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[For Beginners] Enjoy Parent-Child Piano Duets! Recommended Songs Introduced

Graduated from a music school / 21 years of piano experiencesatomi
I began playing the piano at the age of four and spent six years at a conservatory, focusing mainly on classical music while honing my skills. In addition to solo performance, I studied extensively in chamber music and two-piano repertoire, and I had the opportunity to perform twice on stage as a soloist in piano concertos. While not to the same extent as classical, I also learned jazz and pop through practical performance. I was active as a pianist in various settings, including instrumental and vocal/choral accompaniment, performance assistance for other departments, and recording sessions. Beyond the piano, I devoted five years to the trombone in a wind ensemble. I hope to draw on these experiences to share the charm of music with many people.
Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

Seeing your child practice the piano may inspire many parents to dream of playing a duet together.

Why not make that dream come true? In this article, we’ll introduce recommended pieces for parent–child piano duets from a wide range of genres.

Duets might sound difficult at first, but there are many published duet scores for familiar music—nursery rhymes and folk songs sung in preschools and kindergartens, theme songs from animated films, and pieces that beginner piano students learn—making them approachable for parents and children alike.

Even if your child has just started lessons and you, as a parent, are trying the piano for the first time, you can give it a go with ease.

We hope you and your child will experience the joy of breathing together and making music as one!

[For Beginners] Enjoy Parent-Child Piano Duets! Recommended Pieces (11–20)

Toy Cha-Cha-ChaKoshibe Nobuyoshi

[Piano Duet (Beginner)] “The Toy Cha-Cha-Cha” — Playable even for absolute beginners! Both parts carry the melody

Toy Cha-Cha-ChaKoshibe Nobuyoshi

Composer Nobuyoshi Koshibe left a significant mark on Japan’s music scene, working across a wide range of genres from children’s shows to anime songs.

This piece is a delightful nursery song that depicts a secret party held by toys at night.

It was created in 1959 for a Fuji TV music program, but later came to be widely loved as a children’s song.

Its bright, smile-inducing melody makes it perfect for parents and children to play together.

Sheet music for beginners is also available, so be sure to give it a try!

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The Bear of the Forestamerika min’yō

2018 Piano Recital Duet: “The Bear of the Forest.” A kindergarten middle-year child and mother on the keyboard—parent and child! First time participating in a recital♪

The Bear of the Forestamerika min'yō

Known as a traditional American folk song, this piece is very popular among children.

It gained popularity in minstrel shows in the mid-19th century, and as it developed reflecting diverse cultures, it has come to be loved around the world.

Through the story of a curious bear who ventures over a mountain, it teaches the importance of inquisitiveness and the courage to take on challenges.

With its simple, easy-to-remember melody and lyrics, even beginners at piano four-hands can enjoy it casually.

The call-and-response style of the melody further enhances the fun of playing as a duo.

Sheet music for beginners is also available, so give it a try!

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Grandfather’s ClockHenry Clay Work

Grandfather's Clock / Henry Clay Work: Piano (Duet) / Beginner

Grandfather's ClockHenry Clay Work

“Grandfather’s Clock,” originally a popular American song and long beloved in Japan as a children’s nursery song, is a great choice when you’re trying piano four-hands for the first time as a parent-child duo.

A tune that both of you know well can make it easier to start.

If the child takes the melody part as the star and the parent handles the accompaniment, even a simple children’s song instantly transforms into a splendid piano piece! Try performing while fully attuned to your child’s breathing as they sit beside you.

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chopsticksArthur de Lulli

Chopsticks (from Sparkling Piano: Famous Piano Duets for Children, Volume 1) – Zen-On Music Company

chopsticksArthur de Lulli

This piece was composed by Euphemia Allen when she was 16.

Simple yet widely beloved, you’ve probably heard it at least once.

The key is to play with both hands out to the sides so that the little fingers hit the lowest notes.

It’s popular as a practice piece for piano beginners, but there are also many enjoyable arrangements, such as Liberace’s dazzling variations and versions used by post-punk groups.

Start at a slow tempo and gradually increase it as you get comfortable.

It’s an easy piece for parents and children to enjoy together, so why not give it a try?

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strollHisaishi Joe

“Sanpo (Duet)” Studio Ghibli Recital Repertoire [Elementary] 2 – Zen-On Music / Hey Let’s Go: Studio Ghibli Recital Repertoire 2 – Elementary

strollHisaishi Joe

This song is widely known as the theme of the film My Neighbor Totoro.

Its bright, cheerful melody is loved by people of all ages, from children to adults.

It’s frequently featured in educational settings and has continued to be included in Japanese elementary school music textbooks since 1996.

The lyrics, which express the joy of taking a walk, and the rhythmic composition are distinctive.

Incorporating light staccato in the accompaniment can help create an even more fitting, playful atmosphere for the piece.

It’s perfect for singing together as a family or enjoying a fun performance, so give it a try!

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A Whole New WorldAlan Menken

Beginner piano duet practice - A Whole New World

A Whole New WorldAlan Menken

Aladdin, the Disney film that drew attention when it was made into a live-action movie starring Will Smith in 2019.

Its theme song, “A Whole New World,” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 65th Oscars and has become one of Disney’s signature duets.

Because it’s a well-known classic, duet piano scores are published for a variety of skill levels.

Find the perfect sheet music that matches your child’s proficiency.

Although the original song is about romantic love, you can interpret it as parental love and enjoy playing a duet with your child!

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[For Beginners] Enjoy Fun Parent-Child Piano Duets! Recommended Songs (21–30)

Super Mario Bros. duet arrangementKoji Kondo

Super Mario Bros. Theme Piano Four Hands. arranged by Isao Horikoshi

Super Mario Bros. duet arrangement Koji Kondo

This piano duet arrangement lets two players enjoy performing a bright, sprightly melody that everyone knows.

Its lively rhythm and familiar tune brilliantly capture the game’s world.

The interplay of melody and rhythm, woven in sync by the two performers, evokes the many scenes one encounters on an adventure.

Born in 1985, this piece continues to captivate countless hearts to this day.

The energetic arrangement for piano is perfect for duets with children or between piano learners.

Because the melody is so well-known, parents and children can have fun practicing together.

It’s also a charming piece that lets players experience the joy of breathing together in a duet.

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