Recommended for junior high school students! A selection of pop songs perfect for piano recitals
Many people probably have the impression that “piano recitals are for playing classical pieces!” It’s true that classical music makes up a large portion of performances, and there are even studios that focus exclusively on classical.
However, in recent years more children have been attending piano lessons not as a form of ‘culture’ or ‘refinement,’ but as a hobby-like activity, and it feels like the range of genres performed at recitals has broadened accordingly.
So this time, from among the many pop pieces frequently chosen as recital repertoire outside the classical realm, we’ve picked recommendations that are perfect for junior high school students!
From anime theme songs to Vocaloid tracks and the latest hits—we’ve got plenty to share.
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Recommended for middle schoolers! A selection of pop songs to play at a piano recital (11–20)
Flower of loveaimyon
Aimyong’s “Ai no Hana,” written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Ranman starring Ryunosuke Kamiki, is a track whose gentle, warm atmosphere and lyrics about an unending bond with a loved one softly envelop the heart.
Simple and somehow nostalgic, this song is also perfect for piano performance.
Try shaping the nuances so the piano’s timbre fully conveys the song’s soft impression.
In the soaring chorus, aim for a gentle sound rather than focusing solely on volume.
ANTENNAMrs. GREEN APPLE
The title track “ANTENNA” from Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s album ANTENNA, released in April 2023, is a refreshing, emotionally stirring song with a powerful message.
Celebrating the importance of accepting yourself and living positively, it’s a perfect fit for junior high school students who carry both anxiety and hope for the future.
Imagining the lyrics while playing the energetic melody on the piano can boost motivation for piano practice—and even spark greater drive for studying, club activities, and other aspects of daily life.
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE
This song delicately portrays the fleeting yet beautiful light and shadow of youth.
Memories, loneliness, anxiety, and hope are interwoven as the days pass, expressed through an urban sound.
Chosen as the opening theme for the anime “Oblivion Battery,” it harmonizes Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s signature refreshing melodies with profound lyrics.
At the 66th Japan Record Awards in 2024, it won the Grand Prize.
Centered on the complex emotions everyone experiences during their youth and on how we confront ourselves, the song resonates deeply.
Embracing the hearts of those who strive to move forward despite their anxieties, it has garnered support from a wide range of generations.
Howl’s Moving Castle ‘Merry-Go-Round of Life’Hisaishi Joe
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.
Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride – ‘Engaging in the Flames of War’sugiyama kouichi
A staple battle theme with unwavering popularity in the world of video game music now makes its debut as a piece that shines at piano recitals.
Its powerful performance and tense development have earned strong support, especially among boys.
First released in September 1992 in Dragon Quest V, this work is characterized by a fast tempo at BPM 164 and a 4/4 meter, vividly expressing the forcefulness of its key of C minor.
The tension produced by string tremolos and the brassy, gritty chords of the wind section retains ample appeal even in solo piano form.
The piece has also been performed as a symphonic work and has been taken up by numerous orchestras, including recordings by the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
It’s a perfect choice for those aiming for a dazzling recital performance or seeking to enhance their musical expressiveness.
Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE
A masterpiece by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, “Ao to Natsu” (Blue and Summer), written as the theme song for the film “Aonatsu: Kimi ni Koi Shita 30-nichi.” Its lyrics, which capture the sweet and bittersweet feelings of youth and love, make listeners feel the brilliance and fleeting sadness of each summer moment—truly a youth anthem.
With its exhilarating sound and lyrics packed with a bittersweet yet forward-looking message, this song is perfect for junior high school students in the midst of their youth! When playing it on piano, try to convey the song’s energetic atmosphere by highlighting the beauty of the melody and paying close attention to dynamics.
Recommended for middle schoolers! A selection of pop songs you’ll want to play at your piano recital (21–30)
Treasure IslandT-SQUARE
T-SQUARE, a band active in the jazz fusion scene, released the album “S・P・O・R・T・S” on March 5, 1986, which includes the popular track “Takarajima.” It’s frequently performed at wind ensemble concerts! This piece is captivating for its fusion-genre complexity and intriguing rhythms, and it can be enjoyed on piano in a wide range of arrangements.
To play the complex rhythms with lightness, it’s important to focus not only on the melody line but also on the left hand that keeps the tempo.
During practice, use a metronome to maintain a steady tempo and gradually work through the more challenging sections.