Your Recorder Community

How to Play the Recorder, Part 1: Introduction

The American Recorder Society commissioned a series of videos on How to Play the Recorder, taught by Vicki Boeckman. This is the first video in the series. You can download a fingering chart for the soprano recorder: Fingering Chart

Left Hand Thumb Technique with Tish Berlin

Tish Berlin of Tibia Duo explains left hand thumb technique for recorders of various sizes. This video plays in a vertical orientation. If you find you have to scroll to see the top and bottom of the video, use the "Fullscreen" icon at the bottom right corner of the video player, and this should size the video correctly for your screen.

Playing High Notes by Miriam Rosenblum

Miriam Rosenblum explains the importance of thumb position in playing high notes.

Basic Double Hole Technique by Aldo Abreu

Aldo Abreu demonstrates basic technique for fingering the double holes for the lowest notes on a recorder.

Advanced Double Hole Technique by Aldo Abreu

Aldo Abreu demonstrates advanced technique for fingering the double holes for the lowest notes on a recorder.

Articulation Tu & Du by Jan Elliott

Jan Elliott describes basic recorder articulation using the syllables tu and du in this video.  She encourages the viewer to learn the techniques by downloading and playing the piece demonstrated in the video.  The composition by Nicolas Chedeville is entitled . . .

How to Hold a Bass Recorder by Tish Berlin

Tish Berlin of Tibia Duo shows various ways to support a bass recorder. This video plays in a vertical orientation. If you find you have to scroll to see the top and bottom of the video, use the "Fullscreen" icon at the bottom right corner of the video player, and this should size the video correctly for your screen.

Baroque Trills by Frances Blaker

Frances Blaker explains and demonstrates how to play baroque trills.

Tips On Playing Low Notes with Peter Wong

Peter Wong offers tips for playing low notes more successfully.  He covers adjusting the recorder's joints, breath  pressure, and lip tension.  He also demonstrates playing low notes on a variety of recorders to show that the instruments differ in the amount of lip tension they accommodate.

Breathing Exercises With Jody Miller

Jody Miller offers advice about breathing when playing the recorder and presents a variety of breathing exercises.

How To Hold The Recorder with Vicki Boeckman

In this video, Vicki Boeckman offers guidance on holding and playing recorders of different sizes.  She stresses the importance of playing comfortably, without tension.  

Intonation With Jody Miller

Jody Miller presents advice and exercises for improving one's intonation on the recorder.  He covers the use of electronic tuning apps as tools and emphasizes the value of learning to tune by ear through some simple exercises that anyone can play.

"The Tuning CD" can be accessed on Dr. Richard Schwartz's YouTub. . .

Double Tonguing with Vicki Boeckman

Vicki Boeckman demonstrates tonguing techniques on alto recorder.  She explains the techniques and offers practice suggestions.

Doubletonguing Techniques with Anne Timberlake

In this video, Anne Timberlake explains, describes and demonstrates double tonguing techniques on alto recorder.

Paired Tonguing Techniques with Anne Timberlake

In this video, Anne Timberlake explains paired tonguing, describing how and why it enhances the playing of recorder music.  She then demonstrates paired tonguing on alto recorder.  

Playing By Ear with Emily O'Brien

Emily O'Brien demystifies the process of learning to play the recorder by ear, demonstrating several simple ways to get started.  

Body Position and Long Tones by Clea Galhano

Cléa Galhano describes the connection between body position and making a good tone on the recorder. This video plays in a vertical orientation. If you find you have to scroll to see the top and bottom of the video, use the "Fullscreen" icon at the bottom right corner of the video player, and this should size the video correctly. . .

John Tyson on Playing with Dynamics: An Introduction

In this video, John Tyson explains and demonstrates how to produce dynamics on the recorder, with attention to breath pressure and alternate fingerings.  

Sound Production and Long Tones Part 2 by Clea Galhano

Clea Galhano shows how long tones are the basis for playing intervals and phrases.  If you find you have to scroll to see the top and bottom of the video, use the "Fullscreen" icon at the bottom right corner of the video player, and this should size the video correctly for your screen.

Playing Trills in Baroque Music by Michael Lynn

To accompany an article on ornamentation that he wrote for the the Fall 2020 issue of American Recorder magazine, Michael Lynn prepared this video to demonstrate several types of trills notated in the article.  The trills include short and long appoggiaturas and short and long trills.  

Playing Mordent Battement with Michael Lynn

Michael Lynn produced this video to accompany the second article in his series on ornamentation, specifically an introduction to the mordent/battement, which appeared in the Winter 2020 issue of American Recorder magazine.   He describes and demonstrates several examples taken from the work of different composers, as nota. . .

Transparent Letters Across the Sky: Play the Recorder Month 2021

"Transparent Letters Across the Sky" by Melika Fitzhugh, is the Play-the- Recorder Month piece for 2021. This joyful, spirited contemporary composition is inspired by the Pablo Neruda poem. The ARS is honored to present Melika’s work. A graduate of Harv. . .

Transparent Letters Across the Sky: Play-along, no alto

Transparent Letters Across the Sky: Play-along, no soprano

Transparent Letters Across the Sky: Play-along, no tenor

Transparent Letters Across the Sky: Play-along, no bass

Introduction to Flattement with Michael Lynn

Michael Lynn produced this video to accompany the third article in his series on ornamentation, specifically an introduction to the ornament flattement, or finger vibrato, which appeared in the Spring 2021 issue of American Recorder magazine.   He describes and demonstrates several examples taken from the work o. . .

Extended Techniques - Part 1. Manipulation of the Air by Jody Miller

By using faster or slower air, recorder players can change the pitch of notes.  In this video, the player is encouraged to experiment with the extremities of volume (and breath support) to achieve some of the effects required in contemporary music.

Extended Techniques - Part 3. Vibrato by Jody Miller

Vibrato is frequently required in modern compositions. Jody explains some of the different methods for producing vibrato, as each has its own “flavor.”  For more, see Michael Lynn’s Technique Tips video “Introduction to Flattement.”

Extended Techniques - Part 2. Grace Notes by Jody Miller

During the Baroque period, appoggiaturas were ornamental quick notes played before the main note.  In this video, Jody explains the difference between appoggiaturas and grace notes, the contemporary equivalent, while explaining how to achieve the best results.

Extended Techniques - Part 4. Bell-covered Notes by Jody Miller

The end of the recorder must be closed or slightly obstructed in order to produce some of the higher notes of the recorder, as well as to achieve some special effects.  Jody gives a practical approach for covering the bell opening without hurting your teeth, gums, or lips.
 

Extended Techniques - Part 5. Glissando by Jody Miller

The glissando is a continuous sliding sound between two notes. While easier on a string instrument or trombone, there are some tricks for producing a smooth glissando on the recorder, too. Jody gives some practical hints in gaining control of the crucial finger movements required.
 

een mentaliteit - PtRM 2024

Miyo Aoki performs and conducts Jamie Allen's composition for Play the Recorder Month 2024, een mentaliteit.