Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2006-08-07 18:13
There are people on the board more expert than I on this topic but I did play in a decent recorder quartet for several years.
1. General advice. The recorders you will look at come in two keys, C (soprano, tenor) and F (sopranino, alto, bass). Recorders are not "transposing instruments." Therefore the fingering chart for a C recorder is different from the fingering chart for an F recorder. As an introduction to music and instruments, I think a C soprano would be your best choice and I would recommend you make sure your instruction book is for the C recorder.
2. Brands. For a beginner, I would recommend a plastic Yamaha. They are inexpensive and have pretty decent intonation. I don't like the (also widely-available) Aulos all that much.
3. Models. For a beginner, the basic model should be fine. Yamaha also makes plastic (soprano and alto) models with a simulated wood finish. Those with the simulated wood finish are only a little more expensive but look very nice and, some of my recorder-playing friends think they have a little better feel/sound. Given the price, I might be tempted to go with one of them.
4. Instruction and Practice Books. I think a good place to start (many consider it the standard) is the Trapp Family Singers' "Enjoy Your Recorder." Exercises and simple tunes to begin with. Later, the pieces become more challenging. Duets throughout. Also some trios and quartets. Again, make sure you get the version (M-1) for C-Soprano and C-Tenor.
5. Teaching Methods. Why not buy a recorder for everyone in the family and set aside a little time each day to make it a family activity? Later, when you've all mastered the basics of the C, adults/older children (if any) can take on the alto and tenor for duets and trios. (Note: Even plastic basses are fairly expensive (usually over $200) and require that you read bass clef.)
6. Other stuff. I'll leave that to folks who know more than I.
Best regards,
jnk
Post Edited (2006-08-07 18:18)
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