5 Fun Themes for Your Next Recital

Are you planning your spring recital? 

Choosing a recital theme can be a great way to add excitement leading up to your event! A fun recital theme can also make your program even more interesting for your audience.

Today I am sharing 5 popular recital themes that you might like to consider for your next event.
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I’ll also be including examples of pieces at every level that fit each theme, along with creative ideas that can help take your recital to the next level.

​Keep reading to learn more…

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Recital Theme #1: Fantasy and Adventure
What types of pieces fit this theme?

• Music about super heroes, pirates, mythical creatures, knights and princesses
• ​Fast and flashy pieces with an adventurous sound
• Themes from action movies or video games

Sample pieces for this type of recital (click on the images for more information):

Looking for more music options?

• Check out my "Creature Features" collection for beginners, my "Let's Quest!" series (5 levels available), and my arrangements from various video games.
• Lisa Donovan Lukas also has a wonderful series called "Fantasies and Fairy Tales" available HERE at Piano Pronto.

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Take your recital to the next level with these ideas:

• Invite students to dress up as their favorite fantasy character.​
• Add a story-telling element to your recital! Help each student write a paragraph explaining what they feel is happening in their piece, then have these paragraphs read by a narrator to introduce each piece during the program.

Recital Theme #2: Music from Around the World
What types of pieces fit this theme?

• Folk songs from different countries
• Traditional dances (minuet, jig, tarantella, etc.)
• Music by famous composers from different countries
• Music inspired by locations around the world

Sample pieces for this type of recital (click on the images for more information):

My "Destination: Adventure!" series (published by Kjos Music Company) features piano solos inspired by famous people and places from around the world!

Looking for more music options?

• Check out my folk song arrangements from various countries! See a complete list HERE.
• Find a selection of world music for all levels, including original pieces and folk songs, at Piano Pronto HERE.

Take your recital to the next level with these ideas:

• Include a map with your recital program so attendees can check off each country they “visit” during the performance.
• ​​After the recital, serve foods from countries featured on your recital program.

Recital Theme #3: A Night at the Movies
What types of pieces fit this theme?

• Movie themes
• Music from popular musicals
• ​Disney music

Sample pieces for this type of recital: 

The music from "Wicked" has soared in popularity due to the release of the new movie!

You can't go wrong with music from classic Disney films.

The theme from "Interstellar" is always a student favorite.

Looking for more music options?

• Browse all of my arrangements from film and TV and search by level HERE.
• Hosting a Disney-themed recital? Check out my Disney arrangements for all levels HERE.

Take your recital to the next level with these ideas:

• Roll out the red carpet--literally--by using movie-themed decor to decorate your recital hall. 
• Prepare goodie bags with popcorn and candy to give recital attendees.

Recital Theme #4: The Sounds of Nature
What types of pieces fit this theme?

• Ocean or water-themed pieces
• Pieces that relate to the seasons or to the weather
• Music inspired by flora and fauna
• Outer space-themed pieces

Sample pieces for this type of recital: ​

Looking for more music options?

• Check out my "Rhapsodies and Reveries" series of nature-inspired pieces! This series includes 4 volumes, from the elementary to the intermediate level.
• Find even more pieces for all levels inspired by nature and the four seasons at Piano Pronto HERE. 

Take your recital to the next level with these ideas:

• Have your recital outside in a scenic location, like a park or arboretum.
• Ask students to find images (or create their own artwork) that depict their pieces and have them on display during the performance.

Recital Theme #5: Amazing Animals
What types of pieces fit this theme?

• Pieces about animals of all kinds, from warm and fuzzy to creepy and crawly!

Sample pieces for this type of recital: 
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Looking for more music options?

• Check out my "Cool Cats" series of cat-themed pieces HERE!
• Find even more animal-themed pieces for all levels at Piano Pronto HERE.

​Take your recital to the next level with these ideas:

• Have each student research an interesting fact about the animal featured in their piece and include it in the recital program.
• Invite recital attendees to bring food and supplies to donate to a local animal shelter.

What do you think? Do you have themed recitals? What other theme ideas would you add to this list? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!