Me and My Recorder, Part 1: Recorder Book

Warm and inviting from the first page. The color illustrations create a visual anchor for each concept, making notation feel less abstract. Each tune is selected to reward effort immediately, building confidence through recognizable melodies that sound like real music rather than exercises.

Young beginners in elementary grades who are starting recorder for the first time, whether in school music programs or private lessons. This book works equally well for children learning individually or in group settings, as the progression supports both paces.

• Start each practice session by reviewing the fingering chart for any notes introduced in the previous lesson; muscle memory develops faster when students can visualize the hand position before playing.
• Use the chord symbols to play duets with an adult or older student on keyboard or guitar, even if the student is still learning basic melodies. This builds listening skills and shows why recorder playing matters in ensemble contexts.
• Encourage students to sing the melody before playing it, especially with new tunes. This bridges the gap between reading notation and producing a confident, musical tone.

Use this as the foundational text for your elementary recorder curriculum, moving through it sequentially over one to two years depending on your school's schedule. The built-in accompaniment options make it easy to incorporate performances in winter and spring concerts, turning what might be solo practice into genuine musical moments.

• Reading treble clef and note names on the staff
• Fingering patterns for notes in the recorder's first register
• Breath control and tonguing technique
• Counting and steady rhythm in simple meters (2/4, 3/4, 4/4)
• Introducing accidentals and sharps and flats
• Playing with accompaniment and listening to other instruments