[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 for Junior High Students! Carefully Selected Impressive Pieces (21–30)
Prelude, No. 1 from Eight Concert EtudesNikolai Kapustin
A grand piece of music that opens up a new world of classical and jazz.
Its dynamic rhythms and brilliant melodies blend exquisitely, captivating the audience.
The skillful structure creates the illusion of a jazz combo improvising, while the Latin rhythms add a cheerful atmosphere that makes your heart dance.
Composed in 1984, this masterpiece beautifully fuses the rigorous structure of classical music with the free expression of jazz.
Highly recommended for piano learners and those who crave more than traditional classical music.
It works wonderfully as a concert opener or encore piece and is sure to enthrall the audience.
Fantasia “Sakura Sakura”Hirai Kōsaburō
This piece beautifully harmonizes traditional Japanese aesthetics with classical elements.
Composed by Yasuzaburō Hirai in 1971, it is based on koto music and incorporates Romantic-style piano techniques, breathing new life into it as a set of variations.
With its rich expressiveness and rhythmic vitality, it’s perfect for nurturing children’s sensitivity.
It’s a must-play for students in the upper grades who are aiming to further develop their technique.
Ask yourself, “What does music that feels truly Japanese sound like?” and try performing it while sensing the essence of Japan.
[Piano Recital] Perfect Pieces for Middle School Performers! Carefully Selected, Impressive-Sounding Works (31–40)
Lyric Pieces, Book VIII, Op. 65, No. 6: “Wedding Day at Troldhaugen”Edvard Hagerup Grieg
Edvard Grieg’s masterpiece Lyric Pieces, Book VIII, Op.
65, No.
6 “Wedding Day at Troldhaugen.” It is said to be a work that fully conveys Grieg’s distinctive style and is widely beloved among performers.
Although the piece has a bright, peaceful atmosphere, the section where quintuplets appear in the sixteenth notes is marked with triple forte, so it must be delivered with considerable power.
This is one of the most challenging parts of the piece, so I recommend practicing it intensively.
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.
Fantaisie-ImpromptuFrederic Chopin
This is a work by Frédéric Chopin that shifts from a stormy, passionate passage to a dreamily sweet and beautiful melody.
Its dramatic development is sure to resonate with elementary and middle school children who admire a more mature world.
Composed around 1834, it is also known for its luscious middle section, which was used as a principal theme in the film Impromptu.
The passages where the right and left hands play different rhythms simultaneously require practice, but the sense of accomplishment when mastered is exceptional.
It’s a rewarding piece for children who want to enrich their expressiveness and aim for a higher level of performance.
If played with rich emotion at a recital, it will surely capture the audience’s hearts.
Fantasia in D minor, K. 397Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s masterpiece Fantasia in D minor, K.
397 is notable for its melancholic, deeply expressive melody.
It’s often performed at recitals, so many of you may already know it.
Unusually tragic in tone for a Mozart work, it demands a high level of expressiveness.
The piece opens with an improvisatory introduction built on broken chords, which many players may find challenging.
While it’s slightly demanding for an intermediate-level piece, the latter half shifts to a bright, pleasant character.
Practice with the goal of releasing your accumulated frustration all at once when you reach that section.
Turkish RondoJohann Burgmüller
Characterized by a brilliant, rhythmic style and a modulation from A minor to A major, this piece features lively staccato and flowing sixteenth-note phrases that leave a strong impression.
Its exotic melodies and rhythms, enhanced by a natural sense of flow and vitality that emphasizes the upbeat, captivate listeners.
Marked Allegretto, it calls for an overall vivid expression, and the contrast between staccato and legato should be clearly defined to bring out the character.
This piece is recommended for those wishing to refine smooth technique and expressive nuance.
While fostering rhythmic sense and finger independence, it also deepens understanding of diverse musical styles.
Popular at recitals and competitions, it offers an excellent opportunity to showcase both technique and musical expression.