Synopsis
This collection of fresh duets and trios is designed especially for children and non-musicians. The large print and easy music makes it a practical way to learn and apply music-reading skills while learning to play the recorder. Ideal for home and classroom use. The new play-along CD makes this package even better for non-musicians.
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About the Author
Penny Gardner, author of Charlotte Mason Study Guide: A Simplified Approach to a "Living" Education, has degrees in Elementary Education and Music Education. In this collection of duets and trios, she realizes a dream imagined years ago-to bring together her love of composing music and teaching children.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
A Renaissance for Recorders Recorders deserve a renaissance in our homes and schools. The recorder is a real instrument with its own unique history. The recorder was a popular instrument during Shakespeare's day. Later, the recorder was more or less replaced by the transverse flute, but interest in the recorder has continued through the ages. In Hamlet, Shakespeare wrote, "Come, some music! Come, the recorder..." Come, let's learn more about music and the recorder.
"Come, Some Music!" Learning to read music is an important skill that should be taught and practically applied on some instrument. A piano is a major purchase, usually followed by years of expensive lessons. If this option is out of your price range or if you just want the versatility of also learning a wind instrument, give the recorder a try. The recorder is often the springboard to further music study. Good quality plastic recorders may be purchased for under $10 at your local music store or purchase Angel recorders from Peripole-Bergerault at 1-800-443-3592. Buy soprano recorders to use with this book. Soprano recorders are smaller with the holes closer together so children are physically able to play them. Plastic recorders are very easy to care for-after playing, simply wipe the moisture from inside the recorder using the cleaning rod and a small cotton cloth. Many adults are musically illiterate; they don't know how to read music. The Nine-Note Recorder Method is the perfect resource to help you learn to read music. The new play-along CD helps you make the connection between the written music and how it should sound. Duets are songs in two parts. You can tell if a song is a duet when you see vertical lines connecting two staffs. When two notes on the two different-but-connected staffs are lined up, that means they are played at the same time. Trios are songs in three parts. Duets and trios are great fun for families and classrooms. You can split up into teams to perform these part songs. The resulting harmony can be very exciting. The Nine-Note Recorder Method contains 70 duets, trios, and rounds.
"Come, the Recorder..." Here are some tips to keep in mind as you learn to play the recorder. By incorporating these habits you will be able to play more musically: 1. Keep your arms relaxed and comfortably near your sides. Do not hold the recorder up in the air. Hold it down, comfortably close to your chest. 2. Keep the recorder in front of your teeth. 3. Your left hand goes at the top of the recorder. Your right hand goes below with the thumb of the right hand supporting the recorder at all times. You may place the pinky of your right hand on the recorder, where it comfortably falls, without covering a hole for better balance. 4. When you cover holes, be sure your fingers cover them completely or you won't produce the right sound. Use the fleshy part of your fingertips to cover the holes. But you don't need to press hard. You will get tired if you are too tense. The fingers not being used to cover holes should be kept comfortably close to the recorder; they need to be handy for the next note. 5. Blow softly but with a steady stream of air. Little air is required. Blowing too hard produces an obnoxious and unmusical noise. Experiment to find a beautiful, musical tone with vitality. Start each sound or note by making your tongue say "2" or "do." Do this without a recorder in your mouth; then try tonguing as you play a note several times in one breath. 6. Be sensitive to a child's readiness and interest. Some seven- or eight-year-olds struggle with an instrument. The nine- or ten-year-olds tend to pick it up more easily. The older student learns independently. 7. Practice fifteen minutes a day to see improvement. Use a music stand for better posture. If a stand is not available, make a desktop easel from a cereal box. The Nine-Note Recorder Method is geared specifically for children and other novice musicians. It uses only the nine easiest notes and the print is large. This book is almost entirely duets and trios-a novelty in beginning music books. Isn't it more fun to play with someone else? Making music in harmony with other family or class members is a most rewarding experience!
Come, the Renaissance The recorder is a lovely ancient instrument that deserves our musical attention. It is an inexpensive instrument that is easy to play and perfect for children over eight. The recorder is part of our musical history and heritage. Come, let's start a Renaissance in our homes and schools by learning to play the recorder. "Come, some music! Come, the Recorder..."
Adapted and reprinted by permission from The Nine-Note Recorder Method: Easy Duets for Beginners by Penny Gardner.
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