Why is the recorder a good choice?
It requires less breath control than other woodwinds. To make a sound, your child blows into the mouthpiece - much like blowing into a whistle. And because not as much breath control is required, and no special mouthing techniques have to be mastered as with the other woodwinds, your child can produce a sound much more easily.
It's easier to handle. The recorder has the look off a clarinet - a vertical tube with a mouthpiece. But because it is smaller and llighter than a clarinet and other woodwinds and has open holes down the front, not keys, it's more manageable for a young child.
Fingering is fairly logical. A recorder's finger patterns are not as complex as other woodwinds' finger patterns: Your child lifts a finger from an opening and the sound gets higher, puts a finger down and the sound gets lower. With other woodwinds, children must learn combinations that require a great deal more coordination.
When should my child start taking recorder lessons?
Because of the size of the instrument and its fairly simple construction, a child as young as 5 may have the strength and breath to play this instrument. Also, by this age your child may have started reading (many teachers believe children should have some basic reading skills before starting lessons). Attention span is important, too - your child must be able to concentrate in class and practice for ten to 30 minutes at a time. If your child has completed the Kindermusik for The Young Child curricula, this is an excellent instrument for your child to continue to learn and play.
How much will a recorder cost?
Recorders are fairly inexpensive, compared with other woodwinds. We will provide you with a recorder and books and supplies you will need for the course. Please check our fees listed on the registration form.
