If you want to know how to play a recorder, learning can be tough, as well as one of the most amazing instruments to play. That’s why we thought a summary of 10 tips to learn the Recorder would help.
But what exactly is the easiest method to begin?
How do you continue to keep having fun whilst sustaining progress?
Well, it’s all about your practicing strategies. Recorder music isn’t the simplest music in the world to perform, so it’s critical to get a powerful technique of practice to start you off in the proper direction. Practice makes perfect!
So the following is our list of top 10 tips to playing the recorder to help you start learning….
Warm up
Warm up your body before you start Playing your new recorder. Do a few simple shoulder and neck stretches before you play and your body will thank you for it!
Decide a target for each practice session
There are many different types of recorders. You can get wooden recorders and plastic recorders. Most students start on a soprano recorder some on a tenor recorder. Either way, you’ll still need to practice well. Perhaps you plan to focus on dynamics, tuning, or phrasing. This helps you practice more efficiently so you don’t get stuck in a rut.
Film yourself and listen back
It doesn’t matter if you have a lovely wooden recorder like my favorite model shown below, the Hohner 2 Piece Wooden Soprano Recorder, or a cheaper plastic recorders like the Ferris FR400S Descant/Soprano. Filming yourself playing and watching back can be brutal, but is definitely worth it.
Start or End your practice with some breathing warm-ups
Do this with or without your instrument. Not only will this improve your breath control but it is also very steady stream relaxing – think of it the same way as meditation or mindfulness! It’ll help everything from your good sound through to your breathing technique.
Use YouTube or Spotify to inspire your practice
Find three different recordings of the piece you are playing and listen for phrasing and musicality. Borrow the great ideas you like and ignore the parts which are not to your taste.
