Introduction to Recorder – Basic 1 Cultural & Creative Arts Lesson Note (Second Term)

A recorder is a musical instrument that looks like a pipe or flute. We blow into the mouthpiece to make sound and cover the holes with our fingers. It usually has 8 holes. This lesson shows the parts of a recorder, how to hold and play it, a first note to learn, and how to look after it.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• say what a recorder is
• name the parts of a recorder
• hold a recorder with the left hand on top and the right hand at the bottom
• blow gently into a recorder with the correct finger and mouth position
• say how to take care of a recorder

What is a recorder?

• A recorder is a musical instrument.
• It looks like a pipe or flute.
• We blow into it to make sound.
• It has holes for our fingers.

What are the parts of a recorder?

1. Mouthpiece: where we blow
2. Body: the long part
3. Holes: where we put our fingers (usually 8 holes)
4. End: the bottom part

How do we hold a recorder?

Left hand (top)

• The thumb covers the back hole.
• Three fingers cover the top three holes.

Right hand (bottom)

• Four fingers cover the bottom four holes.
• The thumb supports underneath (it does not cover a hole).

How do we play the recorder?

1. Hold it correctly
   • Left hand on top
   • Right hand at the bottom
   • Hands should be relaxed
2. Position your mouth
   • Place the mouthpiece gently on your lips.
   • Do not bite it.
   • Cover it with your lips.
3. Blow gently
   • Do not blow too hard.
   • Blow softly and steadily.
   • Blow as if you are saying “tu” or “du”.
4. Cover the holes properly
   • Use the finger pads (not the tips).
   • Cover the holes completely.
   • No air should escape.

What is the first note to learn?

Note A: cover these holes:

• Left thumb (back)
• Left index finger
• Left middle finger

Practice: blow gently with these holes covered.

How do we take care of a recorder?

• Clean it after use.
• Keep it in its case.
• Do not drop it.
• Share nicely with classmates.

Evaluation

Choose the correct answer.

1. A recorder is a _____ instrument.
   • a) musical
   • b) cooking
   • c) cleaning
2. We blow into the _____ of the recorder.
   • a) end
   • b) mouthpiece
   • c) middle
3. The left hand goes on _____ of the recorder.
   • a) bottom
   • b) top
   • c) side
4. We should blow _____ into the recorder.
   • a) very hard
   • b) gently
   • c) not at all
5. After using it, we should _____ the recorder.
   • a) break it
   • b) throw it away
   • c) clean it

Assignment

1. Practise holding the recorder correctly.
2. Draw a recorder.
3. Practise blowing gently (like saying “tu”).
4. Ask your teacher to help you make your first sound.