing energetically under the sun.

The climactic glissando sparkles like casting a rainbow, sure to captivate listeners in an instant.

This work is recommended for six-year-old children who are eager to take on a slightly more challenging piece.

It’s a delightful way to develop fast finger technique, and the sense of accomplishment upon finishing is exceptional!

Boys’ Merry-Go-RoundNiels Wilhelm Gade

Gade: Boys' Merry-Go-Round

This is a children’s piano piece with a bright, lively rhythm.

Its simple yet beautiful melody is striking, vividly portraying children dancing in a circle.

Included on the album “Children’s Christmas,” the piece is full of playful fun and conveys a spirited, boyish energy.

It balances educational consideration with artistry, evoking scenes of traditional European children’s games.

Also featured as a piano set piece in the ABRSM exams, it is loved worldwide as a performance piece that shines on stage.

Highly recommended for those who want a dazzling recital piece.

Sonatina in F major, First MovementAnton Diabelli

Sonatina in F major, Op. 168 No. 1, 1st movement / A. Diabelli

Its graceful yet approachable melody and the bright, open resonance unique to F major are deeply appealing.

Perfect as an introduction to classical music, this piece offers a wonderful way to learn the fundamentals of the Classical style.

The warm tone colors and flowing, elegant lines leave a strong impression, while the gentle sonority created by the Alberti-bass accompaniment is soothing and healing to the listener.

Published in Vienna in 1839, the work is infused with a heartwarming character free of stiffness, all while maintaining a solid musical structure within its gentle atmosphere.

It is recommended for those who wish to perform at a piano recital or simply savor the beauty of classical music.