Processional music on the piano! A collection of perfect ideas for nursery and kindergarten graduation ceremonies

rainbowSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko-san / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

'Niji' Print Sheet Music: Beginner to Intermediate / Hirotaka Nakagawa

Niji, created by the duo Toshihiko Shinzawa and Hirotaka Nakagawa, is a classic that conveys warmth and hope.

Among the many preschool graduation songs, it’s one I especially recommend, and it has often been chosen as the entrance music for graduation ceremonies.

Born alongside the start of their series in Ongaku Hiroba in 1987, its gentle, companionable melody and lyrics that express hope for the future support children as they take their first steps toward tomorrow at this major milestone.

Beloved across generations, Niji will become an unforgettable page of memories for these young graduates.

majestic and dignifiedEdward Elgar

Elgar “Pomp and Circumstance” #Pianist Yuki Kondo / Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1, Piano Solo, Yuki Kondo

Edward Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance” is a perfect piece for a preschool graduation ceremony.

Composed in 1901, its powerful yet warm melody splendidly highlights the children’s new beginning.

In particular, March No.

1 is filled with grandeur and benevolence, resonating deeply with listeners.

Played on the piano, it would make a moving processional, gently encouraging the children as they walk in.

Why not offer Elgar’s richly expressive “Pomp and Circumstance” to mark this important milestone?

When I Become a First GraderSakushi: Mado Michio / Sakkyoku: Yamamoto Naosumi

When I Become a First Grader / Music by Naosumi Yamamoto

Written by poet Michio Mado with music by Naotsugu Yamamoto, “Ichinensei ni Nattara” (“When I Become a First Grader”) is a classic that captures children’s positivity and anticipation.

Since its release in 1966, it has been sung at many preschool graduation and school entrance ceremonies, and it continues to be loved by children without losing its charm.

Its gentle, comforting melody gives a soft push to little shoulders and warmly celebrates a new beginning.

Highly recommended as a processional piece for graduation ceremonies—let this song add a bright flourish to the first steps of children who have grown so much.

Air on the G StringJ.S.Bach

4K sound quality / Air on the G String / Bach / Air on G String / classical piano / CANACANA

Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Air on the G String” is a masterpiece that resonates with hearts young and old.

Composed between 1717 and 1723, it was later arranged for solo violin by August Wilhelmj.

Its gentle melody will surely be etched in the hearts of children taking their first steps at a graduation ceremony.

This piece also shines in a pipe organ version, and with approachable piano arrangements, children can play it too.

For the opening of a graduation, why not choose this splendid and moving “Air on the G String”?

We Look Up to You with RespectSakkyokusha fumei

Revered and Dear (Aogeba Tōtoshi) – Piano, Advanced – With Lyrics – Ministry of Education Song (Graduation Song)

This is a traditional song that has been sung for many years at Japanese graduation ceremonies.

It is originally based on an American tune and was popularized in Japan by Shuji Izawa, who worked for the Ministry of Education’s Music Investigation Committee.

The lyrics, in which graduates express gratitude to their teachers, bid farewell to friends, and declare their resolve for a new life, are particularly memorable.

Its gentle, sentimental melody helps create the moving atmosphere of a graduation ceremony.

The song has three verses, each conveying the feelings of the graduates.

It also includes expressions that reflect classical language and the values of the time, giving it a timeless appeal that continues to be loved across generations.

It is often performed as a processional piece at kindergarten graduation ceremonies as well, making it a perfect song to celebrate children setting off on a new path.

Light of FirefliesSukottorando min’yō

[Piano] Hotaru no Hikari / Scottish Folk Song “Auld Lang Syne” – Graduation Song (Piano Accompaniment)

It’s a song everyone knows.

Since it was included in the Shogaku Shoka-shu (Elementary School Song Collection) edited in Japan in 1881, it has continued to be sung at graduation ceremonies and farewells.

The original tune is the Scottish folk song “Auld Lang Syne.” The Japanese lyrics were written by Chie Inagaki.

They depict studying by the light of fireflies and snow shining through the window, parting from friends, and setting out on a new path.

While the first and second verses are widely known, the third and fourth are seldom sung.

Performed as a processional at a kindergarten graduation, it would be a wonderful choice to celebrate the children’s growth and support their next step!

The First StepSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

[Easy Piano] The First Step

Graduation from kindergarten is an event that marks the start of a completely new day and a new way of life, totally different from what came before.

Some children may feel anxious, since everything changes when they enter elementary school.

This is a warmhearted graduation song you’ll want to give to such kids.

With lyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa and music by Hirotaka Nakagawa, it was released in 1987.

It begins with the scene of morning arriving with birdsong and gently portrays children stepping into a today that’s different from yesterday.

Its simple chord progression in C major makes it easy to sing for children from preschoolers to early elementary students.

Finding the courage to take that first step is hard even for adults, isn’t it? Performed with piano accompaniment as a processional at a graduation ceremony, it fills the event with a warm atmosphere.

It’s a recommended song for everyone who wants to cheer on a new beginning.