How to Play Hot Cross Buns on the Recorder

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The recorder is a fun woodwind instrument that you can master with some patience and practice. “Hot Cross Buns” is the perfect song for beginners: it only has three notes and you can play it even if you don’t know how to read music.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Holding the Recorder

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  1. This is the “Golden Rule” for holding a recorder, even if you’re right-handed. [1]
    • On the front of the recorder, the top three holes are designated for three fingers from your left hand: the finger above your middle finger (pointer), your middle finger, and the finger below your middle finger (ring).
    • The bottom four holes are for the four fingers of your right hand (the right thumb is not involved).
    • The hole in the back is where your left thumb goes. [2]
  2. Each of your fingers is assigned a specific hole on the recorder.
    • For "Hot Cross Buns", you’ll only be using the first three holes and the thumb hole.
    • Your pointer finger will always be covering the first hole.
    • Your thumb will always be covering the back.
    • Your middle finger is assigned to the second hole.
    • Your ring finger is assigned to the third.
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  3. Place your lips on the beak (the very tip of the mouthpiece) and make sure you don’t have it so far in your mouth that your teeth are touching it.
    • Blow gently into the recorder, using your tongue to help start and end the note.
    • Your tongue should move the same way it does when you say “do.” [3]
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Learning the Notes

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  1. If you don’t know how to read music, no big deal! The song only uses three simple notes: B, A, and G, so it’s easy to learn without having to teach yourself to read music.
    • "Hot Cross Buns" is divided into four measures (also called bars), which are sections that help you keep track of where you are in the song.
    • The first, second, and fourth measures are all identical and play as B A G. The third measure looks like GGGG AAAA. [4]
  2. With your pointer finger covering the first hole and your thumb covering the back, simply blow once into the recorder. This is the B note, which is the first note of the song.
  3. With your pointer finger on the first hole and your thumb on the back, cover the second hole with your middle finger. With these three holes covered, blow once into the recorder. This is the second note of the song.
  4. With the three holes still covered, go ahead and cover the third hole with your ring finger. With these four holes covered, blow into the recorder once. This is the third note of the song.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Putting It All Together

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  1. The first and second measures are identical, so play B A G, rest, B A G, moving your fingers according to the note you’re on.
  2. This looks like GGGG AAAA. Set your fingers up for the G note and then blow four times quickly into the recorder. Then switch to the A note and blow four times quickly. This is the third measure.
  3. Again, the fourth measure is the same as the first and second measures, so play the B note once, then the A note once, then the G note once. You’ve now played the fourth measure and completed the song.
  4. Practicing helps you memorize proper finger placement for the notes, which will ensure accuracy and also help you move more quickly.
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  • Question
    How do I play a lullaby on a recorder?
    Community Answer
    Look up sheet music to lullabies, such as "Mary Had A Little Lamb." This is an easy lullaby to start with. As you learn more and more, you can move on to more difficult songs.
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  • Question
    What are all the other notes on a recorder?
    Community Answer
    The notes are A, B, C, D, E, F and G in high and low.
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  • Question
    How do I play a G# on the recorder?
    Community Answer
    Put your thumb on the back hole, then your pointer finger on the first top hole, middle finger on the second hole, then your ring finger on the third one, and blow gently. That is a G#.
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      Tips

      • Join a group. Some music conservatories and other associations have Recorder and Hand Bell choirs. (Kids who join have a fun experience with music and making new friends.)
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      • Don’t get discouraged if you mess up or are playing it slow. Any new song or instrument is tough and awkward to learn. Just be patient and trust that it will become more natural with practice.
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      • If you like playing the recorder, you can buy music. Music stores have plenty of songs for recorders. If you really have an ear for music, you can figure out songs from movies or the radio. (Songs from “Pirates of the Caribbean” are some that can easily be figured out with experience and plenty of practice.)
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      Warnings

      • Make sure that you’re creating a tight seal when you press your fingers onto the holes. Even the slightest allowance of extra air through them will alter the sound and make you sound off.
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      • Even if you’re right-handed, it’s important to always have your left hand on the top. The way the bottom holes are created are designed specifically for your right hand.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.squeakysrecorderplayhouse.com/recordermaster.htm
      2. ↑ http://woodwind-instruments.wonderhowto.com/how-to/hold-recorder-properly-with-mrs-hill-349754/
      3. ↑ http://www.squeakysrecorderplayhouse.com/recordermaster.htm
      4. ↑ http://www.8notes.com/scores/528.asp

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you’re new to playing the recorder, “Hot Cross Buns” is the perfect song to learn since there are only 3 notes. The song uses the notes B, A, and G and is divided into 4 measures. These sections help you keep track of where you are in the song, but even if you can't read music you should have no trouble learning the song. Use your pointer finger to cover the first hole and your thumb to cover the back, then blow once for your B note. Next, keep your fingers in place, but add your middle finger to cover the second hole to play the A note once. Finally, cover the third hole with your ring finger and blow once for the G note. To learn how to hold your recorder properly, keep reading!

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