Recorder Karate

** The grading schedule below will be modified to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions **
Grade 5/6

Performance is just one part of your music evaluation this year. Points to consider:

  • Although we do have enough recorders for every student, I still recommend that students purchase their own recorder. Here is my recommended Soprano Recorder https://amzn.to/392I8P1

  • your starting task will be chosen based on your musical experience and in consultation with your teacher

  • although students will be working on different tasks at any giving time, we will be learning concepts as a whole class

  • you will have time in class to practice and receive feedback from your teacher and classmates

  • you will have multiple opportunities to demonstrate your learning

  • you need to demonstrate a Level 3 or above performance to pass a task

Important steps to playing the recorder

  • Blow lightly into the recorder.

  • When you are practising blowing lightly, if the sound isn’t coming out very well, blow a bit more, but never blow hard. Use a gentle stream of air at all times.

  • Hold your recorder with your left hand at the top. Use your thumb to cover the back hole and your first three fingers to cover the top three holes on the recorder.

  • Use your right hand at the bottom of the recorder. Use your thumb to hold the back and all four fingers to cover the bottom four holes on the recorder. Yes, you are covering two little holes with your third and fourth fingers at the bottom of the recorder.

  • Keep your fingers flat when putting them across the holes.

  • Cover the holes with the flat fleshy part of your fingers. Do not use your fingertips or air will leak out when you play.

  • Press down on the holes firmly to seal up the holes.

  • If the recorder is making a squeaking sound when you play, then you are either blowing too hard, or you are not covering the proper holes with the fleshy part of your fingers.

  • Place the recorder on your lips not in your mouth. You will have better control over the sound that way.

  • Use your tongue behind your teeth to make a “T” sound. This is called tonguing.

  • Start each note by making the “T” sound at the beginning of your note. This is called tonguing your note.

Soprano Recorder Diagram

Finger Chart