[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?”
- [For Elementary School Students] Brilliant, Showy Masterpieces That Sound Impressive at Piano Recitals
- [Intermediate Level] Cool Piano Pieces You Can Play [Great for Recitals Too]
- [For Piano Recitals] Simple yet Cool Classical Pieces
- [Piano Recital] Perfect Pieces for Middle Schoolers! A Curated Selection of Impressive, Audience-Pleasing Works
- [For 6-year-olds] A curated selection of standout pieces for piano recitals!
- It’s so cool if you can play these on the piano! A selection of irresistibly charming masterpieces.
- Piano Masterpieces: Surprisingly Easy Despite Sounding Difficult!? A Curated Selection Perfect for Recitals
- [Popular Piano] Capture the Audience’s Attention! Recommended Pop Songs That Shine at Piano Recitals
- [Piano Recital] Carefully Selected Classical Pieces Recommended for Upper Elementary School Students
- [For Intermediate Players] Challenge Yourself! Recommended Masterpieces That Shine at Piano Recitals
- [Beginner] Recommended Piano Pieces to Play at a Recital
- [Classical Music] All pieces under 3 minutes! A collection of short and cool piano pieces
- [For 5-year-olds] A curated selection of recommended pieces for a piano recital!
[Piano Recital] Recommended for Boys! A Curated Selection of Cool, Impressive Popular Pieces (41–50)
Minuet for TrumpetWilliam Duncombe
Minuet for Trumpet is a recommended piece not only for small children but also for adults who have just started piano and are finally beginning to play a little with both hands.
Its musical structure flows naturally from simple repeated notes into an elegant melody, giving you that delightful feeling of “I’m really playing the piano!” just by performing it.
Technically it’s not difficult at all, but try to play it with feeling while considering the balance with the left-hand accompaniment.
Brilliant WaltzGlenda Austin
Set to a brilliant and elegant waltz rhythm, this piece captivates listeners as jazz elements are skillfully interwoven.
While the flowing melodies are enhanced with modern arrangements, the refined character of the music draws out the performer’s expressive abilities.
Glenda Austin’s works are often adopted as teaching materials in piano studios and music education settings, and are frequently chosen for recitals and competitions.
This piece, which values the distinctive feel of the waltz while combining technical challenges with musical enjoyment, is an ideal choice for upper elementary-level learners.
A Cruel Angel’s ThesisTakahashi Yoko
The TV anime Neon Genesis Evangelion has a huge fan base.
Its opening theme, A Cruel Angel’s Thesis sung by Yoko Takahashi, is one of the quintessential anime songs that even people who haven’t seen the show know.
In fact, the chorus is built on a repeating four-chord progression, so once you learn it, it’s surprisingly easy to play.
The melody is catchy and memorable, and since it stays within a single octave, it isn’t too difficult.
It’s a song I’d especially recommend for kids who love anime or are fans of Eva!
Midnight Fire FestivalHirayoshi Takeshu
With its unique rhythm driving it forward energetically, the passionate atmosphere is so cool! “Midnight Fire Festival,” composed by Takeshi Yoshinao, is included in the piano collection for children “Rainbow Rhythm.” Highly popular and often selected as a competition piece, this work is perfect for boys, evoking intensity and power.
It mixes sections that feel like duple meter with those that feel like triple meter, and features complex rests in the left hand—elements that make it very rewarding to practice.
To play it stylishly at a recital, start by firmly grasping the rhythm with one hand at a time.
Burgmüller 25 Etudes, Op. 100 No. 25 “La chevaleresque” (The Lady’s Ride)Johann Burgmüller
A dazzling and valiant piece that concludes the 1851-published album 25 Etudes, Op.
100.
The original title of this work means “chivalry,” and true to its name, it lets you feel like the dignified yet elegant hero of a story.
The staccato passages, like a horse stepping lightly, and the scales driving toward the climax make your heart dance just by listening.
In performance, the key is whether you can express the shifting scenes through dynamics and varied touch.
It’s a piece that invites you to imagine a narrative and enjoy discovering your own unique interpretation.
Gypsy DanceHeinrich Lichner
Gypsy Dance by the German composer Heinrich Lichner is also a popular piece and a staple for recitals.
Its exotic melody, evoking a passionate dance, is sure to capture attention on stage.
Practice first at a slow tempo so you can play the left-hand staccato crisply and lightly while keeping the right-hand melody smooth.
In the middle section where the character of the music changes dramatically, add clear contrasts to express the piece’s drama effectively.
Pirates of the Caribbean: “He’s a Pirate”Klaus Badelt＆Hans Florian Zimmer
Speaking of recitals, people may traditionally have played the great classics, but recently arrangements of pop, film music, and rock have also become very popular.
This piece is an arrangement for piano of one of the signature tracks from the movie Pirates of the Caribbean, “He’s a Pirate.” When performing non-classical pieces on a solo piano, having a solid, driving rhythm makes it sound especially cool.
To articulate the rhythm clearly and prevent the tempo from rushing, it’s a good idea to practice with a metronome or similar tool.
