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!
- [Brass/Wind Band] Recommended for Beginners! A Collection of Classics and Popular Pieces Perfect for Practice
- [February 2026] Trending Songs: A roundup of the hottest viral tracks right now
- Kids will love it! A collection of dance song ideas with easy-to-follow rhythms
- [Relaxed & Gentle] A calm track with an easy, unhurried tempo
- Even beginners can play them easily on the piano! A curated selection of popular and latest J-POP songs.
- Masterpieces you’ll want to play on the harmonica. Popular songs that look cool if you can play them.
- [Let's Dance to Popular Hits!] Recommended Dance Songs for Elementary School Students
- Whistling classics: delightful whistle songs that make you happy and inspire you to practice
- [For Kids] Play Piano with One Finger! Recommended Songs Collection
- [For Upper Grades] Easy-to-sing songs for elementary school students. Popular karaoke hits that get everyone excited
- [Piano Pieces] Easy for Children to Play! A Roundup of Simple Classical Works
- Popular songs used in lyric videos trending on TikTok
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
I want to play it on the recorder! Carefully selected classic and popular songs (41–50)
MinuetJ.S.Bach
The “Minuet” is often performed not only on the recorder but also on instruments like the piano.
If you play it in F major, it only has one flat and is easy to perform.
The melody climbs smoothly and includes some higher passages, which might be a bit challenging, but it’s a piece that works perfectly well at a slow tempo, so start by taking it slowly.
This piece is known as a work by Bach, but in fact it was originally composed by a composer named Petzold! It’s said that Bach gave the piece to his wife at the time without mentioning the composer, which led to the misunderstanding that it was Bach’s own work.
I want to play it on the recorder! Carefully selected classic and popular songs (51–60)
contrailMatsutōya Yumi
How about trying a nostalgic song that lets you reminisce about days long past? It’s a piece by Yumi Matsutoya, who has sung numerous hit songs like “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Rouge no Dengon,” and it’s well known for being used as the theme song for the Studio Ghibli film The Wind Rises.
Originally released in 1973 as the lead track on Matsutoya’s debut album, its lyrics compare the fragility and preciousness of life to a contrail, resonating deeply with listeners.
If you can sustain the long notes in the chorus, it feels great! Put your heart into it and give it a try!
We Look Up to You with Respect
This song, which has become firmly established across Japan as a graduation song, was actually released in 1884 and has been loved ever since.
It’s a masterpiece with such a modern feel that it’s hard to believe it was composed so long ago, but recent research suggests it was based on a piece published in the United States called “Song for the Close of School.” When performing memories of school, using the recorder—the instrument most often played at school—really helps convey heartfelt emotion.
Country RoadTaffī Naibāto, Jon Denbā
The ending theme of Studio Ghibli’s heartwarming film “Whisper of the Heart,” which is also performed within the movie.
Its simple, gentle tone makes you want to try playing it yourself.
With just one flat and a relaxed tempo, it’s approachable even for those who feel unsure about the recorder! In the film, the heroine, Shizuku, sings while Seiji accompanies her on the violin.
By the end, many other instruments join in as accompaniment—including the recorder! Just like in the movie, playing together with other instruments in addition to the recorder makes it even more vibrant and fun.
Spring StreamOkanoteiichi
Here is a song that was published in 1912—over a hundred years ago—as a Ministry of Education school song for elementary students.
It has taken root in Japan and has been loved by people of all ages for many years.
After the river in present-day Yoyogi, Shibuya Ward, which is said to be the model for the river in the song, a monument to “Haru no Ogawa” (Spring Brook) has been erected; if you’re interested, why not go see it? Playing this refreshingly nostalgic tune on the recorder is sure to put you in a very pleasant mood.
It’s also well suited for performing as a round.
When the Saints Go Marching In
In New Orleans, it’s said that musicians would play cheerfully in a parade on the way back from a funeral, celebrating the soul’s journey to heaven.
This parade is called a jazz funeral, and it’s still alive today.
Here is one of its representative tunes.
When playing it on the recorder, keep the mood lively and try to play as if you were blowing a trumpet or something similar.
It’s also fun to have multiple people march while playing—trading the melody back and forth or adding accompaniment.
Donguri KorokoroYariya Tei
This is a song composed in the Taisho era by Aoki Zonji and Yanada Tei.
Even more than 100 years after it was written, it remains fresh and beloved by children, and is sometimes counted among Japan’s three greatest children’s songs.
In 2007, it was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” With lyrics that unfold like a story, a lively syllabic rhythm, and an adorable, approachable melody, performing this accessible piece on the equally approachable recorder would likely make for a perfect rendition.