Things You'll Need:
- Wooden Recorder (can be found for around $25)
- Simple Music
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Step 1
Playing a wooden recorder may take some of us back to elementary school memories. Those times when we were first learning how to read music and we absorbed it all. Now, perhaps a few years, many years later, you find yourself yearning to blow into that instrument and give it one more shot.
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Step 2
Playing a wooden recorder takes practice, but can be picked up rather quickly. First you will need a recorder at room temperature. This is important since a cold instrument can buildup moisture more quickly which will diminish the sound.
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Step 3
Most recorders come with a fingering chart which will illustrate where to place your fingers for each note. If your recorder did not come with the chart, you can access one at the link below under resources.
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Step 4
To begin, hold the recorder in your left hand with your thumb covering the single hole on the bottom of the recorder and your index finger over the first hole, or the one closest to the mouth piece. The next two fingers cover the next two holes respectively followed by your right index finger on the 4th hole and so on so all holes are covered. Now blow evenly into your recorder. You just played middle C!! If the sound was squeaky you may not have covered all of the holes completely or you're blowing to hard.
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Step 5
Now you can practice blowing your recorder and changing the pitch by moving your fingers. If at anytime the sound becomes squeaky check to be sure the holes are completely covered. This is especially useful on low notes. If the sound isn't clear, simply remove the mouth piece and blow hard through it to remove any built up moisture.
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Step 6
When you are all done practicing be sure to follow the cleaning instructions that came with your recorder and store it accordingly. Keep practicing and soon you'll be playing a concert!
