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[Piano Recital] Recommended for Boys! A Curated Selection of Cool, Impressive, and Popular Pieces

Speaking of piano lessons, there used to be an image that they were for girls, but these days—perhaps due to the influence of video sites, social media, and the street piano trend—more and more boys want to learn piano as well.

As a result, many parents are enrolling their sons with the hope that “I want my son to be able to play too!” And one milestone they’ll almost certainly encounter is the piano recital.

In this article, we introduce stylish, stage-ready pieces that are perfect for boys as candidate pieces for the recital that every child taking piano lessons is bound to experience.

Why not pick out some possibilities early so your child can answer when the teacher asks, “Is there anything you’d like to play?”

[Piano Recital] Recommended for Boys! A Curated Selection of Cool & Impressive Popular Pieces (61–70)

Dance of the nativesNakata Yoshinao

[Piano Recital Recommendation] The Dance of Aborigines ♫ Yoshinao Nakada / The Dance of Aborigines, Yoshinao Nakada
Dance of the nativesNakata Yoshinao

For a six-year-old looking for a powerful and cool piece, how about a work by the Japanese composer Yoshinao Nakata? It conjures up a wild, energetic scene, as if one were dancing and stamping the earth with vigor.

Clearly differentiating staccatos and accents will be key to expressing the piece’s dynamism.

In fact, there’s a record of it winning first prize at a competition held in 2004.

This piece is perfect for practicing dynamic contrasts and is recommended for children who want to play a slightly more advanced, cool piece at a recital.

Dance and SongNakata Yoshinao

[Recommended Piano Recital Piece] A Dance and Song ♫ Yoshinao Nakada
Dance and SongNakata Yoshinao

This is a captivating solo piano piece woven from two elements: “Dance” and “Song.” Rhythmic, Japanese-style melodies blend beautifully with a gentle singing quality, creating an evocative work that conjures scenes of a summer night.

The invigorating “Dance” section, brimming with mixed meter in 5/8 and syncopation, alternates with the “Song” section, sung over graceful harmonies, holding the listener’s heart throughout.

It’s recommended for those seeking a family-friendly recital piece or wishing to deepen rhythm study while valuing a Japanese aesthetic.

With thoughtful use of staccato and pedaling, performers can further broaden expressive range, making it a rewarding work to learn.

Polonaise in C major, Op. 155-4Theodor Oesten

The Polonaise by Theodor Oesten, a piano teacher and composer active in 19th-century Germany, is a piece I highly recommend as a recital assignment for children who are nearing the end of the beginner level.

The brisk, rhythmic waltz tempo may feel challenging, but the left-hand accompaniment is very simple and the right-hand melody is single-lined, so playing it strictly as written shouldn’t be too difficult.

Start slowly, then gradually speed up, and aim to perform it with style.

Symphonia No. 1 in C majorJ.S.Bach

Bach / Sinfonia No. 1 in C Major (J.S. Bach – Sinfonia No. 1 in C Major, BWV 787, from Three-Part Invention)
Symphonia No. 1 in C majorJ.S.Bach

A bright and lively three-voice piano melody, this beautiful miniature was composed in 1720 for the composer’s son’s education.

The theme unfolds fluidly from the outset, passing gracefully from the upper voice to the middle and lower voices, showcasing the meticulous counterpoint characteristic of Baroque music.

With its uninterrupted melodic lines and pleasing harmonic progressions, the piece brims with charm that captivates the listener.

The passages speak clearly, the phrasing connects naturally, and it is an ideal performance piece for upper elementary school children.

Its glittering layers of sound and rich expressiveness will surely add splendor to any recital stage.

Sonatina, 3rd MovementWilliam Gillock

[Recommended for Piano Recitals] Sonatine, Movement 3 ♪ Gillock / Sonatine mov. 3, Gillock
Sonatina, 3rd MovementWilliam Gillock

While grounded in classical sonata form, this work captivates with its bright and lively character.

Its approachable melodies and structure, infused with a contemporary sensibility, add a touch of brilliance to piano recitals.

Featured on the album “Accent on Analytical Sonatinas,” it has also been selected as a required piece for the Los Angeles Music Teachers Association Sonata Contest.

Striking a superb balance between technical demands and musical expression, it promises a dazzling performance effect.

Ideal for showcasing the abilities of upper elementary students, this piece is a perfect choice to enthrall audiences at a piano recital.

Lupin the Third Theme ’78Ōno Yūji

Lupin the Third Theme [Piano Sheet Music You Can Play in One Day, Even as a Beginner] – Theme From Lupin III – Piano Sheet Music
Lupin the Third Theme '78Ōno Yūji

When it comes to cool anime songs, “Theme from Lupin the Third” is indispensable.

Composed by jazz pianist Yuji Ohno, it’s notable for having a variety of takes across the years, from funky to jazzy versions.

Even just playing the melody makes it sound great, so it’s impressive even with a simple left-hand arrangement.

If you become more conscious of the rhythm in your playing, you can level it up even further and craft an even more polished rendition of “Theme from Lupin the Third”!

Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major, Op. 311, Third Movement “Turkish March”Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Turkish March” is actually the third movement of his Piano Sonata No.

11.

Because this movement is so famous, it is often performed on its own rather than as part of the full sonata.

Speaking of “Turkish March,” Beethoven’s piece of the same title is also well-known, but Mozart’s work is considered more difficult due to the technique and stamina required to play it through.

However, you’re sure to feel a great sense of accomplishment when you finish! Master this masterpiece with flair and show off the fruits of your practice to the fullest at your recital!