[Piano Recital] Perfect Pieces for Middle Schoolers! A Curated Selection of Impressive, Audience-Pleasing Works
Even children who didn’t care much about choosing pieces for recitals in elementary school often start longing for dazzling works the moment they become junior high students, saying, “I want to try playing this!” Performances by older students and adults heard at past recitals may have left a strong impression, and some students might be eager, thinking, “Someday I’ll perform a piece that sounds this impressive.” So here, we’ll introduce pieces that are perfect for junior high schoolers to showcase at a piano recital—works that really make an impact.
As children enter junior high, they grow both mentally and physically, and their musical tastes may change from what they liked in elementary school.
Let’s choose pieces that are just right for them and boost their motivation to sit down at the piano even more!
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[Piano Recital] Perfect Pieces for Middle School Performers! A Curated Selection of Impressive-Sounding Works (1–10)
Impromptu No. 4 in C-sharp minor, Op. posth. 66 “Fantaisie-Impromptu”Frederic Chopin
Among Frédéric Chopin’s best-known works and a favorite at competitions and recitals, Fantaisie-Impromptu was originally never intended for publication, but is said to have seen the light of day when it was published after Chopin’s death by his friend Julian Fontana.
This piece is renowned for the beautiful contrast between the rapid figurations at the beginning and the calm middle section.
While the fast passages at the start may seem highly challenging, train your body by moving your fingers slowly and letting the motions sink in.
With the piano, practice is everything!
Suite bergamasque, No. 3: Clair de LuneClaude Debussy
Among Claude Debussy’s works, the Suite bergamasque No.
3, “Clair de lune,” is especially popular.
It is a richly expressive piece that depicts the sorrow and suffering a jester does not usually reveal.
While the piece is not technically very difficult, it demands expressive control to play richly within a pianissimo, so it’s important not only to practice finger technique but also to understand the piece’s background and harmonic progression.
By paying close attention to details—such as the direction each note is leading and the shifts in harmony—and polishing them carefully, you can achieve a more refined performance.
Waltz No. 6 in D-flat major, Op. 64 No. 1 “Minute Waltz”Frederic Chopin
Frédéric Chopin’s Waltz No.
6 in D-flat major, Op.
64-1—popularly known as the “Minute Waltz”—is a brilliant, crowd-pleasing choice for recitals! Inspired by the charming sight of George Sand’s beloved dog (Chopin’s lover) chasing its tail, it was composed between 1846 and 1848.
The allure of this piece lies in its brisk rhythm and unforgettable melody.
Because it demands precise control of tone, it’s an excellent choice for middle school students aiming to improve their technique.
By maintaining tempo with increasing accuracy while preserving lightness, you can deliver a performance that listeners won’t soon forget!
[Piano Recital] Perfect Pieces for Junior High School Students! A Curated Selection of Impressive, Audience-Pleasing Works (11–20)
Fantasy Pieces: Flight, Op. 12 No. 2Robert Schumann
Robert Schumann’s masterpiece, “Fantasiestücke: Aufschwung, Op.
12 No.
2.” It’s often performed at piano recitals, so many of you may be familiar with it.
While it’s by no means an easy piece to play, it’s one that often “sounds harder than it feels,” delivering a striking impression.
A key point is the right hand from measure 17.
If you focus too much on bringing out the top voice clearly, the tone can become rigid, so aim to play with a sense of horizontal flow.
Two Rhapsodies, Op. 79 No. 1Johannes Brahms
Composed by Johannes Brahms in 1879, Rhapsody No.
1 from Two Rhapsodies, Op.
79 is a dramatic piece that interweaves strength and gentleness, captivating listeners.
Because it showcases both technique and expressiveness, it is frequently performed at recitals and competitions.
Demanding delicacy within its dynamic technical and expressive aspects, this work is perfect for middle school students looking to develop not only their skills but also their musical expression.
Brilliant and highly effective in performance, it will let you play with full confidence on stage and truly show the results of your practice.
small black personClaude Debussy
A light and joyful piano piece by the French composer Claude Debussy.
It is a duple-meter work that incorporates the cakewalk dance rhythm, which originated in the American South in the 19th century, and it deftly alternates between staccato and legato.
Characterized by buoyant, syncopated rhythms, the music paints an endearing image, like a child shyly peeking out.
Debussy was born in August 1862 and entered the Paris Conservatory at the age of ten.
His innovative compositional techniques influenced many later composers.
This piece also teaches the importance of playing simple music beautifully.
It is a striking work that would be perfect for a junior high school recital.
Arabesque in C major, Op. 18Robert Schumann
Combining elegance with expressive richness, Robert Schumann’s Arabeske in C major, Op.
18, is a piece composed in 1839 amid his troubled days in Vienna.
Enchanting listeners with Schumann’s uniquely poetic worldview, this work is an excellent choice for a recital piece, offering a perfect opportunity to develop both lyricism and technique.
In particular, the intense B and C sections that follow the gentle A section provide outstanding practice for expanding one’s expressive range.
For middle school students seeking to further refine their performance skills, studying this piece will also be greatly beneficial as a way to build confidence.