Recital time is upon us--are you looking for last-minute recital pieces for your students? You have come to the right place!
Today I will be sharing my top five recital piece choices out of my own compositions. I am including my students' favorite pieces, as well as those that have gotten the most positive feedback from my fellow piano teachers. As a bonus, most of these pieces are available digitally--so you can purchase, download, and print them instantly!
Ready? Here we go!
1. "Showdown" from Ready to Rock (elementary), sheet music available HERE
This elementary-level piece is perfect for a student preparing for their first recital. It uses only the notes C, D, Eb, F, and G (no hand shifts!), contains repetitive rhythms that can be taught by rote, and even includes an optional teacher duet for students that might not want to perform solo at their first recital.
Today I will be sharing my top five recital piece choices out of my own compositions. I am including my students' favorite pieces, as well as those that have gotten the most positive feedback from my fellow piano teachers. As a bonus, most of these pieces are available digitally--so you can purchase, download, and print them instantly!
Ready? Here we go!
1. "Showdown" from Ready to Rock (elementary), sheet music available HERE
This elementary-level piece is perfect for a student preparing for their first recital. It uses only the notes C, D, Eb, F, and G (no hand shifts!), contains repetitive rhythms that can be taught by rote, and even includes an optional teacher duet for students that might not want to perform solo at their first recital.
2. "Expedition to Everest" from Destination: Adventure! Book 1 (late elementary), sheet music available HERE and HERE
This piece is on the NFMC junior festival list, and I have gotten so many wonderful comments from teachers and students that I had to include it on my list! The minor key and pop-style chord progression is really appealing to students.
This piece is on the NFMC junior festival list, and I have gotten so many wonderful comments from teachers and students that I had to include it on my list! The minor key and pop-style chord progression is really appealing to students.
3. "Epic" from Rock On! (late elementary), sheet music available HERE
Similar in style to "Expedition to Everest," this rockin' late elementary piece has been a favorite with my students. This piece is available as a single sheet (above) or as part of the Rock On! collection. There is also an easier version of "Epic" in the first Let's Quest! book.
Similar in style to "Expedition to Everest," this rockin' late elementary piece has been a favorite with my students. This piece is available as a single sheet (above) or as part of the Rock On! collection. There is also an easier version of "Epic" in the first Let's Quest! book.
4. "Jump and Jive" from Perfect Patterns (early intermediate), sheet music available HERE
What do you get when you cross the famous chord pattern from "Heart and Soul" with some fancy jumps in the left hand? "Jump and Jive!" Although the Perfect Patterns collection was just released in January, this piece has already become a favorite among my students and will be featured on our spring recital in April.
What do you get when you cross the famous chord pattern from "Heart and Soul" with some fancy jumps in the left hand? "Jump and Jive!" Although the Perfect Patterns collection was just released in January, this piece has already become a favorite among my students and will be featured on our spring recital in April.
5. "The Sound of Silence" (intermediate), sheet music available HERE
My arrangement of this classic Simon and Garfunkel song has been a best seller! This lovely, lyrical piece sounds more difficult than it is and has been especially popular with my teen and adult students.
My arrangement of this classic Simon and Garfunkel song has been a best seller! This lovely, lyrical piece sounds more difficult than it is and has been especially popular with my teen and adult students.
What do you think? Share your favorite recital pieces (by any composer!) in the comments!
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