Learn the Recorder

Have you always wished you could play a musical instrument but were afraid to start? If so, studying the recorder could open up a lifetime of musical delight. 

Why study the recorder?
  • The recorder is a user-friendly instrument for beginners of all ages.

  • You will find the recorder both charming and challenging. If you have always wanted to be able read music, learning the recorder is a wonderful way to start. 

  • Recorder study opens up a fascinating world of Baroque, Renaissance, Medieval, and Celtic music. 

  • The  recorder requires a minimal initial investment in instruments. High-quality plastic recorders are the perfect beginner's instrument and can be purchased at a modest price..  

  • Plastic recorders are easy to clean--no worry about expensive instrument maintenance or mishaps!

  • The recorder provides an opportunity to become familiar with playing a wind instrument. For the young student who may later wish to join his or her middle school band, the recorder transitions particularly well to clarinet (However, we would hope your recorder remains a lifelong friend even if you decide to try the clarinet!).

  • The recorder offers an wonderful  hobby for retired adults. 

  • The recorder is highly portable: Tuck it in your purse or pocket and enjoy playing on a sunny day in a  park, gazebo, or your backyard, The birds will love it!

  • Taking along your recorder to outdoor places will inspire you to improvise music, which can be a highly creative and satisfying pursuit.

  • The recorder provides opportunities to join groups, to perform in small or large ensembles, and to attend seminars locally, nationally, and internationally.  

  • The recorder offers a welcome reprieve from the omnipresence of high technology by opening the portals to a more ancient time.

  • Interested in faerie lore? The recorder is the perfect faerie's voice! 

  • Dorothy Barth's anthology of enchanting original sheet music for soprano recorder, The Faerie's Voice, is currently in creation with plans to complete it in 2008. The volume will include five duos for alto and soprano recorders suitable for a "midsummer night's dream" faerie-inspired wedding.

Recorder Links

More information about the recorder

American Recorder Society - a great way to find a teacher in your area and to meet other recorder enthusiasts

Sweet Pipes - offers a large selection of recorder music as well as plastic instruments

Von Huene Workshop - excellent source for fine wooden recorders

Sheet Music Plus Featured Sale

Below are links to some of the recorder method books and song books available at Sheet Music Plus. Check the helpful links that allow you to preview a sample selection in a book. 

When purchasing your first recorder book, be sure that the book matches your instrument. If your recorder is a soprano, the book should likewise be for soprano recorder. Many method books offer different versions for soprano and alto recorders.

 
The Trapp Family Recorder...

 

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Playing the Recorder: Folk Songs of Many Nations (an instructional method for all types of recorder) - sheet music at www.sheetmusicplus.com
Playing the Recorder: Fol...
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Fun With the Recorder - sheet music at www.sheetmusicplus.com
Fun With the Recorder
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Playing the Recorder - Alto - sheet music at www.sheetmusicplus.com
Playing the Recorder - Al...
Suzuki Recorder School (Soprano Recorder) Recorder Part, Volume 1 - sheet music at www.sheetmusicplus.com
Suzuki Recorder School (S...
Alfred's Teach Yourself to Play Recorder - sheet music at www.sheetmusicplus.com
Alfred's Teach Yourself t...
The Best Recorder Method - Yet! - sheet music at www.sheetmusicplus.com
The Best Recorder Method ...
The Beginners Method for Soprano and Alto Recorder - sheet music at www.sheetmusicplus.com
The Beginners Method for ...
411,000 sheet music titles - Shop Now!
Christmas Joy (Recorder) - sheet music at www.sheetmusicplus.com Christmas Joy (Recorder)
Celtic Tunes for Recorder - sheet music at www.sheetmusicplus.com Celtic Tunes for Recorder
30 Irish Tunes for Easy Recorder - sheet music at www.sheetmusicplus.com 30 Irish Tunes for Easy R...
Bach for the Recorder - sheet music at www.sheetmusicplus.com Bach for the Recorder
Beatles Favorites For Recorder  - sheet music at www.sheetmusicplus.com Beatles Favorites For Rec...
400 Years of Recorder Music - sheet music at www.sheetmusicplus.com 400 Years of Recorder Mus...

key words: recorder, learning the recorder, soprano recorder, alto recorder, resources for the recorder player