As an Instrument
Historically the recorder dates back as far as the 12th century but came to prominence in Europe during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. While the recorder’s popularity diminished during the 19th century, there was renewed interest in the 20th century thanks to the work of Arnold and Carl Dolmetsch. Australian recorder virtuoso Genevieve Lacey has taken the instrument to the heights of the concert stage.
The recorder is an excellent first instrument for students due to its pleasing tone and relatively easy sound production. Young players quickly experience enjoyment and success in both solo and ensemble settings. As the repertoire increases in difficulty, the many skills and techniques involved in creating beautiful sound are revealed.
The instrument comes in a range of sizes, each with a unique sound and fingering. Students begin with a quality plastic recorder and progress to wooden instruments in a variety of timbers each producing different qualities of sound and expression.
Lessons for school aged students:
- Are individual lessons tailored to suit your child’s interests, learning style and development
- Focus on the ‘ear and eye’ (aural discrimination and reading notation), recorder technique, artistry, musical appreciation and fundamentals such as beat, rhythm and pitch
- Support the development of self confidence, positive self esteem, creativity, organizational skills, self reflection, discrimination, independence and relaxation
- Encourage initial parent supervision of practice and communication between parent, child and teacher
- Use a range of music from different periods (including blues and jazz) and courses including Gifford’s Read and Play the Singing Way, Bonsor’s Enjoy the Recorder, A&C Black’s Abracadabra Recorder, Mead’s Cool Cats Red Hot Recorder Course
Provide opportunities for interested students to complete AMEB or Trinity Guildhall examinations (available from Initial – Grade Eight).