How to Play the Recorder Instrument
An ancient musical instrument, the recorder is for children and adults, occasional tooters and serious students. Sometimes called an English flute, the recorder is like a clarinet without keys. Most recorders have holes that open or close with finger movements for the notes. The recorder is somewhat of a challenge to master, as air leaks caused by improper finger positions cause squeaks much like a clarinet. You can learn to play the recorder in a day, but quality sound and playing comes with dedication and practice.
Instructions
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Learn the notes. The soprano recorder in the key of C is the most common and most students learn to play it first. The octave hole is on the back, and closes with the left thumb. The left pointer finger controls the first hole and when closed, that note is B. The first two holes and the back octave hole covered produces an A sound. The third hole in this group makes a G when closed.
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Use the right hand to make the next series of notes, while keeping the left hand on all the notes just learned. The first hole covered with the pointer finger of the right hand makes an F tone. Two holes covered makes an E sound and three holes covered makes a D. Cover both the large and small hole at the bottom with the little finger of the right hand to make middle C. Some recorders have a key at the last hole that makes this less of a challenge with the little finger. A recorder made in three parts allows you to turn the last section to the right to accommodate the little finger.
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Practice with the left hand first, using the right thumb for a stabilizer of the recorder. Covering the octave hole at the back, start with the first line of “Mary Had a Little Lamb”-- B-A-G-A-B-B-B. You are playing a song on the recorder!
Place all fingers on the holes and work up the scale by taking one finger off at a time. Start with middle C, then D, E, F. That removes all fingers on the right hand from the holes. Leave the thumb in position to balance the recorder. Lift the fingers up the scale, one at a time, to play G, A and B.
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Use online sites to learn more. There is a five-day course available, as well as video instruction on how to play. There are teachers for recorder playing in some areas of the country, and American Recorder publishes a newsletter. If you cannot read music, the information is available online and is easier to learn with an instrument to work with.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit music image by UBE from Fotolia.com
