[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!”
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[Piano Pieces] Easy Even for Kids! A Roundup of Simple Classical Works (111–120)
Oni and FairyCatherine Rollin
Composer Catherine Rollin, who is also highly regarded as a music educator.
If you’re a beginner, you’ve likely tried one of her pieces at least once.
Among her works, the one I especially recommend is “Goblins and Fairies.” It carries the essence of the Romantic style and is very impressive to listen to.
Because the hand positions are somewhat far apart, it may be a bit challenging for a four-year-old, but it’s definitely a piece well worth tackling.
Ave MariaCharles Gounod
Many people have probably heard the words “Ave Maria” at least once, and many will think, “Oh, that song.” That said, have you ever had the experience where the “Ave Maria” you had in mind turned out to be a different piece when you talked with a friend? “Ave Maria” itself is a line from the Latin Catholic liturgy, and because pieces inspired by it are called “Ave Maria,” there are many different “Ave Maria” works around the world.
Among them, the “Ave Maria” composed in 1859 by the French composer Charles Gounod is a widely known vocal piece, and this article introduces its piano arrangement.
The arrangement is very simple with relatively few notes, so please practice slowly, paying attention to places where the roles of the right and left hands switch.
Pavane for a Newborn PrincessCharles-Henry
This is a beautiful piano miniature that uses the elegant court dance pavane as its motif, expressing the innocence and hope of a newborn princess.
Within its brief duration of about 1 minute and 25 seconds, delicate melodies and profound expressiveness are distilled, harmoniously blending elements of French tradition and jazz.
Serene yet radiant, the piece overflows with the joy of celebrating a new life.
The musical difficulty is modest, and its unhurried tempo and graceful melody are soothing—perfect for those who wish to approach the piano with a calm mind.
It is also recommended for players who want to cultivate expressiveness while enjoying the music.
Preludes, Book I: The Sunken CathedralClaude Debussy
This is an evocative piano piece that depicts a majestic cathedral emerging from a mysterious mist.
Inspired by the “Legend of Ys” from Brittany, France, it was composed in 1910.
Beginning in deep silence, distant bells resound and a solemn chant seems to be heard, creating a fantastical scene rendered in rich timbres.
The work’s allure lies in its layered chords that combine gentleness with strength, and in the natural flow of shifting sonorities.
A quintessential piece by Claude Debussy, who paints painterly worlds through music, it lends itself to being performed at a relaxed tempo while cherishing the resonance of the harmonies.
It is recommended for those who wish to experience music rich in narrative or savor the beauty of overlapping sounds.
Sonatina Op. 13-1, First MovementDimitri Kabalevsky
This three-movement work, radiating a bright and lively atmosphere, is a delightful piece brimming with the joy of music.
The first movement opens with an impactful introduction of three resounding strong chords, followed by graceful melodies and a dynamic, rhythmic drive that leave a vivid impression.
Written in sonata form, it contrasts a spirited first theme with a lyrical, singing second theme.
In the development section, where the music changes rapidly, passages to be played jokingly alternate with those to be rendered cantabile, drawing out rich expressive possibilities.
By honoring the distinct character of each section and performing with a keen sense of harmonic resonance and rhythmic vitality, you can truly captivate the audience—making this a rewarding piece to play.
Highly recommended for those who want to enjoy music while honing their technique.
clownDimitri Kabalevsky
Clowns by Dmitry Kabalevsky, a renowned modern Russian composer who produced many pieces for children, is included in his 1944 composition collection, published the following year, titled 24 Easy Pieces for Children.
It features a chromatically advancing melody and a lively left-hand accompaniment using staccato.
Although short, it leaves a strong impression on listeners, making it perfect for recital programs.
Rather than merely following the notes, try enjoying the piece’s ever-changing developments as you play.
Sonatina in A minor, Op. 27 No. 18Dmitri Kabalevsky
From its powerful main theme to the lyrical middle section, this miniature distills the essence of music into about one minute.
Composed in 1938 by Dmitry Kabalevsky, it opens with a sonorous A minor and unfolds a succession of richly expressive melodies.
Marked by clear rhythm and tonality, it moves listeners deeply without relying on flashy virtuosity.
For performance, the key point is to present the rhythmic opening theme with firm clarity.
In the middle section, a gentler expressiveness is required.
It’s an ideal piece for those who want to hone storytelling through music or make a strong impact with a short work.