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I want to play it on the recorder! Carefully selected classic pieces and popular songs recommended

The recorder you learn in elementary school.

It’s one of those instruments that just about everyone has played, right?

At first, your fingerings might not go smoothly and the notes might crack, making it hard to play well.

But as you gradually learn to produce more notes, the range of songs you can play expands, and it becomes a lot more fun.

In this article, we’ll introduce recommended songs you’ll want to play on the recorder.

We’ve selected a variety of pieces across genres—from classic, relatively simple tunes that are easy to play to the latest popular hits—so pick up your recorder and read along!

I want to play it on the recorder! Carefully selected classic and popular songs (61–70)

Aura LeeGeorge Poulton

Aura Lee [Recorder] with Do-Re-Mi sheet music
Aura LeeGeorge Poulton

This is a song cherished as an American folk standard and included in elementary school music textbooks.

Widely sung among soldiers during the Civil War, it warmly and lyrically expresses feelings for a loved one.

After its publication in 1861, its melody was used for Elvis Presley’s 1956 song “Love Me Tender,” which further increased its popularity.

With its simple, beautiful melody and moving lyrics, it’s a captivating piece.

When playing it on the recorder, try a relaxed tempo and play with feeling.

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Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

“Everyone’s Recorder” Promise of Sunflowers
Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

A warm, heartfelt song by Motohiro Hata, written as the theme for a hit animated film released in 2014.

Gently singing of friendship, love, parting, and the hope of reunion, it’s a track that warms the heart.

With its simple acoustic sound and clear, transparent vocals, the piece conveys a message about caring for others and the importance of strong bonds.

Released in August 2014 as his 17th single, it reached No.

4 on the Oricon Daily Ranking.

Unusually for an anime song, it surpassed one million downloads, drawing major attention.

Let’s beautifully render its bittersweet yet hope-filled melody with the soft tone of the recorder.

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Song of TeruTeshima Aoi

Teru’s Song (Recorder) from Studio Ghibli’s “Tales from Earthsea”
Song of TeruTeshima Aoi

A single track graced by a fantastical melody wrapped in silence and solitude, paired with a crystal-clear singing voice.

Through striking motifs—hawks, country paths, flowers beaten by rain—it quietly portrays the loneliness and strength that everyone carries deep within.

Aoi Teshima’s translucent vocals beautifully capture the song’s poetic worldview.

Released in June 2006, the track was featured as an insert song in a Studio Ghibli film and also used in a commercial for Asahi Soft Drinks.

Its gentle, soothing atmosphere pairs perfectly with the fragile tone of the recorder.

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March 9Remioromen

March 9th - Remioromen [Tried playing it on the recorder] with sheet music
March 9Remioromen

A ballad by Remioromen that captivates with gentle vocals evoking the changing seasons and beautiful lyrics expressing gratitude to a loved one.

Released in March 2004 as their second major-label single, it was featured in a commercial for AOKI Holdings and as the ending theme for the TBS program “Pooh!”.

In 2005, it was used as an insert song in the Fuji TV drama “1 Litre of Tears,” and the music video featuring Maki Horikita also drew attention.

Why not enjoy playing it on the recorder while feeling the March air that heralds the arrival of spring and thinking of your bond with someone special?

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In conclusion

We’ve introduced a whole selection of songs that are perfect for playing on the recorder.

In addition to the classic pieces you learn in music class, we also featured relaxed-tempo J-pop tracks that seem easy to play on the recorder.

If there’s a song you’d like to try, go ahead and give it a shot.

Also, music stores sell sheet music collections for the recorder, so be sure to use those as a reference too.