One of the reasons children who have just started piano lessons lose interest is that they begin to feel, “Piano is hard…” If reading music is difficult and practice doesn’t progress, or if their fingers don’t move the way they want and they can’t get a passing mark from the teacher, they tend to develop negative feelings toward the piano they started with such excitement.
In this article, we’ll introduce easy classical pieces that are approachable even for children.
There are always individual differences in how difficult something feels and how quickly one progresses, but please pick pieces that suit your child so they can feel, “Piano is fun!”
[Piano Pieces] Easy for Children to Play! A Roundup of Simple Classical Works (1–10)
CanonJohann Pachelbel
Canon / Pachelbel / with sheet music / Piano / Canon / Pachelbel / Piano / CANACANA
Johann Pachelbel’s famous piece Canon is hugely popular in Japan as well.
Frequently included on compilation albums of soothing music, this widely beloved work is one many piano learners aspire to play.
While it isn’t a lively, childlike piece, it doesn’t involve particularly difficult rhythms or fingerings, making it approachable even for young children.
Once you move beyond the stage of simply playing the notes, it’s recommended to work on your expressiveness.
As your expressive abilities develop, the piece will become instantly more dazzling, so it might be a good idea to record yourself regularly and track your progress.
Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Turkish March” conjures up the image of soldiers marching in step.
It’s a piece that many children who have just begun learning piano dream of playing at least once, and it’s also known as a recital staple.
With its bright, peaceful atmosphere combined with a sense of vigor, it’s the perfect piece for children who want to perform with flair! Keep the left hand crisp while firmly maintaining the tempo, and play the right hand accurately so the notes don’t stumble—this will help convey the dignified feel of a soldiers’ march.
‘Jupiter’ from the suite ‘The Planets’Gustav Holst
"Jupiter, from The Planets Suite" by Holst [How to Play on Piano — Absolutely Playable for Beginners!] ☆2
This piece is part of a suite composed by Gustav Holst.
While it carries the dignity befitting the chief deity of Roman mythology, it also reflects Holst’s intention to express festive joy.
With a relaxed tempo and relatively few notes, it’s approachable even for children who have just started playing the piano.
It evokes the vastness of the cosmos and nurtures the imagination, making it a great choice for children who want to refine their expressive abilities.
[Sports Day Music] Infernal Gallop (Can-Can) – easy piano [slow tempo, for beginners] (from Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld)
Composed by Jacques Offenbach in 1858, this piece is famous as the overture to an operetta.
In Japan, it’s often used at sports days and athletic events, and just hearing it gives you a burst of energy.
Its bright, cheerful music is sure to be fun to practice as well! Start at a slow tempo and gradually speed up; that will help you capture the piece’s lively character.
Once you can play it, try performing it in front of friends—everyone will enjoy this charming work!
12 Variations on “Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman” (Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Variations)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Variations – Mozart – 12 Variations on “Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman,” K.265 – Mozart – Piano – Classical Piano – CANACANA
The masterpiece by the child prodigy Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Twelve Variations on the French Song “Ah! vous dirai-je, maman,” known as the “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” Variations.
It’s a classic that everyone hears at least once in childhood.
While the famous section is simple enough for beginners to play, the difficulty jumps sharply from the second variation onward.
It’s a good idea to start by picking out variations that seem manageable and practicing those, then gradually challenge the more difficult variations so you can eventually play the entire piece.
Album for the Young, Op. 68: No. 8 “The Brave Knight”Robert Schumann
[Recommended for Piano Recitals] The Wild Rider (Brave Horseman) ♪ Schumann / Wilder Reiter Op. 68 No. 8, Schumann
The piano piece “The Brave Knight” by Robert Schumann, a leading composer of the German Romantic era, is a short work included in his Album for the Young.
Also known in Japanese as “The Rough Knight,” this piece, though brief, is highly dramatic and offers a taste of distinctly Romantic melody.
It is not particularly demanding technically, making it a suitable challenge even for children.
Pay attention to the 6/8 meter and the continuous triplets, and aim for a powerful performance that doesn’t become overly rough.
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