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[Piano Pieces] Easy for Children to Play! A Roundup of Simple Classical Works

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 even for children! A roundup of simple classical works (71–80)

music boxCharles-Henry

Charles-Henry: Music Box, Charles-Henry: La boîte à zizique / Piano: Jun Shiraishi @ SEILER Piano
music boxCharles-Henry

This heartwarming piece expresses the delicate timbre of a music box on the piano.

Its graceful melody, as if opening a jewelry box, brings a gentle sense of calm to the listener’s heart.

Featured on the album “Histoires Presque Vraies,” the work beautifully captures tones that are mechanical yet brimming with humanity, inviting you into the world of music boxes filled with nostalgic memories.

Its tender sound and simple structure are recommended for those who wish to step away from the bustle of daily life and soothe their hearts, or who want to spend a peaceful moment.

It’s also an approachable piece for those looking to try their hand at piano performance.

GavotteFrançois-Josehp Gossec

Gavotte - François-Joseph Gossec (Piano)
GavotteFrançois-Josehp Gossec

Familiar from TV shows and commercials, “Gavotte” was originally a piece used in an opera by the French composer François-Joseph Gossec.

Although it was written for violin and orchestra, it has since been arranged as an easy piano score and is included in piano textbooks for children.

The key to this piece is to convey the staccato that creates a courtly elegance with a gentle tone, while playing the left-hand accompaniment—which includes leaps—lightly.

In the smoother middle section with many slurs, switch the mood quickly and aim for a performance with clear contrast.

Polonaise No. 13 in A-flat major (posthumous)Frederic Chopin

Erika Suyama / Chopin: Polonaise No. 13 in A-flat major (Posthumous)
Polonaise No. 13 in A-flat major (posthumous)Frederic Chopin

Chopin’s works are frequently performed at piano recitals.

Among them, one of the most often played pieces is the Polonaise No.

13 in A-flat major (posthumous).

It’s a brilliant dance piece known for its strong performance impact.

While it’s not particularly difficult technically, it’s packed with fundamental techniques that are important for learning the piano.

Once you get used to the distinctive polonaise rhythm that begins at measure 47, it becomes easier to play, so during practice, try repeated drills to internalize the rhythm!

[Piano Pieces] Easy for Kids to Play! A Roundup of Simple Classical Works (81–90)

25 Etudes, Op. 100 No. 20 “Tarantella”Johann Burgmüller

Burgmüller Competition Final – Gold Prize – Tarantella (3rd Grade Elementary) 2021
25 Etudes, Op. 100 No. 20 “Tarantella”Johann Burgmüller

Burgmüller’s 25 Études is a famous collection that every pianist inevitably encounters in their practice.

Although regarded as relatively easy among études, it distills essential techniques for beginners.

This time, we introduce a more challenging piece from the set: 25 Études Op.

100, No.

20 “Tarantella.” It is a vigorous dance primarily in 6/8—or sometimes felt in 3/8.

Notably, the eighth rest between the two eighth notes starting at measure 17 demands an exquisitely balanced length—neither too long nor too short.

It is a highly valuable piece for learning delicate, nuanced performance.

Rondo in C major, Op. 52 No. 6Johann Nepomuk Hummel

PTNA 2011 Prizewinner Commemorative — Erina Takeyama (A1 Class Gold Prize) — Hummel: Rondo, Op. 52 No. 6
Rondo in C major, Op. 52 No. 6Johann Nepomuk Hummel

Hummel’s masterpiece Rondo in C major, Op.

52-6, is widely loved by players from beginner to intermediate levels.

This work is characterized by the interplay of staccato and slurs, making it an ideal piece for developing expressive playing.

Specifically, short appoggiaturas and pedal technique are key.

For short appoggiaturas, when there are notes A and B, there are two approaches: one where A falls on the beat, and another where A comes before the beat and B lands on the beat.

Since you’re practicing this piece anyway, it’s a good idea to master both.

As for pedaling, carefully discerning the placement of slurs and staccatos will help you play with more ease.

Please use this as a reference.

A Doll’s Dream and AwakeningTheodor Oesten

Dolly’s Dreaming and Awakening / The bath is ready ♪ / Dolly’s Dreaming and Awakening / Piano / piano / CANACANA
A Doll’s Dream and AwakeningTheodor Oesten

Doll’s Dream and Awakening by Théodore Oesten is a classic piece well known from piano recitals.

Consisting of three parts—“Doll’s Lullaby,” “Doll’s Dream,” and “Doll’s Awakening”—it’s a very charming work.

Because it includes descriptive subtitles and the imagery is easy to grasp, it should be approachable even for beginners! For children, it can be nice to play while imagining themselves falling asleep and dreaming to their mother’s lullaby.

Why not download the free sheet music right away and express the world of dolls on the piano?

Piano Sonata K. 545 in C majorWolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Piano Sonata K.545 in C major – Mozart – Piano Sonata No. 16 in C major, K. 545 – Mozart – Classic – CANACANA
Piano Sonata K. 545 in C majorWolfgang Amadeus Mozart

This work harmoniously blends a serene, graceful melody with a light, sprightly rhythm.

Composed in three movements, it brims with the charm of feeling as though you are listening to a single story.

The first movement is marked by a bright, refreshing theme; the second unveils a gentle character, exuding elegance; and the third delights with a playful, luminous melody that lifts the heart.

Written in June 1788, the piece showcases Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s delicate technique and rich expressiveness to the fullest, offering a sound that is both dazzling and refined.

Filled with heartwarming melodies and the unique appeal of the piano, it is a highly recommended choice for those seeking a change of mood or a moment of calm.