Johann Sebastian Bach's two-part inventions and three-part sinfonias provide recorder players and other non-keyboard instrumentalists) with a wonderful collection of pieces to play. Over these five weeks we'll work on three of the two-part inventions on our bass recorders.  Part of our work will involve making decisions on how to deal with parts that go out of our range, learning how to make changes that retain the beauty of the line. We'll also exercise our skills on switching from bass clef to treble clef by playing both parts of the inventions. Along the way we'll continue to work on good bass technique.

For bass recorder players.

Led by Tish Berlin

French Baroque music can often seem like a foreign language – you've practiced Handel and Bach, and learned a few trill fingerings along the way, but maybe you've wondered about the suites by French composers and the art of ornamenting them. Boismortier, Hotteterre, Dieupart, and others who were composing and performing in French aristocratic circles in the 18^th century offer a wealth of beautiful music for us to discover.  We'll learn about and practice some of the French agréments - trills, the port de voix, battement, flattement, tour de chant, and tour de gosier - in context so they become second nature.  We'll listen to recordings to hear the music that charmed Louis XIV and XV and their courts. We'll learn how to adorn movements from suites by Boismortier with beautiful ornaments! For alto recorder players. 

Payment: $25 per individual class, or $125 for all five. Please email tishberlin@sbcglobal.net with classes desired and I'll send you payment information.

Paws and Tails: Music from the Glogauer Liederbuch

with Annette Bauer

Wednesdays, Feb 4, 11, 18, and 25; 5:45 - 7 PM, ET

Written in the 1480s, the Glogauer Liederbuch is a collection of music containing over 300 secular and sacred songs, as well as instrumental pieces. It is also the earliest surviving source written in part books (cantus, tenor, contratenor), and is an important source for mid to late 15th-century repertoire. The source contains a mix of Latin church music, German-texted songs, dances & quodlibets, and a number of textless chansons. We will focus primarily on pieces with animal references in their titles.

Prerequisites: The Wednesdays series is geared towards more experienced readers of early notation, who have at the minimum completed my two introductory series, or possess equivalent knowledge. If in doubt, feel free to contact me to see if this series would be right for you.

Cost: $100 for the 4-class series

How to register: Please contact annette.bauer@gmail.com  for more information and to register.

Following on the heels of a beginning bass class and a 2nd level bass class through the American Recorder Society, Jody Miller will offer a three-part series for bass recorder players.

Wednesday, February 11, 7:00–8:30 pm Eastern Time
Wednesday, February 18, 7:00–8:30 pm Eastern Time
Wednesday, February 25, 7:00–8:30 pm Eastern Time

For the first week, we’ll focus on the bass recorder in Renaissance instrumental music—dances, canzonas, and more. There may be a few examples of vocal repertoire, as the two genres are closely related and stylistic choices can often transfer.

The second week will focus on the bass recorder as a basso continuo instrument in the music of the Baroque. We’ll cover some Baroque style, especially focusing on the role of the bass player in an ensemble.

The third week will conclude with examples of the bass recorder in contemporary music utilizing the ARS Music Library and other excerpts. I strongly recommend membership in the American Recorder Society so that participants have full access to the music library and related resources.

All class literature will be provided, but contact me in advance if you need advice about recorders or other equipment. It is expected that all participants have access to a metronome and a way to record yourself playing (all easily done with practically any smartphone).

This 3-part online series will be presented through the Zoom videoconferencing platform. Sessions are interactive and participants are invited to ask questions and there will be opportunities for immediate feedback. Participants will have access to audio play-along files and can review recordings of the class sessions to enhance their own practice.

Sessions will be held for three consecutive Wednesdays, February 11, 18, and 25, at 7:00 pm Eastern Time via Zoom. Sessions will run 90 minutes. Headphones and a good microphone for your computer are encouraged, but not required.

The fee for the 3-class series is $70, payable via PayPal, Venmo, CashApp, or check.
PayPal—click here to pay using PayPal
Venmo—@Jody-Miller-38
CashApp—$recorder96

If you would like to pay by check, please contact Jody directly for the mailing address.

Class size is limited to 25 participants. In the event not enough people sign up for the class to be viable, 100% of your money will be refunded.

Join us for a series of Consort Studio Workshops in central New Jersey, monthly sessions in ensemble playing for intermediate to advanced level recorder players to learn to play with one another and other instruments under a skilled conductor, with professional accompaniment.

These events will be led by conductor, recorder player, and harpsichordist, Steven Russell (see below). It is an opportunity to play a variety of Baroque literature for small ensembles, through rehearsal, instruction, and demonstration, in a supportive environment, with a focus on ensemble playing, and end with the option to play the lead alto part with a professional ensemble. We will have opportunities to warm up on Renaissance music with SATB recorders, so bring all sizes. Register early to receive the music well in advance. Auditors welcome to attend. Sessions culminate in a performance.

Dates: One Saturday of the month, 1:00 – 5:00 P.M. w/ a 15-min. break       

Nov. 8, 2025  Open for General Registration. A Taste of Things to Come       

Jan. 10, 2026           Feb. 28, 2026        March 14, 2026        April 25, 2026

May 9, 2026  Workshop-Rehearsal     June 13      Oct. 10      Nov. 14, 2026

Location: Reformed Church of Highland Park, 19-21 South Second Avenue, Highland Park, NJ. There is plenty of parking at the location, which is a 30-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride from the New Brunswick NJT train station.

To register, Visit https://hprecorder.org/events/2026-consort-studio/. For more information contact recorderdonna@gmail.com 

Spring Reset
with Anne Timberlake

Tuesdays, Mar 3, 10, 17, and 24 at 4 PM, CT

Are you ready for a fresh start for your recorder playing? Does your music-making feel too tense or effortful? Would you like to play the recorder with more ease and joy? In this live, four-week small group short course, we’ll review core principles of recorder technique, identify unhelpful habits, and work through an exercise program designed to help you build or rebuild the foundation for great playing!

Cost: $99

To register, visit my website

This course is appropriate for all levels.

It’s a tale as old as time - 2 lovers meet in secret in the dark of night, bathed in starlight….only to be interrupted by an astrologer who insists that they must consult with the stars before embarking upon their tryst. Is the moon in the sign of the Bull? In that case - a path to marriage may be advised! But if the moon is in Cancer, beware…it is a time for fighting and arguing! 

This March, Alkemie will premiere a new program, curated by Tracy and Ellie, that explores German medieval music inspired by the Zodiac. Along with our dear friend and early-music luminary Shira Kammen, we will explore music from Oswald von Wolkenstein, Hugo de Montfort, the Glogauer Liederbuch, and Carmina Burana that grapples with the timeless question - are we in charge of our own fates, or do the stars control our destinies?

Join Alkemie to find out what activities might be safe for you to engage in on March 6 (when the moon will be in Libra). One German 15th-century treatise advises that this is a good time to travel from place to place, and especially to travel westward - we hope that your travels take you to the Jalopy Theatre.

It’s a tale as old as time - 2 lovers meet in secret in the dark of night, bathed in starlight….only to be interrupted by an astrologer who insists that they must consult with the stars before embarking upon their tryst. Is the moon in the sign of the Bull? In that case - a path to marriage may be advised! But if the moon is in Cancer, beware…it is a time for fighting and arguing! 

This March, Alkemie will premiere a new program, curated by Tracy and Ellie, that explores German medieval music inspired by the Zodiac. Along with our dear friend and early-music luminary Shira Kammen, we will explore music from Oswald von Wolkenstein, Hugo de Montfort, the Glogauer Liederbuch, and Carmina Burana that grapples with the timeless question - are we in charge of our own fates, or do the stars control our destinies?

Join Alkemie to find out what activities might be safe for you to engage in on March 6 (when the moon will be in Libra). One German 15th-century treatise advises that this is a good time to travel from place to place, and especially to travel westward - we hope that your travels take you to the Rotunda at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville (on March 8).

Spring Reset
with Anne Timberlake

Tuesdays, Mar 3, 10, 17, and 24 at 4 PM, CT

Are you ready for a fresh start for your recorder playing? Does your music-making feel too tense or effortful? Would you like to play the recorder with more ease and joy? In this live, four-week small group short course, we’ll review core principles of recorder technique, identify unhelpful habits, and work through an exercise program designed to help you build or rebuild the foundation for great playing!

Cost: $99

To register, visit my website

This course is appropriate for all levels.

Join us for a series of Consort Studio Workshops in central New Jersey, monthly sessions in ensemble playing for intermediate to advanced level recorder players to learn to play with one another and other instruments under a skilled conductor, with professional accompaniment.

These events will be led by conductor, recorder player, and harpsichordist, Steven Russell (see below). It is an opportunity to play a variety of Baroque literature for small ensembles, through rehearsal, instruction, and demonstration, in a supportive environment, with a focus on ensemble playing, and end with the option to play the lead alto part with a professional ensemble. We will have opportunities to warm up on Renaissance music with SATB recorders, so bring all sizes. Register early to receive the music well in advance. Auditors welcome to attend. Sessions culminate in a performance.

Dates: One Saturday of the month, 1:00 – 5:00 P.M. w/ a 15-min. break       

Nov. 8, 2025  Open for General Registration. A Taste of Things to Come       

Jan. 10, 2026           Feb. 28, 2026        March 14, 2026        April 25, 2026

May 9, 2026  Workshop-Rehearsal     June 13      Oct. 10      Nov. 14, 2026

Location: Reformed Church of Highland Park, 19-21 South Second Avenue, Highland Park, NJ. There is plenty of parking at the location, which is a 30-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride from the New Brunswick NJT train station.

To register, Visit https://hprecorder.org/events/2026-consort-studio/. For more information contact recorderdonna@gmail.com 

• Feb 9: Chansonnier Cordiforme - 15th Century Songs of Love
• Mar 16: O Fortuna! Songs from the Carmina Burana
• Apr 13: “Eye Music” - Music Written in Extraordinary Notation
• May 4: Composer’s Portrait: Gilles Binchois - A Musical Miniaturist Please note: If you miss a session, each Zoom meeting will be recorded and will stay available and on demand until one full month after the final class

Spring Reset
with Anne Timberlake

Tuesdays, Mar 3, 10, 17, and 24 at 4 PM, CT

Are you ready for a fresh start for your recorder playing? Does your music-making feel too tense or effortful? Would you like to play the recorder with more ease and joy? In this live, four-week small group short course, we’ll review core principles of recorder technique, identify unhelpful habits, and work through an exercise program designed to help you build or rebuild the foundation for great playing!

Cost: $99

To register, visit my website

This course is appropriate for all levels.

Exploring music by the influential 14th-century French poet and composer Guillaume de Machaut (1300-1377). Guillaume de Machaut was a French composer and poet who was the central figure of the ars nova style in late medieval music. He was regarded as the most significant French composer and poet of the 14th century, and he is often seen as the century’s leading European composer. His life and death dates are even used in modern musicology to separate the ars nova from the subsequent ars subtilior style. An unprecedented amount of music survives for Machaut compared to his contemporaries, partially because he was personally involved in the creation of the beautifully crafted manuscripts that preserve his creative output. As a poet-composer, he also embodies the culmination of the tradition stretching back to the traditions of the troubadours and trouvères of earlier centuries.

All are welcome! SATB Recorders, A=440hz

Spring Reset
with Anne Timberlake

Tuesdays, Mar 3, 10, 17, and 24 at 4 PM, CT

Are you ready for a fresh start for your recorder playing? Does your music-making feel too tense or effortful? Would you like to play the recorder with more ease and joy? In this live, four-week small group short course, we’ll review core principles of recorder technique, identify unhelpful habits, and work through an exercise program designed to help you build or rebuild the foundation for great playing!

Cost: $99

To register, visit my website

This course is appropriate for all levels.

The Water Is Wide
Feeling landlocked? Set sail on a voyage of musical exploration, plying the musical byways of Renaissance and Baroque Europe. Music about water in its many incarnations: Sea shanties, Dufay, Palestrina, and more.

We're excited to host clinician Anne Timberlake again for a day of group playing and technique on the beautiful campus of Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS.

The Central Coast Recorder Society presents:
Five Composers: Dufay, Byrd, Vizzana, Bach, and Blaker:

A Recorder Workshop with Tish Berlin and Frances Blaker

• Feb 9: Chansonnier Cordiforme - 15th Century Songs of Love
• Mar 16: O Fortuna! Songs from the Carmina Burana
• Apr 13: “Eye Music” - Music Written in Extraordinary Notation
• May 4: Composer’s Portrait: Gilles Binchois - A Musical Miniaturist Please note: If you miss a session, each Zoom meeting will be recorded and will stay available and on demand until one full month after the final class