[For Lower Elementary Students] A Comprehensive Introduction to Pieces That Are Easier to Win With in Piano Competitions
Children’s piano competitions come in several formats: the “set piece” format, where contestants choose from predetermined pieces; the “free choice” format, where they can select any piece; and some competitions that require both a set piece and a free-choice piece.
In every case, choosing pieces that are a perfect fit for the young performers—considering factors such as “whether the piece suits their level, technique, and strengths,” “whether it matches their body and hand size,” “whether it aligns with the competition’s tendencies,” “whether it will help improve their performance skills and musical expression,” and “whether the style matches their preferences so they can practice with enthusiasm”—has a significant impact on the results.
In this article, we’ve gathered recommended pieces that tend to be prize-winning, or make it easier to aim for prizes, especially suitable for lower elementary school students.
If you’re struggling to choose repertoire for a piano competition, we hope you’ll find this helpful!
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- For Beginners: Easy to Play and Sounds Impressive! Pieces That Shine at Piano Recitals
- [Piano Recital] Carefully Selected Classical Pieces Recommended for Upper Elementary School Students
- [For Elementary School Students] Brilliant, Showy Masterpieces That Sound Impressive at Piano Recitals
- [Beginner] Also great for piano recitals! Classical pieces that look cool when you can play them
- [Piano Recital] A selection of intermediate-level pieces perfect for girls!
- [Intermediate Level] Cool Piano Pieces You Can Play [Great for Recitals Too]
- [Classical Music] All pieces under 3 minutes! A collection of short and cool piano pieces
- [Beginner] Recommended Piano Pieces to Play at a Recital
[For Lower Elementary Grades] A Comprehensive Introduction to Pieces That Are Easy to Win With in Piano Competitions (21–30)
Indigenous people’s danceNakata Yoshinao
Yoshinao Nakada’s “Dance of the Natives” is a highly recommended piece for lower elementary school competitions, featuring a powerful rhythm and a dance-like melody.
The piece is packed with elements to study for technical improvement, such as hand crossing and tempo changes.
It also calls for expressive playing, making it perfect for children entering competitions to develop their piano technique and expressive ability.
If they can perform while sensing the message Nakada embedded for children, their interpretation will better convey the piece’s charm.
Lyric Pieces, Book 10, Op. 71: No. 3 “Puck”Edvard Grieg
Edvard Grieg’s Lyric Pieces, Book X, Op.
71 No.
3 “Puck” (1901) is a solo piano work with a fantastical atmosphere.
The piece conveys the folklore and natural beauty born of Norway’s landscape, and its sound is accessible even to lower elementary school children.
When practicing, keep a light touch with an image of a dancing sprite, and pay close attention to pedaling and rhythmic precision.
Studying this as a competition piece will help you experience the depth of music and the joy of piano performance.
EtudeAram Khachaturian
Aram Khachaturian, the composer known for “Masquerade” and “Sabre Dance,” wrote an Étude that bursts with life, skillfully weaving the rhythms and melodies of Caucasian folk music.
With its vivid harmonies and expressive melody, this piece captivates listeners and offers young elementary school children an excellent opportunity to develop finger dexterity and a sense of rhythm.
Moreover, working on it not only hones technique but also deepens the joy of musical expression and fosters understanding of different cultures.
Arabesque of WavesMiyoshi Akira
Akira Miyoshi, a Japanese composer strongly influenced by French modern music.
This piece, part of his “Sea Diary,” lasts about 1 minute 50 seconds and depicts the motion of waves and seascapes through music.
Using scales and rests with great finesse, it portrays waves swelling from afar, surging forward at the climax, and then quietly subsiding.
Performers need not only technical skill but also rich expressive ability.
While free in style, the work also conveys a classical poise—hallmarks of Miyoshi’s appeal.
It is a highly recommended selection for lower-elementary school children participating in piano competitions.
Spanish-style waltzKatsuki Osamu
Born in 1948, composer Osamu Katsuki graduated from Toho Gakuen School of Music’s Department of Composition and went on to work actively as a composer and educator.
His piece “Spanish-style Waltz” is captivating for its beautiful harmonic progressions and stylish ornamental figures.
According to Katsuki, the work embodies his admiration for the French composer Maurice Ravel and expresses a Spanish atmosphere throughout.
How about practicing the harmonies and trills carefully, and attempting a performance that emphasizes color and serves as an homage to Ravel?
Waltz, lentoOskar Merikanto
Composed in 1898 by Finnish composer Oskar Merikanto, this piece captivates with its graceful and elegant atmosphere.
Structured in an A–B–A ternary form, it features a gentle melody in the A section, contrasted strikingly by the B section, which modulates to G minor and introduces a chordal melody that brings rich color and motion.
Merikanto’s sensibility—shaped by Finnish folk songs and natural landscapes—emerges in the beautiful melodies and tranquil rhythms.
A popular choice for piano recitals and concerts, it invites listeners to envision Nordic scenery while being enveloped in its tender sonorities.
25 Etudes, Op. 100: No. 2 “Arabesque”Johann Burgmüller
Johann Burgmüller’s “Arabesque” is a classic etude for piano learners, known for its light, delicate melody.
It presents challenges such as navigating the intricate right-hand passages and beautifully shaping the left-hand melody in the middle section, demanding both technique and expressiveness.
Above all, it’s essential to keep the tone even throughout the piece.
To play with dynamic contrast and expressive nuance, start by carefully practicing the melody that requires agile fingerwork, and build up your practice so you can perform the fast passages with ease.