When you start learning recorder you need things to get you going on your musical journey. In fact you can start learning the recorder with five useful things as outlined below.
1. A Recorder
If you are learning a musical instrument then you need to be able to play it at any time you want.
I started playing on wooden recorders, which my father owned. He showed me how and we would play them on family holidays along with other family members. I own plastic recorders which work great to learn and play on.
Recorders come in different sizes. The descant recorder about a foot long is the most common one used and the one people start playing.
Mini Consort of Recorders
Recorders are a cheap musical instrument to learn. You can pick a descant recorders here
2. Cleaning Materials
When you play an instrument you need to look after it and keep it clean. So when you start playing recorder it is desirable to look after it right from the start.
You will need:
1. A cleaning swab
This is designed to remove the moisture from the inside of the instrument after each use. Silk is recommended as it is absorbent, lint free and compressible. And you don’t store it inside your instrument as it will have moisture remaining on it.
2. A cleaning rod
A cleaning swab is designed to be used with a cleaning rod.
You
- thread the cloth through the rod end
- cover the rod completely and then
- insert into the recorder 1 section at a time and clean thoroughly
3. Music Stand
I used the stand on a piano or a chair as my music stand for many years. They are fine to use for playing sitting down at home but the chair could be a little low to play with a good posture. If you are a young beginner then a chair should be adequate when you start learning recorder.
My advice is that a music stand
1. you can play sitting down or standing.
Sitting or standing is fine if you play on your own at home .
You will most likely be sitting down for practices and performances if you play in a musical group such as a chamber group, orchestra, big band.
If you play to perform as a solo artist then you will most likely be standing.
Please note that when you play standing then you are more likely to get a better posture for breathing and hence sound.
2. there is a better chance of getting a good posture because you can adjust the height to the desired level.
3. they are very portable.
4. Start Learning Recorder with
Sheet Music
I recommend getting a recorder method book to get started as it will have the fingering, techniques, exercises and techniques to enable learning in a step by step fashion. And it is always there for easy reference at any stage.
Some people like to learn and play by ear and memory, which is great to be able to do and play along to your favourite songs. Other people like to play music by reading what is in front of them. Whatever learning style you are, I believe it is beneficial to be able to read music. This is because you can sight read music for fun and join musical groups which require sheet music, like a recorder ensemble.
So when you start learning recorder you can choose from the varied options of recorder method books
5. Start Learning Recorder with
Music Lessons
It is beneficial to get someone to teach you to start learning recorder, as a teacher can guide you in the right direction and can see what you are doing well or what you need help in. You can always try and learn yourself through the aid a method books or through an online course or You Tube. However you may develop bad habits and cannot always see what is a good technique or not. Face to face lessons work the best but you can make use of lessons by skype or google hangouts which is particularly good if you live in a remote area or just live in a different location to the desired teacher.
So those are the five things which are beneficial to have when you start learning recorder.
Please contact me if you are interested in starting Recorder Lessons in Rolleston or one of the schools I teach at.