This class will cover how to play the first eight notes on the recorder. Students will learn how to control their air, breathing, tongue placement, and hand placement on the instrument. These notes and techniques transfer to flute, saxophone, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon. Many of the breathing techniques also apply to singing and brass instruments. 

In addition to learning notes and techniques, students will learn how to read music. We will practice reading, counting, and playing rhythms. By the end of the course, students will be able to count and play rhythms with quarter, eighth, half, and whole notes and rests. These counting skills are essential for any ensemble playing in your student's future! The eight notes we will learn on the recorder will also be written, so students will have a grasp of the beginning notes for band and orchestral instruments. 

Classes will be structured as follows:
- Rhythm warm up
- Breathing warm up
- Individual practice on assigned exercises
- Group silent practice 
- Play assigned exercises together
- Practice recorder karate belt test
- Play karate belt test for the teacher if ready

By nature of the lag in virtual meetings, we will usually not all have our microphones on at the same time. Rather, I will play and students will all play with me while their microphone is muted. Throughout each class period, I will call on each student at least once to check their progress. During practice time, I will occasionally ask students to practice in breakout rooms. That way students who are on the same belt test can practice together while I am listening to individuals. Students are expected to continue working in breakout rooms, however, they are allowed to take turns listening to each other to offer encouragement and feedback to their peers.