Q&A for How to Play the Recorder

It could be that you're blowing too hard; it takes some practice to properly regulate your airflow to avoid squeaking. Another possibility is that the holes might not be covered completely.

The same angle as a clarinet, about 30-40 degrees. Remember, always bring the instrument to you, do not bring yourself to your instrument.

You can buy recorders at a typical music store. The price of the recorder can vary; don't get a really cheap one as the sound won't be very good. The more expensive they are, the better they will sound. The wooden Hohner recorder is a good option, as it isn't ridiculously expensive but is still produces a good sound.

The correct way to do it is to hold a note smoothly when starting. When stopping, don't stop suddenly but to release the note gradually and carefully.

If you have a three-pieced recorder, just turn the last piece to the right until your finger can reach.

Don't blow as hard.

It sounds like you are blowing too hard at times. Not only is the fingering important, but also the blowing. Blow softer and it sounds nicer (not too soft, though).

It might sound like that because you are blowing too hard. Play a little softer.

Try breathing gently. My music teacher told me feel the beat and make your own music.

Just practice until you remember. After all, practice makes perfect.

Just don't breathe as hard. That works on the flute, too.

Yes, there are a number of them such as the key of G, which consists of F# and the key of F, which consists of B flat. There are more you can easily find with an online search.

No,if you covered way too much of the mouthpiece, your mouth would feel uncomfortable, and it may impede your ability to play.

I made a chart based on the method used in the article. I wrote the notes on a scale I drew and laminated it. I had the same question too until I read the above method. It was a big help.

Yes, there is sheet music available for recorder/piano duets. In churches that allow music, it might be played. Yes, there is sheet music for classical songs for recorders. You can find them on Amazon, in music stores, and perhaps at your local library.

Make sure that your lips are adequately dry before you begin playing. Don't try to produce excess saliva while you play, but some saliva is inevitable, so just clean your recorder when you're finished.

You can only play them in sequence, one note of the chord after another. It is impossible to play several notes of a chord all at the same time as you can on a piano or guitar.

In the beginning, you could help the pupil by aiding them in positioning their fingers. After some practice, blindness will not be a problem, as muscle memory makes it unnecessary to look at the recorder while playing.

8notes is a good website. There is a lot of good music for many levels on there, as well as lessons.

If you have a plastic recorder, you should swab it out with a cloth. If your recorder is wooden, swab it with a soft cloth and make sure it's completely dry. Make sure to use a cloth that won't leave any fuzz behind.

You'll need a way to push cloth in or out, like a pencil or a stick.

You can take your recorder apart and put it in the dishwasher. wikiHow's article on taking care of your recorder also has a few tips on cleaning and caring for your recorder.

No. It is important to have a relaxed mouth. The recorder provides little resistance to your breath, so the support for your breathing needs to be supplied by your diaphragm.

Use a cleaning mop/cloth, which will hopefully dry it out.

First, you'll need to learn how to read sheet music. Afterwards, if you can memorize how to play the notes on a recorder, then you can play the notes as they appear on the paper. You can even buy blank sheet paper to write your own music!

Trying applying cork grease or lubricant for a trombone slide. This will help it slide on without getting stuck.

Chords are not possible on the recorder, due to it being a monophonic instrument. Get two of your buddies to play the 3rd and the 5th.

Yes! The left pinky finger isn't used for covering holes (unless you have a left-handed recorder), it is only used to hold the recorder. You can easily play it without that finger.

Recorders aren't lousy. They're good because you can play loads of notes and they have over 900 years of history.

You can find them online. You can also find charts like that at most music stores.