Meaning (Uses) of Recorder | Key Signatures of a Recorder | Steps of Playing the Recorder 

MEANING/DEFINITION OF RECORDER

Recorder is a musical instrument made of wood or plastic. The wooden recorder is the most preferable by the professionals while the plastic is common amongst the beginners.

A recorder is a woodwind musical instrument that come in soprano, alto and tenor versions. Wooden recorder can be made with different types of wood to give different sounds. Soprano, alto and tenor recorders are commonly known as recorder family. They range from smallest (highest pitch) to largest (lowest pitch). Some recorders will come in one piece while others will come in two or three pieces.

USES OF A RECORDER

The uses of recorder are as follows:

1. It teaches us to read music.

2. It is used for teaching music beginners.

3. It is used developing eyes and hands coordination.

4. It is used for sight reading and developing listening skills.

5. It is used developing strong lungs and breath control.

6. It is used for developing our listening skills.

7. It is used for developing our musical ear.

8. It is used for playing vocal music and other parts of musical instrument.

KEY SIGNATURES OF A RECORDER

A key signature is a visual symbol, printed on a musical staff, that indicates what key a section of music is written in. Key signatures are represented by using accidentals—better known as sharps and flats.

FLAT KEY SIGNATURES OF A RECORDER 

In musical notation, flats are the notes made low in a given key signature. The symbol for a flat is L, which means half a tone lower than the written note. The first flat key signature is the key of F, or its relative minor, which is D minor (Dm).

STEPS OF PLAYING THE RECORDER

1. Purchase a recorder

2. Learn how to hold the recorder and make sound.

3. Learn correct tonguing technique.

4. Learn the fingering chart.

5. Practice makes perfect!

Reference – West Music

QUESTION

1. identify an alto, tenor or soprano recorder.

2. state three steps of playing the recorder.

3. individual performance of the recorder.