[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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- [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)
Concert EtudeNakata Yoshinao
Yoshinao Nakada’s Concert Etude is a captivating piece with a movingly beautiful melody and harmonies.
Although it is crafted so that even younger elementary school children with small hands can play it comfortably, performing it in a competition calls for not only basic piano technique but also a deep understanding of the music and expressive nuance.
Rather than focusing solely on technical difficulty, study the score closely and practice in a way that lets you savor the beauty of the shifting harmonies and the songful quality of the melody throughout the piece.
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.
[For Lower Elementary School Students] A Comprehensive Introduction to Pieces That Are Easy to Win Prizes With in Piano Competitions (31–40)
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.
Viennese WaltzWilliam Gillock
William Gillock’s “Wiener Waltz” is a piece beloved by piano learners of a wide range of ages, where a vibrant melody and an elegant waltz rhythm blend beautifully.
The piece is full of opportunities—such as rhythm and expression choices—that, with a bit of ingenuity, can make a performance even more captivating.
In addition, the score includes pedaling indications, making it excellent practice for using the pedal effectively.
Balancing musical enjoyment with a moderate technical challenge, this piece is perfect for children who want to improve their playing through competition experiences while growing familiar with the piano.
Children who are playingBartók Béla
The first piece from Bartók’s 1908 piano collection For Children.
Based on Hungarian folk songs, it depicts children at play through music.
It features a lively, rhythmic melody and proceeds at a fast Allegro tempo.
Despite its simple structure, nuanced dynamics and accents convey a vivid sense of motion.
Although it lasts only about 35 seconds, it demands high technical skill from the performer, with antiphonal passages between the hands and the need to accurately capture intervals of seconds and sevenths.
Why not consider tackling it for a piano competition?
Sonatina, Op. 55 No. 3, First MovementFriedrich Kuhlau
Friedrich Kuhlau, born in Germany and active in Denmark, was a composer who left a significant mark from the Classical to the Romantic era.
Composed in 1823, the Sonatina Op.
55 No.
3, First Movement, remains a popular piece used as lesson material in many piano schools today.
Characterized by a bright and energetic melody, it is designed to help children experience the joy of music through the piano.
It also firmly cultivates fundamental techniques, making it an ideal piece for lower elementary school students who wish to improve their performance by taking on competitions.
Sonatina Op. 13-1, First MovementDmitri Kabalevsky
Composed in 1930, Kabalevsky’s Sonatina Op.
13 No.
1 reflects his strong commitment to music education for children.
Its first movement is characterized by brilliant chords and a gentle second theme.
Based on sonata form, it is technically relatively accessible while being well-suited for cultivating musicality.
The opening should be played with strength and tension, and it’s important to highlight the contrast with the sorrowful, song-like passage starting at measure 32.
Although a fast tempo and a strong forte are required, the piece includes key elements essential to understanding Kabalevsky’s musical style.
It’s also a highly recommended choice to work on through competitions.