Absolute Beginner

Weeks 1–12: your first notes, from B, A and G to the C major scale, and your first songs.

11 lessons in this level.

1. 0. Setup — Posture, Breath, and Your First Sound Settle your posture and hands, then play three clear, four-count notes with a comfortable breath between each attempt.
2. 1. Your First Notes - B and A Your first two notes on the recorder — B and A — and a short two-note melody.
3. 2. Adding G — Your First Real Songs Add G to B and A, then practise a slow three-note arrangement of Hot Cross Buns.
4. 3. High C and D — The Second Octave Begins Learn two higher left-hand notes, then listen and copy a five-note pattern and Mary Had a Little Lamb.
5. 4. Low C, Low D, Low E — Both Hands at Work The right hand joins in.
6. 5. F and Low E Review — The C Major Scale Learn the forked F fingering on soprano, or B-flat on alto, and play a major scale and the opening of Frère Jacques.
7. 6. Reading Notation and Rhythm Read whole, half, quarter and eighth notes; play the complete published first voice of Lightly Row.
8. 7. Time Signatures and Simple Songs What 4/4 and 3/4 really mean, and how the metre shapes a melody.
9. 8. Tonguing and Articulation Compare clear and soft tongue strokes, then use both in Go Tell Aunt Rhody.
10. 9. Dynamics and Expression Use small volume changes to shape a familiar tune while keeping its pitch steady.
11. 10. Review and First Performance Choose three favourite beginner pieces, record a complete take, and use a simple listening check to choose your next small improvement.