Instrument Exploration: Recorder

INTRODUCE the recorder

1. Many music students learn the recorder in 3rd or 4th grade. Look at a picture of a recorder. 

   Can you guess which instrument family the recorder belongs to? The recorder in this picture is made of plastic. Originally, all recorders were made of wood, and many of them are still made of wood.

2. Watch and listen to recorder player Clea Galhano demonstrate her instrument.

WATCH and LISTEN to the recorder

1. In the demonstration video, Clea Galhano shows several types of recorders. Can you explain how the size of a recorder affects its sound? Watch this video to see a very wide range of recorder sizes.

2. Watch and listen to Lama Bada Yatathama, performed by Lyra Baroque Orchestra. Can you name some of the instruments in addition to the recorder?

3. Here is one more video featuring the recorder, performed by the duo Alma Brasileira.

EXTEND learning about the recorder

1. Here is another piece featuring several recorder types, performed by a quartet called sféra [SFEH-rah] ensemble.

2. There are many DIY recorder-making instructions online. This one turns a carrot into a recorder!