[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 for Kids to Play! A Roundup of Simple Classical Works (31–40)
Piano Sonata No. 20, Op. 49 No. 2, Second MovementLudwig van Beethoven
This piece is notable for its graceful and approachable melody in triple meter.
Composed around 1795–1796, it features a warm character written for friends and pupils.
Adopting the minuet form, it exudes a delicate and tranquil atmosphere.
Its melody was later reused in the Septet, Op.
20, suggesting that the composer himself was fond of this musical idea.
Renowned pianists such as Daniel Barenboim and Boris Giltburg have performed it, drawing out new charms through varied interpretations.
With its calm mood and familiar melody, it is recommended for a wide range of players, from those just beginning piano practice to advanced performers.
Carnival BallWilliam Gillock
This piece is a brilliant, rhythmic work inspired by Brazil’s Carnival, featuring striking samba rhythms and melodies.
Its left-hand syncopation and lively right-hand phrases are captivating, vividly expressing the dynamism of Latin music.
Published in 1969, it conveys a passionate atmosphere despite its simplicity and has an addictive quality that makes both performers and listeners instinctively start to move.
With an energetic, cool character that’s perfect for boys, it’s sure to energize the venue when performed at a piano recital.
Combining a natural flow that masks its technical demands with strong stage appeal that enchants audiences, it’s a superb piece.
Polonaise in C major, Op. 155-4Theodor Oesten
“Polonaise” is a French word meaning “in the Polish style.” The Polonaise by Theodor Oesten, a piano teacher and composer active in 19th-century Germany, is a piece we especially recommend for children who are transitioning from beginner to intermediate level.
Its lively waltz rhythm and tempo may feel a bit challenging, but since the note patterns in both hands are simple, anyone comfortable with two-handed playing should be able to tackle it without too much difficulty.
Start slowly, then gradually speed up—and aim to perform it with flair.
French Suite No. 1, BWV 812 – Menuet IJ.S.Bach
Among the dance forms of the Baroque era, this elegant piece in triple meter was composed around 1722–1725 and is also included in the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach.
While its melody is simple and approachable, it also contains contrapuntal elements, and imagining the refined timbre resonating in a church helps bring out its character in performance.
Because the technical difficulty of this work is relatively low, it is recommended for those who have only recently started playing the piano or who are drawn to Baroque music.
In classical music, where tone color, expression, and dynamics are emphasized, try practicing long tones and exploring a beautiful sound as you play.
Gavotte from French Suite No. 4, BWV 814J.S.Bach
Here is a Baroque masterpiece that lets you savor the light, buoyant rhythms of the French dance style.
Composed between 1722 and 1725, it is known as the fourth movement of a suite and is structured as a clear, dynamic dance in 2/4 time.
It features the repeated use of a concise motif built from consecutive two-note figures, showcasing a superb fusion of Bach’s distinctive contrapuntal beauty with the elegance of a courtly dance.
Although originally written for harpsichord, it is commonly performed on the piano today, demanding a crisp sense of rhythm and a delicate touch.
Recommended for those who want to explore Baroque music or experience the charm of dance forms.
[Piano Pieces] Easy Even for Children! A Roundup of Simple Classical Works (41–50)
French Suite No. 1, BWV 812: Minuet IIJ.S.Bach
Among the French Suites, this dance is especially approachable and perfect as an introduction to Baroque music.
Composed around 1722, it is also included in the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach, making it a warm, home-oriented piece.
It has an elegant yet introspective atmosphere, with Bach’s characteristic counterpoint woven throughout, but the technical demands are kept moderate, making it comfortable to play.
It is usually performed together with Minuet I, and its gentle yet profound expressiveness resonates quietly with listeners.
It’s a recommended piece for those who want to try Baroque music or hone their expressive skills.
Air on the G StringJ.S.Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach’s masterpiece “Air on the G String” is calm and soothing.
Despite its relaxed tempo, the dramatic melody sticks in your head after just one listen! With few notes and no complex rhythms, it’s easy for children to try, and once you’ve developed some basic skills, you can approach it with ease.
After you can follow the basic notes, try adding ornaments characteristic of Baroque-era works.
It will give the music a more refined, advanced finish!
