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!
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I want to play it on the recorder! A carefully selected list of classic favorites and popular songs (21–30)
strong wind slicked-back hairyukopi
A song whose YouTube video posted by Yukopi surpassed 10 million views in about six months.
It was also featured in a Nissin Cup Noodles commercial, sending its popularity skyrocketing! Many creators followed suit by posting videos that mimic the MV’s animation—skipping along with a recorder while wearing a school backpack.
With lyrics everyone can relate to and a pop, comical sound, it’s so impactful you can’t get it out of your head after just one listen! Why not enjoy playing the recorder while picturing those chuckle-worthy lyrics?
strollHisaishi Joe
This song, used in the 1988 animated film My Neighbor Totoro, has lyrics by Rieko Nakagawa and music by Joe Hisaishi.
It’s easier to remember and cuter than the film’s main theme, so it’s likely very popular among children.
The tone of the recorder is a perfect match for this simple song and melody, so performing it on the recorder is recommended.
A recorder with piano accompaniment, or even adding accompaniment using only recorders, would be lovely as well.
Bridge of Gloryyuzu
The warm tone of the recorder may be especially well-suited to moving, inspirational songs.
This is one of the signature tracks by Yuzu, a musical duo that has long been at the forefront of the Japanese music scene, released in 2004 as their 21st single.
It became a major hit after being selected as the official theme song for NHK’s coverage of the Athens Olympics.
The lyrics are appealing for their strong resolve—believing in who you’ve been up to now and moving forward.
As a ballad, the melody is relaxed, which should make it easier for recorder beginners to follow.
100% CourageNYC
If you want to play a song on the recorder that kids will love, this is a must! It probably needs no introduction—the opening theme of the popular anime Nintama Rantaro.
This song, passed down through generations of Johnny’s idols, is packed with charm that can lift the spirits of adults too.
The lyrics, with a message like “It’s okay, a new morning will come,” are encouraging.
Try expressing this uplifting, pick-you-up anthem on your own recorder!
Mickey Mouse MarchJimmie Dodd
A beloved Disney classic cherished by people of all ages, from children to adults.
Composed by Jimmy Dodd in 1955, it became instantly famous as the opening theme for the TV show The Mickey Mouse Club.
With its bright, bouncy rhythm and lyrics that celebrate friendship and participation, it’s a song that lifts your spirits just by listening.
Its narrow vocal range and easy-to-remember melody make it perfect for those trying the recorder for the first time.
Give it a try when you want to get in the mood before a trip to Disneyland, or when you want to have fun playing music with family and friends.
Always With MeKimura Yumi
This is the theme song of Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away, sung by soprano Yumi Kimura.
The gentle melody that softly embraces the philosophical lyrics, together with Kimura’s voice, is so soothing, isn’t it? Why not try playing that tone on the recorder? The tempo is slow, there aren’t too many notes, and best of all, there’s only one flat, so even those who feel the recorder is difficult can play it easily! If you harmonize with friends, the recorder’s simple timbre becomes more attractive and expansive.
idolYOASOBI
A song by YOASOBI, widely supported especially among young people, that serves as the opening theme for the TV anime “Oshi no Ko.” Written specifically for YOASOBI by Aka Akasaka, the original manga author, it’s a pop track that faithfully captures the anime’s worldview.
Released digitally in April 2023, it generated major buzz both in Japan and abroad, becoming the first Japanese song to reach No.
1 on the Billboard Global Excl.
U.S.
chart.
When playing it on a recorder, try to keep the performance light so as not to lose the hip-hop rhythm.