[Piano Recital] Carefully Selected Classical Pieces Recommended for Upper Elementary School Students

25 Etudes, Op. 100 No. 20 “Tarantella”Johann Burgmüller

All-Japan Piano Competition 2022, Lower Elementary School Division, Gold Prize (Grand Prize): Haruto Yoshinaga

A beloved collection of piano studies, Johann Burgmüller’s masterpiece 25 Études, Op.

100.

No.

20, Tarantella, is a passionate, exhilarating piece inspired by the traditional dance of southern Italy.

Its rapid passages and bouncing rhythms vividly evoke the sight of people dancing fervently at a festival.

Although it’s a brilliant, stage-ready showpiece, precise control of each note is essential—so practice carefully by varying the rhythms and breaking it into a few beats at a time.

It’s an excellent challenge for elementary and middle school students, fostering both fingertip technique and expressive musicality at the same time.

Für EliseLudwig van Beethoven

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

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!

Aeolian harpWilliam Gillock

W. Gillock: Aeolian Harp — Gillock: Aeolian Harp

This is a work by William Gillock, captivating for its delicate, beautiful sonorities that evoke the sound of a harp swaying in the wind.

Premiered in 1957, the piece features richly colored, impressionistic harmonies and a gentle melody that sinks into the heart.

It not only nurtures the expressive abilities essential for progressing in piano study, but also allows performers to convey a beautiful, enchanting world that captivates audiences, making it an ideal choice for elementary and middle school students to play at piano recitals.

It’s especially recommended for children who want to refine their expressiveness with a piece that has a beautiful melody or who want to perform something memorable at a piano recital.

Line Dance of TulipsHirayoshi Takeshu

All Japan Piano Competition 2022, Preschool Division, Silver Prize, Yuki Ninomiya

This is a piece by Tokizane Hirayoshi that captivates the heart with a buoyant melody, as if colorful tulips were stepping in unison.

It is included in the piano collection for children, “Niji no Rhythm” (Rainbow Rhythm).

Although the performance time is only about 1 minute and 30 seconds, it is packed with elements that make it worthwhile for elementary and middle school students to practice, such as major seventh chords and left-hand techniques.

Start by firmly grasping the sense of rhythm at a slow tempo.

Build up steady practice so you can enchant your audience with a light, lively performance, and showcase it at your recital!

Fantasia “Sakura Sakura”Hirai Kōsaburō

Fantasia 'Sakura Sakura' by Kozo Takashi Hirai – Sakura Sakura Fantasy – Piano – CANACANA

A solo piano piece by Japanese composer Kozaburo Hirai, based on a melody familiar to everyone in Japan.

From the eight-bar, dreamlike introduction, it unfolds into an accessible main theme—sure to make a striking impression on any recital stage.

The charm of this work lies in how it paints a variety of scenes like a single story, from the splendor of cherry blossoms in full bloom to the fleeting beauty of petals dancing in the air.

The rhythmic section from measure 35, which imitates drums, adds energy and exhilaration to the piece.

It’s perfect for elementary and middle school students who want to express a slightly mature, traditional Japanese atmosphere.

It also serves wonderfully as an etude for developing rich expressive power, so try performing it dramatically while visualizing the scenes.

Turkish MarchLudwig van Beethoven

[Recommended for Piano Recitals] Turkish March ♫ Beethoven / Turkish March, Beethoven

It’s a famous work by Ludwig van Beethoven that conjures up the image of soldiers marching from a distant land.

The piece was premiered in February 1812 as part of the incidental music Die Ruinen von Athen and is also known as a staple for recitals.

Its structure—gradually growing louder and more exciting, then quietly fading into the distance—makes it perfect for elementary and middle school students who admire a slightly more mature atmosphere.

It’s so well loved that it has been used on television programs all over the world.

The left hand should be crisp like marching footsteps, while the right hand should be played accurately so the notes don’t tumble, allowing you to convey a dignified performance that sets listeners’ hearts dancing.

Waltz No. 4 in F major, Op. 34-3 “Cat Waltz”Frederic Chopin

40th Prizewinner Commemorative Concert, Category B [Gold Prize] Yurina Yamashita / Chopin: Waltz No. 4 in F major, Op. 34-3

Frédéric Chopin’s Waltz No.

4 in F major, Op.

34-3, composed in 1838, is a charming piece also known as the “Cat Waltz,” notable for its endearing melody.

Its appeal lies in a light, slightly mischievous character reminiscent of a cat, while still conveying the refined beauty of classical music.

Performed in a concert hall where the piano’s sound can fully resonate, the elegance of Chopin’s melodies and harmonies will shine even more.

Practice carefully by isolating the sparkling right-hand passages and the lively left-hand accompaniment, and shape them into a performance that captivates the audience!