Like the clarinet and flute, the recorder is a woodwind instrument with a delicate, airy tone. Its small size and ease of use make it an excellent first instrument for newbies or anyone looking to create their sound. Anyone may learn to use a recorder by following these five simple steps:
Learn how to play the recorder like a pro!
Get a recorder. There is a large selection of low-cost plastic recorders — this is a fantastic option to start before progressing to a full-wood model. They nearly always come with a protective sleeve or pouch and, on sometimes, an instruction book.
It is quite simple to maintain a recorder:
1. Wipe it down after use.
2. Disinfect whenever possible.
3. Keep it dry.
4. Store it in its protective case while not in use.
If you adhere to these simple guidelines, your recorder should last a lifetime.
Figure out how to hold the recorder and make a sound. Once you've obtained your recorder, the next step is to ensure that you're holding it correctly. The sound generated by this instrument, like all woodwinds, is strongly influenced by how it interacts with your lips and hands. Your left hand should be nearest to your body. Make sure the hole side of the mouthpiece is facing up (towards your face). Hold it softly between your lips and balance it with your fingers - don't bite or contact it to your teeth.
Then, blow into the recorder and listen to what you got. If you blow too hard, it will sound harsh and unpleasant. To achieve a more melodic sound, try to produce a smooth, steady airflow — this is one of the most difficult yet crucial methods to focus on as you begin to master the recorder. Concentrate on breathing through your diaphragm rather than your mouth to keep the sound continuous.
Learn the right tonguing technique. The most effective tool you have for playing the recorder is your tongue. Every note you play should begin and end with your tongue. As you play the note, imagine saying "doot" or "dud" — this will assist give your sounds a clear beginning and end.
You are now ready to play your first note. The first note that most people gravitate toward is B. Cover the back hole with your left thumb and the first hole (closest to your body) with your left index finger to make a B. Now, gently blow into the recorder, keeping a constant airflow from your diaphragm in mind and mouthing a "doot" or "dud." What do you think? If you hear squeaking, check that your fingers are completely covering the openings and that you are not blowing too forcefully. Continue working on your B until you feel confident going on to a new note.
Learn to use the recorder fingerings chart. If your recorder did not come with a fingering chart, they are fairly easy to find on the internet. Work on learning which finger combinations generate particular notes and vice versa. Fundamental knowledge of your recorder's notes can make learning any song much easier.
You're not an expert yet, but with a recorder finger chart and some excellent practice, you'll be a recorder master in no time. Just keep in mind that if something doesn't sound exactly right at first, don't give up. The world's greatest musicians began off just like you. With perseverance and determination, you can achieve amazing things.
