Best
Budget-friendly Recorder
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Overall: Double-hole German fingering.
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Best Feature: Made from ABS Plastic.
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Recorder for Beginners
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Overall: Crafted from durable ABS resin construction.
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Best Feature: Straight windway baroque fingering system.
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Recorder for Intermediate players
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Overall: Maple body offers a clear and sweet tone.
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Best Feature: Natural wood creates a tone of great depth.
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TedScore™: 9/10
I remember the sweet, nostalgic tones of Hot Cross Buns dancing through my primary school classroom as I took my first musical steps with my recorder.
Now, music for recorder has grown in leaps and bounds, offering a delightful mix of tunes that range from the traditional to trendy pop songs.
From the dulcet tones of Amazing Grace to the catchy rhythms of Baby Shark, there’s a world of songs at your fingertips, waiting to be mastered and shared.
Are you ready to discover the fantastic sounds your recorder can make? Let’s explore and bring new energy to this timeless instrument together.
Keep reading because you won’t want to miss the harmonious journey ahead!
Popular Songs for Beginners
I’m here to share some delightful tunes perfect for those just getting started on the recorder.
These melodies are enjoyable to play and wonderfully straightforward, making them ideal companions as you venture into the world of music.
Hot Cross Buns and Mary Had a Little Lamb
Hot Cross Buns is one of the easiest songs I like to introduce to beginner recorder players. It’s marvelously simple, utilizing only three notes: B, A, and G.
The repetitiveness of the melody provides a satisfying sense of familiarity, which is quite encouraging for new musicians.
On a similar note, Mary Had a Little Lamb is another ideal song. It slightly expands your note range but retains that lovely simplistic rhythm, making it second nature before you even realize it.
Ode to Joy and When the Saints Go Marching In
Beethoven’s Ode to Joy is a perfect song for a charming introduction to classical music for beginners. It’s a splendid piece that’s iconic and incredibly easy, allowing you to practice a broader range of notes while keeping the melody manageable.
When the Saints Go Marching In is an upbeat number that’s as fun to play as it is to hear. Its repetitive structure helps reinforce note recognition and timing, making it a firm favorite in my teaching repertoire.
Cielito Lindo and Morning Mood
Now, who doesn’t enjoy a sing-along with Cielito Lindo?
This traditional Mexican song brings a bit of vibrancy to any beginner’s practice session with its catchy and repetitive lines.
And then there’s Grieg’s Morning Mood.
It’s like a gentle sunrise for your recorder skills, introducing a serene melody that’s gratifying to master and delightful to the ears. It’s a piece that makes you appreciate the sweet, soft sounds the recorder can produce.
Advanced Techniques
and Songs
Let’s explore creative ways to elevate our recorder skills beyond the basics.
Incorporating Variations in Songs
I love playing London Bridge is Falling Down but with a twist. Adding trills, mordents, and cheeky glissando is more exciting.
These variations give the tune a unique flavor and challenge my technical abilities.
Consider Bingo was his name-o as well.
I often have some fun with the rhythm here, jazzing it up with syncopation or a rumba beat. These little tweaks breathe new life into well-trodden melodies.
Row, Row, Row Your Boat and Other Rounds
Rounds are delightful, primarily Row, Row, Row Your Boat.
Listening is critical to a good round; I must stay tuned while weaving my part around the others swimmingly. It’s like a musical catch, with each voice chasing the other around and around.
Old MacDonald also makes for a spirited round. I get a kick out of adding animal sounds—don’t even get me started on Baby Shark.
Rounds teach me to listen and adapt, ensuring I stay on time while adding playful elements.
Now, Pop Goes the Weasel can be pretty comical. I sometimes introduce unexpected pauses or accelerando leading up to that iconic pop.
These songs are not just for beginners but can be a sandbox for seasoned players to work on their tempo control and precision.
Basics of Recorder Playing
Before you plunge into melodies and minuets, let’s get comfortable with the cornerstones of recorder playing: breathing and finger placement. These form the heart of your musical journey.
Understanding Breath Control
My first tip is all about breath control. It’s the secret sauce to bringing notes to life!
Proper breath control is vital for producing a clear sound without those pesky squeaks. Imagine you’re blowing out candles on a birthday cake – that’s a good starting point for the gentle, controlled breath you’ll need.
I suggest pretending you’re a sleepy dragon for the little ones (or any beginners). A soft, steady air stream will make the recorder sing a sweet, warm lullaby tune.
Remember, it’s not a race – finding your breath is key.
Mastering Finger Placement
Onto the exciting bit – finger placement. Your fingers are the dancers on the recorder’s stage, gracefully leaping from hole to hole.
Precision is your ally here; each finger must cover its hole completely, avoiding air leaks.
And for the energetic youngsters eager to make music, think of each finger as a superhero. Just as heroes have a specific spot where they stand to save the day, your fingers have their unique positions to create magical notes.
With practice, your fingers will find their home on the recorder and easily dance their way through tunes. Keep at it, and the melodies will flow from your fingertips like water from a fountain.
Recorder Top Brands
Thomann
The Thomann TRS-21G Soprano Recorder is a popular choice for beginners and students due to its affordable price and reliable performance.
Crafted from durable plastic, this soprano recorder offers a warm, clear tone and features precise intonation, making it an ideal instrument for learning and practice.
Thomann TRS-21G Soprano Recorder
FEATURES: Double-hole German fingering.
OTHER INFO: Made from ABS Plastic.
- Affordable price.
- It may offer a different tonal quality than wooden recorders.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Yamaha
The Yamaha YRS302B Descant Recorder is a popular choice for beginners, known for its affordability and reliable performance.
With its ergonomic design and easy playability, the YRS-24BY is a versatile instrument suitable for recorder players and educational settings.
Yamaha YRS302B Descant Recorder
FEATURES: Crafted from durable ABS resin construction.
OTHER INFO: Straight windway baroque fingering system.
- Durable construction.
- Relatively basic features compared to more advanced models.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Nuvo
The Nuvo Recorder, featuring Baroque fingering, is a well-crafted and durable instrument for beginner students. Its modern design and sturdy construction make it suitable for learning and practice.
Nuvo Recorder
FEATURES: Patented silicone key covers for easy note production.
OTHER INFO: Larger tone holes for a warmer tone.
- It can be washed in hot, soapy water.
- Includes case, finger chart & silicon plugs.
- Sound and playability may be less suitable for advanced musical performances.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Stagg
The Levante by Stagg Alto Recorder is a finely constructed instrument ideal for students and enthusiasts. With accurate intonation and a rich, warm tone, this recorder is a dependable option for individuals in search of an economical and top-notch instrument.
Levante by Stagg Alto Recorder
FEATURES: Maple body offers a clear and sweet tone.
OTHER INFO: Natural wood creates a tone of great depth.
- Made in Germany to ensure the highest standards.
- Includes a pouch and cleaning rod.
- Need for regular maintenance and care to preserve the wood.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Aulos
The Aulos 511B Symphony Tenor Recorder is a well-regarded instrument known for its high-quality construction and rich, resonant sound, making it a popular choice among experienced players and students.
Aulos 511B Symphony Tenor Recorder
FEATURES: Traditional Baroque fingering system for solid intonation.
OTHER INFO: Made with high-quality ABS resin.
- Curved windway for improved control over breathing and sound.
- Includes a leatherette bag, cleaning rod, fingering chart, and joint grease.
- Relatively expensive.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Recorder Sheet Music
The world of recorder sheet music can be quite an adventure! I’ll share my insights on finding the best scores and deciphering the squiggles and lines of music notation.
Sourcing Sheet Music
Finding sheet music tailored for the recorder truly is a cinch these days.
Websites such as Musescore.com and 8notes.com offer a wealth of free sheet music for all skill levels – from beginners to seasoned players. You can download pieces in PDF format or print them directly, making access as easy as pie.
I often visit these sites to snag scores for solo performances or to participate in ensembles, with various arrangements just a few clicks away.
Reading Music Notation for Recorder
Wrapping your head around music notation might seem daunting, but fear not. The key lies in familiarizing oneself with the basic symbols – notes, rests, clefs, and time signatures.
Learning to play the recorder and mastering the introductory notes of B A G is an excellent way for beginners to develop their playing skills. These simple notes open the door to a wide range of melodies, allowing beginners to play popular tunes and make music from the start.
As they progress, mastering these notes enables players to explore more complex songs and develop their musical abilities. Overall, the recorder, with its accessible fingering and versatile repertoire, serves as a solid foundation for beginners to embark on their musical journey and expand their instrumental skills.
Remember, for the recorder, we’re typically looking at treble clef notes ranging from middle C to high D. I always remind my friends to start with simple scales and daily practice, as it helps ingrain the fundamentals into your memory.
And before you know it, you’ll be sight-reading like a pro!
Recording and Sharing Music
I’ve found that all you need is a pinch of creativity and the right tools. Whether you’re using your trusty computer or a handy smartphone, there are plenty of ways to capture and share your musical ideas with the world.
Using a Computer and Phone
My computer is my command center for all things recording. It’s where I can plug in my instruments, use an interface, and lay down those tracks.
Software like Audacity makes it a breeze for me with a user-friendly interface, and I can edit my audio with a few clicks and cuts, exporting it later as an mp3.
Phones aren’t just for calls; they’ve turned into portable studios.
Apps have simplified the process of recording a song on the go, using in-built mics or external ones for better quality, and then I easily upload my creations to share with friends or on social media platforms.
Online Tools and Resources
The internet is my oyster when it comes to online tools and resources.
BandLab, for instance, is a gem for crafting music online without downloading hefty programs—talk about convenience. It offers a drag-and-drop interface that’s a piece of cake to use. I don’t need anything but my browser, and voilà, I’m making music.
Then there’s VEED.IO, which I’ve used as an online song recorder to capture high-quality audio from my browser, quickly editing and sharing my songs without downloading special software.
It’s exciting how these online spaces can transform my music creation process, making recording and sharing as simple as humming a tune.
Music For Recorder:
Short Recap
I hope you’ve had as much fun exploring recorder music as I’ve had chatting about it. From simple tunes like “Baby Shark” to more complex pieces, the versatility of the recorder is quite something.
Remember, playing the recorder can be a delightful musical journey with a bit of practice. A soprano recorder’s high pitch will sing through melodies we’ve hummed since childhood.
Look at a recorder-fingering chart; it’s a fantastic reference. It’s like a secret map that guides your fingers to create those enchanting sounds.
And for those stepping into composing, know the recorder’s range like the back of your hand. It’ll save you from hitting a sour note in your masterpieces.
Let’s wrap things up with a whimsical bow of appreciation for the recorder. It’s not just a school instrument but a gateway to the magical world of music.
Quite the musical adventure. Now, go ahead and let those recorders sing!
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Discover essential tips on How to Choose a Recorder in this article.
