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[Piano Recital] Perfect Pieces for Middle Schoolers! A Curated Selection of Impressive, Audience-Pleasing Works

Graduated from a music school / 21 years of piano experiencesatomi
I began playing the piano at the age of four and spent six years at a conservatory, focusing mainly on classical music while honing my skills. In addition to solo performance, I studied extensively in chamber music and two-piano repertoire, and I had the opportunity to perform twice on stage as a soloist in piano concertos. While not to the same extent as classical, I also learned jazz and pop through practical performance. I was active as a pianist in various settings, including instrumental and vocal/choral accompaniment, performance assistance for other departments, and recording sessions. Beyond the piano, I devoted five years to the trombone in a wind ensemble. I hope to draw on these experiences to share the charm of music with many people.
Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

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!

[Piano Recital] Perfect for Junior High Students! A Curated Selection of Impressive, Audience-Pleasing Pieces (51–60)

Howl’s Moving Castle ‘Merry-Go-Round of Life’Hisaishi Joe

"Merry-Go-Round of Life" Howl's Moving Castle [with sheet music] – Ghibli – Ear-copied Piano Cover – Piano Cover – CANACANA

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.

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Sonatina, 3rd MovementWilliam Gillock

[Recommended for Piano Recitals] Sonatine, Movement 3 ♪ Gillock / Sonatine mov. 3, Gillock

Sonatina, 3rd MovementWilliam Gillock

While grounded in classical sonata form, this work captivates with its bright and lively character.

Its approachable melodies and structure, infused with a contemporary sensibility, add a touch of brilliance to piano recitals.

Featured on the album “Accent on Analytical Sonatinas,” it has also been selected as a required piece for the Los Angeles Music Teachers Association Sonata Contest.

Striking a superb balance between technical demands and musical expression, it promises a dazzling performance effect.

Ideal for showcasing the abilities of upper elementary students, this piece is a perfect choice to enthrall audiences at a piano recital.

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Für EliseLudwig van Beethoven

Für Elise / Beethoven / Für Elise (For Elise) / Beethoven / Piano / Tried playing / CANACANA

Für EliseLudwig van Beethoven

A famous work by Ludwig van Beethoven, the German master whom every pianist admires at least once.

Written in April 1810, this piece resonates in the heart with its wistful, beautiful melody.

It begins with a gentle, conversational, and calm theme that instantly captivates the listener.

However, the mood changes dramatically in the middle section, revealing a touch of mature passion and dramatic intensity.

It’s as if a straightforward heart crosses paths with the desire to act grown-up.

Perfect for elementary and middle school students who want to challenge themselves with rich emotional expression and play the piano as if spinning a story.

Imagine the changes in feeling from scene to scene, and perform with expressive nuance!

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In conclusion

This time, we introduced piano pieces that sound impressive and are perfect for recitals, specially recommended for junior high school students.

Although each is a famous work frequently featured in recitals and concerts, their character and atmosphere vary widely.

Using this article as a reference, please choose a piece that will let students fully showcase the results of their daily practice, taking into account their preferences and individual strengths—such as being highly expressive or having exceptionally fast finger technique.