How to Play the Star Wars Theme on a Recorder

For many students, the recorder is the first real instrument they learn. A recorder is a inexpensive woodwind instrument that takes little maintenance and care. It is easy to play once you master a few songs. This article will help you master the "Star Wars" theme song if you don't know how to read traditional music.

Things You'll Need

• Recorder

Instructions

1. Cover all the finger holes of the recorder, including your pinkie finger of your right hand. Make sure to blow lightly into the mouthpiece to prevent any squeaking or overtones. This is your first note.

2. Lift all the fingers of your right hand. One after the other, Place your index finger, middle finger, and ring finger onto their respective holes once again. Each time, wait for the recorder's pitch to change before adding another finger. Each time you place a new finger on the recorder, keep the others in place.

3. Lift all the fingers of both hands except the thumb and middle finger of your left hand. This note is held slightly longer held than the previous notes. It is also a slightly louder note because it is the climax of the musical phrase.

4. Place all of your fingers of your left hand on their respective keyholes and repeat step number 2 and 3 once.

5. Place your left hand on all of the keyholes and play the tone. After this pitch, put your right index finger over its hole, followed by your middle finger. Again, be sure to sound each of these fingerings. After you play the last fingering, lift your middle finger of your right hand once again and play.

6. Drop the index finger, middle finger and ring finger of your right hand down on their respective key holes once again and linger slightly on that tone. After you feel you have lingered enough, drop your right pinkie finger for the final note.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are getting used to the sounds of the recorder, try one continuous breath of air so you can hear absolutely everything you finger. It will help you get your fingerings more precise.

• Listen closely for flat and sharp notes. Recorders are notorious for being out of tune. If you know you are fingering the right note, the strange sound may just be the natural flatness or sharpness of the instrument.