***Schedule note: This is a 6-session class normally scheduled for 6 weeks. During the summer of 2021, a twice-a-week for 3 weeks option is also scheduled so make sure you look at the dates for the option you want to sign up for.***

Recorder is an affordable and portable *real* instrument that can play many styles of music. It's also a great preparation for playing other instruments like flute, clarinet, saxophone and more.

In this class all aspects of playing the recorder will be introduced to beginners: stream of air, body and hand position, using the tongue to start notes, reading the rhythms and notes in our music, and practice tips.

Class time will be a mixture of interactive activities including group playing (you may be on mute some of the time so I can hear individuals play), call and response playing games where the teacher plays something and students listen and play it back, 'thumbs up, thumbs down' games where students get to identify mistakes that the teacher makes, breathing warmups and exercises, and writing or coloring clues in our music.

No prior knowledge is needed; basic reading ability to read the titles of the songs and some other labels in the music is helpful.

Exact content covered will vary based on overall student need, but will somewhat follow this schedule:
Week 1- Posture, air stream, tonguing, playing and reading notes G, A and B, practice tips
Week 2- More advanced songs with G, A and B (possibly playing note C, E and/or D by ear)
Week 3- Reading and playing songs with new note E
Week 4- Reading and playing songs with new note D
Week 5- Playing songs (by ear or reading the music) with all our notes
Week 6- Review our favorite songs or learning ones that were skipped over earlier, tips for continued learning and practice on your own

Please see materials list for instrument information and the book that is required.