Children Children's Recorder Lessons: Facts & Ideas facts and ideas

• The recorder is a popular instrument for children to learn because the instrument itself is inexpensive, very portable and children can learn to make music relatively quickly.
• The recorder is usually thought of as a child’s instrument because of its size and our memories of school assemblies and nativity plays – never without a group of small children trying their very best to produce a passable version of ‘ Twinkle Twinkle ‘or ‘ Away in a Manger’. While it is true that a beginner can quickly make music, to master the recorder takes regular practise.
• The recorder is related to the flute but has a smaller range of notes.
• The recorder was a popular instrument in Medieval times but then fell out of favour until it enjoyed a revival in the 20th century.
• It is not a very loud instrument so isn’t usually included in orchestras or bands but is ideal for small groups of players.
• Recorders are made of plastic (easy to care for and cheap to buy so perfect for a beginner) or wood (produces a better sound but need to be looked after).
• A recorder is made up of a head joint, a body joint and a foot joint. To play the recorder you blow into the beak!
• It is generally thought of as a child’s instrument due to its popularity in school music lessons and suitability as a simple instrument on which to learn music, but there are of course many professional players.
• The most common recorders are the sopranino, descant/soprano, treble/alto, tenor and bass.
• King Henry VIII was a recorder player. He had 76 recorders plus other instruments including ten trombones, fourteen trumpets and five bagpipes!
• The largest recorder ever made was 5 m long and each hole was 8.5 cm wide. It was made from specially treated pine and was fully functioning. That is a recorder as tall as a giraffe!

If you are considering finding recorder lessons for your child what should you be thinking about?

• Does your child want to play the recorder ‘just for fun’ or would they like to take exams? Can the teacher accommodate either of these?
• Do you have to buy a recorder for your child straight away or are instruments available to borrow short term until you and your child are sure they want to continue with lessons?
• Do you need to buy music books or are these included in the price of the lessons? Do these need to be purchased in advance?
• Do you have to commit to booking a term of lessons or can you pay half-termly?

Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music – an internationally recognised education body based in London that provides examinations in music.

Trinity Guildhall -Trinity College London.

The National College of Music - specialises in external examinations in music and speech subjects in centres throughout the UK and in some countries overseas.

LCM Examinations – a department of the London College of Music within the University of West London.

Qualifications/grades - children

Qualifications of tutors/coaches etc

There is no minimum qualification required to teach music at home. However, passing grade 8 practical and at least grade 5 theory will indicate an acceptable level of competence regarding playing ability and musical knowledge. A Music Degree would be advantageous.

• Fine motor skills
• Rhythm
• Focus
• Concentration
• Memory
• Discipline
• Relaxing
• Calming

While the recorder is often played solo there are also chances to play in small groups with others. Practising with other children is more fun and improves a child’s social skills and confidence. The recorder is often played during assemblies at school providing the player with a great opportunity to practice their performance skills in front of an audience. Gaining confidence in this area can transfer to other situations like presenting work or speaking in class.

MP, Samuel Pepys (1633-1703) famous for his diaries, loved the sound of the recorder at the theatre so decided to learn how to play himself. He played other instruments and enjoyed singing.

Handel (1685-1759) was one of the great composers. He wrote a collection of sonatas specifically for the recorder.

Astley's Hornpipe. Francesca, age 7 years old, plays ‘Astley's Hornpipe’ accompanied by little sister Cina dancing in the background!

Bad Romance.  Rochelle Bernil playing Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance.

Justin Bieber’s ‘Baby’.  This is a French guy playing Justin Bieber’s ‘Baby’. Not particularly relevant but we liked his Christmas hat – and it’s always good to see what a few years of practice can do!