Resources
You cannot practise what you cannot recognise. Spend time with the names of things.
Fingering chart — soprano (C)
Eight notes covering the first full octave. Tap any chart to hear the pitch.
Recommended method books
- Recorder Karate · beginner
- A belt-system progression that motivates young students through coloured belts.
- Essential Elements · beginner
- A band-method-style approach — thorough on rhythm.
- Hugh Orr, Basic Recorder Technique · intermediate
- The standard intermediate text in English. Clear, musical, well sequenced.
- Mario Duschenes, Method for the Recorder · intermediate
- A more compact alternative, with a strong articulation focus.
- Hans-Martin Linde, Die Kunst des Blockflötenspiels · advanced
- Rigorous treatment of advanced technique. Available in German and English.
- Walter van Hauwe, The Modern Recorder Player · advanced
- Three volumes; the contemporary repertoire’s standard reference.
Care and maintenance
Plastic recorders are forgiving; wooden recorders are not. The minimum routine after every session, for either:
- Swab moisture out with the cleaning rod and cloth.
- Allow the recorder to dry fully before storing it.
- Keep it away from direct sun and from temperature extremes.
If a note becomes stuffy or starts squeaking, the most common culprit is moisture in the windway. Cover the window with a finger and blow firmly to clear it. If that fails, swab again.
Glossary
Tempo
- Largo
- Very slow and broad.
- Adagio
- Slow.
- Andante
- At a walking pace.
- Moderato
- Moderate.
- Allegro
- Fast.
- Presto
- Very fast.
Dynamics
- pp · pianissimo
- Very soft.
- p · piano
- Soft.
- mp · mezzo-piano
- Moderately soft.
- mf · mezzo-forte
- Moderately loud.
- f · forte
- Loud.
- ff · fortissimo
- Very loud.
Articulation
- Staccato
- Short, detached.
- Legato
- Smooth and connected.
- Accent
- Emphasised.
- Tenuto
- Held for full value.
- Fermata
- Held longer than written, at the player’s discretion.