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

Forest fairyWilliam Gillock

Gillock: Ariel (Forest Sprite) / ギロック：森の妖精

This is a piano piece by William Gillock that sparkles like glistening grains of sound spilling out.

You can almost picture charming fairies dancing merrily deep in the forest.

With its crystal-clear melody that captivates the hearts of many children, this work is perfect for youngsters who want to develop rich expressiveness and play music as if weaving a story.

Rather than focusing only on increasing the tempo, paying attention to dynamics and phrasing—contrasts of loud and soft, fast and slow—will surely make you stand out in competitions!

SumireStreabbog

All-Japan Piano Competition 2024 National Finals / Elementary School Lower Grades Division — Excellence Award / Koka Imura

Stribog’s “Violet,” with its charming, delicate atmosphere, is a piece whose clearly defined scene changes make it easy to shape contrasts—perfect for children who want to develop their expressive skills.

When performing it in a competition, in addition to dynamic contrast, the key is to make the mid-piece tempo changes feel natural.

Be careful not to slow down so much that the flow of the 3/4 meter suffers.

If your child says, “I’ve never seen a violet!” show them pictures or a book and say, “This is what the flower looks like.” It will make the imagery easier to grasp and should have a positive effect on their performance.

Maiden’s PrayerTekla Bądarzewska-Baranowska

Maiden’s Prayer – Badarzewska [La prière d’une vierge] Piano / CANACANA

Tekla Bądarzewska’s “A Maiden’s Prayer” is distinguished by its delicate, resplendent melody.

Its sweet, beautiful tune conjures a scene of someone single‑heartedly wishing for something with a pure heart, captivating many listeners.

Since its publication in Warsaw in 1856, it has continued to be cherished around the world.

You may well recognize it from its appearance in the anime Classicaloid or its use as a station melody on the Tokaido Shinkansen.

The decorative passages—interweaving octaves and septuplets—evoke the elegance of salon music.

It’s a perfect piece for elementary and middle school students who want to stretch themselves a little and take on a sophisticated, aspirational work.

severe thunderstormJohann Burgmüller

[Piano Recital Recommendation] The Thunderstorm ♫ Burgmüller / Orage, Burgmüller

This is a dramatic and cool piece included in Johann Burgmüller’s study collection 18 Characteristic Studies, Op.

109.

Like a single film, it brilliantly depicts the arrival of a violent storm, the rumbling thunder, and its quiet passing.

The thunder expressed through octave tremolos is powerful and highly effective in performance! It’s not only about building strength and excitement; the challenge lies in gradually softening the sound as if the storm is receding, which makes it very rewarding to practice.

It’s the perfect piece for elementary and middle school students who want to greatly enhance their expressive power with a story-like work.

If performed with rich emotion at a recital, it will draw every listener into its world.

Piano Sonata K. 545, 1st MovementWolfgang Amadeus Mozart

36th Prizewinners’ Commemorative Concert / Rikuto Wakabayashi — Mozart: Piano Sonata K. 545, 1st movement

Among Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s piano works, this piece is especially famous.

Even those who aren’t well-versed in classical music might say, “I know this melody!” Composed in June 1788 with piano learners in mind, it captivates with its bright and light character.

However, despite its familiarity, playing it beautifully is by no means easy.

It’s filled with essential techniques, such as maintaining balance with the left-hand accompaniment while keeping the right-hand melody even and well-articulated.

Performing such a renowned piece at a recital is sure to boost your confidence—and the sense of accomplishment when you master it is exceptional.

Wiener MarchCarl Czerny

“Wiener Marsch” Czerny [A piece that shines at piano recitals] Wiener Marsch / Carl Czerny / Piano / Piano / CANACANA

This Austrian piano march captivates with its clear rhythm and lively melody.

Evoking the elegance and sophistication of Vienna, it is a popular choice for piano recitals and concerts.

Although composed in the early 19th century, it continues to be cherished by many pianists and music lovers today, thanks to its dazzling expressive power that enthralls audiences.

It’s especially recommended for boys looking for a stylish, stage-worthy piece.

While it serves as solid technical practice, it also hones musical expression, making it a work that will significantly elevate the skills of anyone studying the piano.

Album Leaves, Op. 33 No. 1 “Waltz”Samuil Maykapar

Maykapar: Waltz / Maikapar: Waltz

A waltz by Mykola Mykhalp (Maikapal) with a light three-beat rhythm and an elegant, memorable melody that puts both performer and listener in a cheerful mood.

It appears in a collection of short piano pieces for children published in 1947.

Designed to let players experience the joy of performance while learning the basics of musical expression, it’s an ideal piece not only for competitions and recitals but also to tackle in regular practice.

Aim for a forward-moving interpretation: play each note carefully yet keep the flow so the music doesn’t stall.