Semester Recorder Class
In this weekly class, students will develop in-depth skills in playing the recorder as a solo performer.
Sandra Girouard
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(394)
Star Educator
What's included
15 live meetings
11 hrs 15 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students should expect to practice assigned material for 10 to 15 minutes daily. Practice assignments will be given at the end of each class meeting.Assessment
Parents that wish to receive a formal grade should have their students submit a weekly practice log. Grades are based on: - practice - class attendance and active participation - understanding of musical concepts as expressed verbally during class meetings - ability to perform musical concepts as expressed through playing during class meetings and student made recordings (which are optional, but welcome)Grading
includedClass Experience
This class presents activities in pursuit of
- Mastery of all diatonic pitches on the treble clef staff (middle C to high G), plus experience playing both E♭s, high G#, high A♭, high A, both F-sharps, treble staff line three B♭, and treble staff space three C#
- Internalization of steady beat and accuracy in the realization of rhythmic figures and meters: 3/4, 4/4, 6/8, quarter notes, eighth notes, half notes, whole notes, dotted rhythms, and syncopated rhythms.
- Strength as a solo performer (both accompanied and unaccompanied)
- Growth as an ensemble performer through experiences playing with accompaniments produced by and provided by the instructor. These experiences will include:
- monophonic music (all unison)
- homophonic music (melody above a harmony)
- polyphonic music (multiple melodies at once, as in canons or rounds)
All literature (songs) for the course come from the rich wealth of folk music from around the world, including titles such as:
- Ghum parani mashi pishi (Bangladesh)
- Dandini Dandini Dastana (Turkey)
- Acadian Lullaby (Canada)
- Sakura (Japan)
- Flower Drum Song (China)
- Banuwa (Liberia)
- Daj Boh šťastia (Slovakia)
- Poreho (Tahiti)
- A di mi yere yu friyari (Suriname)
- El sapo chiminique (Honduras)
- E Papa Waiari (New Zealand)
Students will also be assigned technical exercises designed to improve music reading, music theory understanding, and facilitate specific skills in songs that are being worked on. There will be a weekly practice log (optional) for those who want a formal grade.
This course will also include theory instruction weekly
Small class size ensures that all students have ample opportunities to participate actively and interact with the teacher and their peers. Learning activities will leverage young children's natural inclination to move and channel that to support successfully playing.
The recorder is an easy-to-learn, great first instrument that quickly empowers learners to play independently. But it is also a legitimate instrument in its own right, with a rich history and array of literature. I love playing instruments in the recorder family, and I look forward to sharing this simple and versatile instrument with your learner!Learning Goals
Learning goals include:
- proper playing position
- knowledge of basic instrument care
- Correct fingering and breath to elicit consistent, good tone for the all pitches
- Reading all diatonic pitches plus B-flat, F-sharp and C-sharp on the treble clef staff
- Reading quarter notes, eighth notes, quarter rests, and half notes
- Playing songs from a wide range of cultures
Other Details
Parental Guidance
All class materials and resources will be provided through the Outschool classroom. This includes the embedding of resource videos that will be hosted on YouTube. Parents should always supervise students when they are using the internet in any situation.
Supply List
RECORDER: Student need to have a good quality, Baroque fingering system Soprano recorder. Please take note: soprano recorders are available with both "German" and "Baroque" fingering. This class is designed for Baroque fingering instruments. Recorders traditionally have three pieces. They are designed to come apart for several reasons, including tuning, cleaning, and most importantly, adapting to the student's finger length. It is BEST for the student to have a 3-piece recorder. One-piece recorders are NOT recommended under any circumstances. The recommended recorders below all feature Baroque fingering and 3-piece construction. In most instances, a good quality plastic or resin recorder will cost less than a poor quality wood recorder. Many soprano recorders are available very inexpensively. However, there are also some very poor quality recorders available in discount stores. I recommend the following models: Yamaha YRS-302B Soprano Recorder, Baroque fingering, Key of C: https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-YRS-302B-Soprano-Recorder-Baroque/dp/B0002MS7NS Aulos Soprano Recorder (A303ADB) Baroque fingering https://www.amazon.com/Aulos-Classroom-Recorder-Soprano-English/dp/B001LG7TUG Music notation sheets will be provided by the teacher. MUSIC THEORY: Practical Theory: Complete by Sandy Feldstein. The book can be purchased from the publisher at this link https://www.alfred.com/practical-theory-complete/p/00-1998/ but may be found at a lower price on other online shopping platforms. While the required book is subtitled "A Self-Instruction Music Theory Course," the activities in the book address abstract and sophisticated topics that are best understood through the explanation and occasional musical examples provided by the instructor.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2020
4.9
394reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
Sandra Girouard has been playing the recorder for most of her life. She began during the elementary grades and later played in the Collegium Musicum ensemble during her graduate studies as well as her local American Recorder Association chapter. She loves sharing this versatile and established woodwind instrument with students as an introduction to instrument playing and as a long-term, solo instrument. Reviews
Live Group Class
$969
for 15 classes1x per week, 15 weeks
45 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-14
2-3 learners per class
