Nine-Note Recorder Method: Easy Duets for Beginners

by Penny Gardner

Soprano Recorders for Family Fun


The recorder is a nifty little musical instrument. This predecessor of the

flute has been around for hundreds of years. The modern plastic version,

available in music stores, is inexpensive. Soprano recorders are about a

foot long; the finger holes are comfortably spaced, even for children.

Maria Augusta Trapp, of Sound of Music fame, wrote in her inspiring family

oriented book The Story of the Trapp Family Singers: "...The recorder is

the ideal instrument for any adult whose childhood musical education has

been neglected. If someone discovers on his fiftieth birthday that he

should have taken piano or violin lessons while in school, he will hardly

want to start then, for fear of not getting very far; but he will always

miss it-to be able to 'make music' himself. That's where the recorder

comes in handy. After six weeks of faithful practicing, even the oldest

pupil can play folk tunes very nicely...There are untold riches in that

little instrument."

Some people wonder about the pros and cons of piano vs. recorder. Both

instruments are great to learn. There will be no confusion because the

recorder and the piano are so different but both reinforce the same music

reading skills. Children enjoy the opportunity to learn a wind instrument

as well as the piano. (One definite advantage of the recorder is that it

is much easier to carry around.)

For those who don't own a piano, the recorder is an affordable

alternative. Lessons are unnecessary. Most children are ready for the

recorder around age eight or nine, perhaps earlier if they already read

music. And as Maria Trapp said, it's never too late to learn.

Much of the music written for recorder quickly becomes too difficult for

children and for adults with no background in reading music. The Nine-Note

Recorder Method uses only the nine easiest notes to play and simple

rhythms. Not only is the music easy but it is almost entirely duets and

trios. Folk songs, classic melodies, and Christmas carols are waiting for

your family to experience together. What a fun way for the family to make

music!

Bring "untold riches" to your family by purchasing soprano recorders for

everyone and this fun book of two- and three-part songs. Soon your family

will be making beautiful music together wherever you are.

101 pages, Spiral-bound

First published April 1, 1998