[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!”
- [For Elementary School Students] Brilliant, Showy Masterpieces That Sound Impressive at Piano Recitals
- [Beginner] Recommended Piano Pieces to Play at a Recital
- [For Piano Recitals] Simple yet Cool Classical Pieces
- For Beginners: Easy to Play and Sounds Impressive! Pieces That Shine at Piano Recitals
- [For Kids] Play Piano with One Finger! Recommended Songs Collection
- [Classical Music] All pieces under 3 minutes! A collection of short and cool piano pieces
- Disney Classics on Piano: A Curated Selection of Easy Pieces, Perfect for Recitals
- Piano Masterpieces: Surprisingly Easy Despite Sounding Difficult!? A Curated Selection Perfect for Recitals
- Beginner to Intermediate: Chopin pieces with relatively low difficulty. Recommended works by Chopin.
- Recommended for piano beginners! 10 sheet music picks that adults can enjoy too
- [Beginner] Also great for piano recitals! Classical pieces that look cool when you can play them
- Even beginners can play them easily on the piano! A curated selection of popular and latest J-POP songs.
- For Preschoolers to Elementary School Children: Challenging Piano Pieces — A Curated Selection from Competition Repertoire
[Piano Pieces] Easy Even for Kids! A Roundup of Simple Classical Works (131–140)
Burgmüller 25 Progressive Pieces Op. 100 No. 1: InnocenceJohann Burgmüller
Once you can read music to some extent and your fingers have become steadier, many piano learners turn to the German composer Johann Burgmüller’s 25 Easy and Progressive Studies, Op.
100.
Among the 25 pieces are many favorites for recital performance, and “La candeur” (or “An Innocent Heart”), in particular, is widely known as a piece everyone practices, partly because it is the very first in the set.
While carefully controlling the descending melody so it doesn’t stumble, enjoy the bright and refreshing character that opens the collection.
Burgmüller 25 Études Op. 100 No. 11 “The Wagtail”Johann Burgmüller
This piece in 2/4 time is characterized by a light, charming melody reminiscent of a little bird.
A rhythmic motif of “ta-ta-tan,” effectively using staccato and sixteenth notes, vividly evokes birdsong and adorable movements.
Published in Paris in 1851, the work lasts only about 30 seconds, yet captivates with a beautiful melody woven from right-hand scales and left-hand accompaniment.
By focusing on supple wrist motion and precise fingertip control, you can bring out the piece’s elegance even more.
Even beginners will find it enjoyable to tackle thanks to its lively rhythm and friendly, accessible melody.
Burgmüller 25 Progressive Pieces, Op. 100, No. 19 “Ave Maria”Johann Burgmüller
This is a religious piece conceived with the image of a choir’s voices resounding through a cathedral church.
It possesses a solemn, devout atmosphere, and its rich harmonies leave a striking impression.
Published in Paris in 1851, the work is characterized by a beautiful melody imbued with the spirit of prayer.
By skillfully interweaving four-part harmony with three-part passages, it evokes a sonorous texture reminiscent of a cathedral’s reverberation.
The harmonic shifts are richly colored, illuminating the piece like the light through stained glass.
It is recommended for those who seek healing through music or who are interested in sacred music.
It also serves as an excellent study material for those wishing to learn pedal technique.
Combining an elegant ambience with profound spirituality, this work is sure to resonate in the hearts of listeners.
Burgmüller 25 Easy and Progressive Studies, Op. 100 No. 20 “Tarantella”Johann Burgmüller
This is a passionate piece in 6/8 time, modeled on a traditional dance from southern Italy.
It features a vibrant, driving rhythm and light, graceful melodies, and was published in Paris in 1851.
Named after the southern Italian city of Taranto, the work skillfully captures the atmosphere of the folk dance that was actually performed there.
In the middle section, it modulates to the parallel major, shifting to a more brilliant character in a captivating structure.
With its sprightly rhythm and energetic melody, this piece is ideal for those who want to enjoyably build fundamental piano technique.
It also makes a wonderful choice for a recital, sure to captivate the audience.
Burgmüller 25 Progressive Pieces, Op. 100 No. 2 “The Hunt”Johann Burgmüller
This work beautifully harmonizes a light, flowing melody with a rhythmic accompaniment in 2/4 time.
It weaves an elegant sonic pattern inspired by the decorative motifs of Islamic art, creating a brilliant atmosphere when combined with its lively, march-like character.
The combination of a graceful right-hand sixteenth-note melody and left-hand staccato chords gleams like a sparkling jewel.
Published in Paris in 1851, the piece has long been cherished as an attractive work that sounds impressive despite its modest technical demands.
We invite you to immerse yourself in this radiant and graceful world of sound.
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.
Radetzky MarchJohann Strauss I
Johann Strauss I’s Radetzky March, also known as a piece performed at the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s Concert.
For many, hearing this piece truly marks the start of a new year.
The familiar sight of the audience clapping along to the performance comes to mind as well.
The hallmark of this piece is its buoyant character that makes you want to keep time with handclaps.
The score introduced here is arranged using only the most essential lines from the orchestral texture, so it’s ideal if you can maintain a steady tempo and play with a light yet powerful sound.