[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)
Dance of the DwarfsAnton Diabelli
Anton Diabelli’s gem “Dance of the Dwarfs.” It’s a piece marked by strings of staccatos and striking grace notes that evoke dwarfs dancing rhythmically.
Although it’s by no means a mainstream work, it’s often included in children’s collections and is frequently performed at recitals.
There aren’t many beginner-level piano pieces that use grace notes.
Before moving on to intermediate-level works, this piece could be a great way to master ornamentation.
[Piano Pieces] Easy Even for Children! A Roundup of Simple Classical Works (121–130)
Children’s Album, Volume 1: “Album of My Boyhood,” No. 5: EtudeAram Khachaturian
This piece, distinguished by its rhythmic, crisp staccato and unique melody, is a light and lively work written in C major with a 4/4 time signature.
The right hand’s staccato and the left hand’s chromatic chord movements maintain an exquisite balance, packing rich expression and vivid imagery into a brief performance of just 1 minute and 30 seconds.
The rhythms of Armenian traditional music and dance are skillfully incorporated, allowing for a performance brimming with lively dynamism.
Composed in 1926, the piece is well-suited for developing rhythmic precision and balance between both hands, and it is known as a popular choice for piano recitals.
It is recommended for pianists who have mastered basic techniques and wish to take on a performance rich in expressive nuance.
Children’s Album, Volume 1, “Picture Book of Boyhood”: No. 7, Hobbyhorse (Cavalry)Aram Khachaturian
This piece features a lively triple meter that races lightly forward, brilliantly capturing the innocent playfulness of children.
Rich in narrative character, it deftly portrays in music the swaying sensation of kids riding a hobbyhorse and the exhilaration of playing cavalry.
Selected from a set of piano miniatures composed in 1926, it is rhythmic yet infused with a mysterious aura that captivates listeners.
Despite its simple accompaniment, it possesses a unique charm, making it an ideal addition to the performance repertoire of piano students.
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.
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.