Recorder: Leveling the Playing Field

• Ashleigh Lore
• Posted 7/1/21
• 0 comments

I have learned so much from my students and their needs when it comes to beginning recorder.  For many, this instrument can be exciting but also intimidating.  After all, we have students who struggle with reading, coordination, and a slew of other things that can inhibit playing or contribute to an individual’s defeatist mindset.   

I have found the following steps essential to set my students up for success while creating a collaborative and supportive community: 

Everyone is a beginner.  

Even if you have the most talented child who picks up every direction immediately, they can still learn new things. So I always tell my students that I will find something to correct with every single one of them.   

Then, I follow through, often focusing on the children who typically succeed and correcting them early on.  The children who usually struggle can then watch their peers, practice, and have the space to learn without worrying that their teacher will correct every little thing with them.   

Leveling the playing field provides challenges for advanced students while allowing other students additional time to practice and grow. 

We are a team.   

We work together to solve problems. Students work together to “pass” or complete songs as a whole class before taking their instruments to and from school.   

As a group, students need to play ten songs well.  I put classes or “teams” in competition with each other. I post a chart on the board to show each class position.  When a class successfully plays all ten songs, they get to take their instrument home to play.   

I use this approach to ensure students establish good habits.  The “winning class” also gets bragging rights and encourages a supportive class wanting their peers to succeed so they can “be the first!” 

Song choice and sequence matter.   

I do not jump right into BAG songs. Instead, we learn four songs just with B at varied style and tempi.  Then, add A by itself, followed by B & A.  Then, we learn G alone, G & A, and finally, make it to BAG.   

Isolating notes give students more time to learn how to hold, play, and read.  Playing recorder utilizes a level of cognitive awareness students have not previously experienced in the music room.  Students must simultaneously incorporate musical skills that once were learned in isolation.   

Advanced players enjoy a variety of songs. Struggling players have more time to process these new skills while “sounding good” with their peers. 

Learning to play the recorder is a rite of passage for many students in the music room.  By taking a team approach, we can ensure that our students are not discouraged and give all students adequate time to master this tricky instrument. 

---

Products We Love