I have a couple pre-intermediate students, that are begging me to play classical pieces. I have a copy of the Anna Magdalena notebook and many of the pieces are a bit too difficult.

Any particular group of easy transcriptions that would include K545 and Fur Elise for instance.. (GRADE 2 or 3)that you would recommend.. Sorry if this question has been asked a million times.

Developing Artist Series - FJH Music
Everybody's Perfect Masterpieces - Alfred
Piano Literature, Bk. 1 - Bastien/Kjos
Celebration Series - Frederick Harris Publishing
First Favorite Classics - Alfred

It's hard to make K545 easier, I've never seen a simplified version of it. I have seen simplified versions of Fur Elise, but it's usually just the first theme rewritten in 8th notes, so technically it's not easier to play. Your best bet is to get them started using the standard teaching literature. The anthologies I listed above are very commonly used and provide a wonderful foundation for classical literature. Also look into the usual favorites by Gillock, Jon George, Alec Rowley, and Catherine Rollin.

thanks Kreisler - (you're always so helpful)

I've shown one girl HOW to play K545 without music... and by golly, she could imitate me. I showed her the music and the 16th notes absolutely floored her "I can't play those" she said...

They're actually very good learners. Can't wait.

this book has both K545 and fur elise, plus more:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0...5214745-5244869

Don't overlook the obvious: some of Schumann's Album for the Young (but not Kinderscenen), and some of Grieg's little piano pieces (Opus 12, 38, 43, 47, etc.) aren't *that* hard for pre-intermediate. John Thompson even includes Grieg's "Watchman Song", Opus 12 No. 3 in the 3rd grade book, and the Waltz Opus 12 No. 2 in the 4th grade book. And Schumann's "Melodie", the first song in Album for the Young, is in JT's 3rd grade book.

Look through them and pick some out that look do-able for your group.

There is also Schirmer's "Early Keyboard Music", about half of of which is feasible for pre-intermediates, IMO.

The Clementi Sonatines are do-able, IMO. John Thompson includes the first movement of the first one in the 3rd grade book.

Chopin Prelude Opus 28 No. 4 is do-able--it's just basically chords in the left hand. And the Opus 28 No. 7 is in JT 3rd grade book in a slightly simplified version, just eliminates some of the big octaves.

Kreisler and Mathilde-

excellent suggestions! Don't forget Kabalevsky, as he has wonderful pieces for young pianists.

There's a great book, Easy Classics to Moderns, with a huge selection of Classic pieces in their original form from all periods of music and spanning elementary - intermediate pieces.