[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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- [Piano Recital] Carefully Selected Classical Pieces Recommended for Upper Elementary School Students
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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 School Students] A Comprehensive Introduction to Pieces That Are Easy to Win Prizes With in Piano Competitions (31–40)
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.
Let’s dance in the fieldCornelius Gurlitt
Cornelius Gurlitt, a German composer and organist, wrote “Let’s Dance in the Meadow,” a piece distinguished by its light, bright melody.
It appears as the 14th piece in his collection Children’s Music Party, Op.
210, and is composed to be easy for small hands to play.
Expressing the joy of running freely across a field and the fun of dance, this piece is friendly and engaging for lower-elementary students—sure to make practice enjoyable! Pay attention to the balance between left and right hand dynamics and the rhythm, and try to perform while imagining carefree dancing.
Children’s Album – 24 Easy Pieces, Op. 39: No. 8 “Waltz”Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
The piece “Children’s Album – 24 Easy Pieces, Op.
39: No.
8 ‘Waltz’,” often performed at piano recitals, is said to have been composed by Tchaikovsky at the age of 38 and is perfect for grasping the waltz rhythm.
The key to performing it is to maintain the triple meter while playing the staccato passages as lightly as possible.
A waltz featuring such frequent staccato is quite rare, so be sure to give it a try.
Children’s Music Concert, Op. 210: No. 15 “Little Romance”Cornelius Gurlitt
Cornelius Gurlitt’s “Little Romance” features a charming, music-box-like melody that leaves a memorable impression.
It’s included in many beginner piano collections and is also a popular choice for recitals.
Because it’s built from gentle broken chords and a simple single-line melody, even children who have only recently started piano lessons should find it approachable.
Pay attention to the balance between the left and right hands, and aim for an even more beautiful performance.
Minuet in F major, K. 2Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Beethoven’s Minuet in F major, K.2, has a very charming atmosphere, characterized by an elegant three-beat meter.
Because similar phrases are repeated, it’s a piece that even children who are not yet comfortable with reading or memorizing music can readily try.
However, to deliver a performance that captivates the judges, it’s essential to differentiate each repetition with subtle nuances.
It’s perfect for developing expressive skills.
In conclusion
We’ve introduced some competition pieces especially recommended for younger elementary school children, to help you when entering children’s piano competitions.
However, in competitions, what matters most is how well you can perform to your full potential.
Playing the pieces featured here does not guarantee an award.
Please use this only as a guide for selecting repertoire, and I hope it helps you choose pieces that will let your students or children showcase their abilities to the fullest.