Recorder Karate is a method that was created by Teresa Jennings of Music K8. This method allows the player to learn simple melodies on a Soprano Recorder at their own pace. The classic "Hot Cross Buns" represents the player's white belt. After they have played their white belt, they go on to their yellow belt which is the folk song "Gently Sleep". Recorder Karate black belts are able to successfully play all previous colored belts and end with "Ode To Joy". Recorder Karate is a widely successful and adopted method throughout CMS and is nationally recognized as a fun and reliable way to introduce young musicians to the recorder. Students who play recorder in elementary school are more prepared to join music ensembles when they reach middle school.

1. Purchase a GOOD recorder. Sharon School will provide a recorder for your child to keep at school. If you want to purchase a second recorder for home play, be sure it is high quality. Avoid anything you can get at Target, the Dollar Store, or any recorder that you can find in a toy section. Even an experienced player has difficulty making a nice sound on a toy recorder. However, you can get a really nice recorder for $5 from a local music store or Amazon.

2. Get a folder to put all music in and encourage your musician to bring it school along with their recorder on music day.

3. Make sure the recorder comes to school with your child on music day. If they forget their recorder on a music day, they will borrow a classroom recorder without the mouth piece, focusing on fingerings.

4. Don’t let brother or sister play this recorder. Recorders are like tooth brushes!

5. If you find you need assistance in acquiring a second recorder for your child, please let me know by email: amyy.escalante@cms.k12.nc.us

6. If you would like to purchase a recorder method book for home practice, go for it! However, all classroom music, including Recorder Karate, will be provided to the kids and won’t cost a thing.

7. At home you can encourage regular practice (I provide all of the resources) and good care of the recorder (putting it in a safe place and getting it back to school).