[Piano Recital] Carefully Selected Masterpieces and Popular Pieces Recommended for 3rd Grade Elementary School Students!

Carnival BallWilliam Gillock

Gillock: Carnival Ball – Pianist Yuki Kondo

William Gillock’s “Carnival in Rio,” a work that revolutionized music education in America, is a captivating piece for performers, combining melodic strength with a technical approach.

Centered on the theme of a glamorous ball, it’s accessible even for third-grade students and promises a delightful performance at recitals.

Its exhilarating character—conveying the joy of making music through performance—is another key attraction.

It’s also perfect for children who have just started piano and are looking for a way to take the next step.

Howl’s Moving Castle ‘Merry-Go-Round of Life’Hisaishi Joe

"Merry-Go-Round of Life" Howl's Moving Castle [with sheet music] – Ghibli – Ear-copied Piano Cover – Piano Cover – CANACANA

The waltz-style piece that serves as the main theme of Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece film Howl’s Moving Castle captivates with the orchestra’s rich harmonies and a dreamlike atmosphere.

Its elegant 3/4-time melody splendidly captures the world of the film, which was released in November 2004.

Beginning with a piano introduction, the work weaves beautiful lines from the oboe and strings, resulting in a refined character that reflects the influence of European classical music.

In 2021, singer Kumiko covered the piece and released it as a single.

It’s a highly recommended piece for boys who want to perform at a recital, combining both brilliance and strength that will enthrall the audience.

Merry-Go-Round of LifeHisaishi Joe

From Howl's Moving Castle: Merry-Go-Round of Life (Howl’s Moving Castle Theme)

Joe Hisaishi’s “Merry-Go-Round of Life” is a masterpiece that captures the fantastical world of Studio Ghibli’s film Howl’s Moving Castle.

Its simple, songlike melody flowing over a waltz rhythm is ideal for third-grade elementary school students to develop a feel for 3/4 time and basic piano technique.

By firmly grasping the left-hand bass line, you can add depth to the performance, so it’s important to pay attention to the accompaniment as well.

Imagining scenes from the movie as you play will help shape a more expressive performance rich in variety.

Wish Upon a StarLeigh Harline

When You Wish Upon a Star [Disney on Piano] from Pinocchio – Recommended for Recitals

Born from the film Pinocchio, When You Wish Upon a Star is a beloved Disney classic that continues to inspire people of all ages with courage and hope as they pursue their dreams! Its simple yet touching melody makes it approachable even for third-grade elementary students, and playing it at a relaxed tempo allows for a deeper appreciation of its beautiful musical flow.

Moreover, with its familiar and unpretentious melody and charming character, this piece is ideal for learning expressive performance.

Practicing it as a recital piece will sharpen expressive skills and foster musical growth.

30 Children’s Pieces, Op. 27: No. 12 “Toccatina”Dmitri Kabalevsky

[Recommended for piano recitals] Toccatina ♫ Kabalevsky / Toccatina Op. 27 No. 12, Kabalevsky

Dmitry Kabalevsky, a Russian composer who left numerous piano works for children and books on music education, wrote 30 Pieces for Children, Op.

27.

The twelfth piece of this characterful collection, Toccattina, is a crisply rhythmic work.

A “toccattina” is a small improvisatory piece.

This work stands out for its improvisatory lightness, and players are expected to clearly differentiate slurs and staccatos to create contrast.

Enjoy performing it while savoring the folk-like rhythms characteristic of Kabalevsky.

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Rainbow Rhythm No. 25: “Tulips’ Line Dance”Hirayoshi Takeshu

Takamichi Hiyakichi / Rainbow Rhythm 25. Tulip Line Dance / Performed by: Asuka Sakuma

Kiyoshi Hiraishi’s “Tulip Line Dance” features a lively rhythm and bright melody that evoke tulips fluttering in the wind.

It’s an ideal piece for elementary school piano students, allowing them to develop a sense of rhythm and expressiveness while having fun through performance.

To depict the dancing tulips, it’s important to skillfully alternate between staccato and legato.

It’s by no means an easy piece, but taking on the challenge will surely be a step toward improvement.

Friend MozartYukawa Akira

2008 Award Winners Commemoration — Aoi Yukikami / Akira Yuyama: Tomodachi Mozart (Friend Mozart)

Composer Akira Yukawa left behind many pieces for children.

Among his works, “Friend Mozart” is especially popular and is frequently performed at recitals and competitions.

This piece has a cheerful character that incorporates musical features of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and through performing it, players can cultivate essential expressive skills and a solid sense of rhythm for piano playing.

Be sure to keep rhythm and tempo precise, and play with correct fingering!