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

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.

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 a captivating touch that shines in recitals.

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

Selected as a required piece for the Grade C category of the 2011 PTNA Piano Competition, it’s recommended for those who want to refine their technique while savoring the joy of music.

With natural fingerings that consider different hand sizes, it’s designed so anyone can enjoy playing it.

Dance of the SwineherdBartók Béla

RCM Piano 2015 Grade 8 List D No.2 Bartok Swineherd’s Dance Sheet Music

Motivated by Hungarian folk dances from the album For Children, this piece is one that especially highlights a boy’s cool, striking presence when performed.

The combination of lively, rhythmic keystrokes and a bouncy melody captivates the audience every time it’s played.

Although originally released in 1908 as an educational piano work, it also possesses a stage-ready brilliance and dynamism.

Because it is based on dances actually performed in rural Hungary, rhythm and expressiveness are essential.

It’s an ideal piece for a boy who has just awakened to the charm of the piano to cultivate his musicality through performance.

scramble crossinghashimoto kouichi

scramble crossing

This piece dynamically captures the hustle and bustle of the city, with a rhythmical, energetic melody that leaves a strong impression.

Built with 6/8 time and irregular meters, it skillfully depicts the ebb and flow of people at a busy intersection through music.

Featured on the album “I Still Love the Piano! ,” it was composed with Shibuya’s scramble crossing in mind, achieving an exquisite balance between melody and accompaniment.

Despite its brisk tempo, it allows for richly expressive performance, making it perfect for recitals.

Blending elements of classical and pop, its contemporary flair makes it stand out on stage.

It’s also recommended as a recital repertoire choice for boys looking for a cool piece.

Holiday in ParisWilliam Gillock

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

Gillock is known for having many pieces for children.

Among them, I’d like to recommend Paris Holiday this time.

Although it’s a relatively minor work within Gillock’s output, it’s packed with elements that beginners should tackle.

In particular, the whole-tone scale appears near the end, which will be a valuable experience for children who haven’t encountered it before.

If you practice slowly, hands separately, you’ll steadily become able to play it with confidence.

Do consider it as a candidate piece for a piano recital.

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Ryo

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castanetWilliam Gillock

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

Castanets, a piece included in American composer William Gillock’s piano collection Piano Piece Collection 1, is a cool work with an exotic flair.

The key to this piece is the pulsing of the accompaniment chords! How lightly and rhythmically you can play the repeated chords that appear in both hands will determine the overall character of the piece.

In addition, the freer, cadenza-like section in the latter half tests your expressive ability; it’s best to play with a concrete image in mind and shape the undulating melody with a slightly sticky, insinuating touch.

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yuri

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Serenade of the BuglerFritz Spindler

Trumpeter’s Serenade (Spindler) Trompeterstäntchen (Spindler)

A familiar practice piece for beginning pianists, Fritz Spindler’s “Serenade of the Bugler.” It’s a lively work that vividly conjures the image of a soldier boldly sounding his bugle.

Although categorized as a beginner-level piece, to make it truly sound like a bugle you need crisp articulation: play each staccato clearly and take care that the left-hand pulses don’t become heavy.

It’s not enough just to play the notes on the page; refine your practice so the performance becomes more brilliant and worthy of the title.

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yuri

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