What a recorder is made of
A recorder has three parts: the head with the mouthpiece and the window, the body with the holes and the foot joint (the bell). The sound appears when the stream of air from the mouthpiece is split by the sharp edge of the window. That is why you must never cover the window with your fingers or palm — the recorder will go silent.
A soprano recorder has eight holes: seven in front and one at the back. The back one is covered by the thumb of the left hand. On many recorders the two lowest holes are double — this is needed for semitones, and you won't need them in the first lessons.
How to hold the recorder correctly
- The left hand is on top. The thumb covers the back hole, and the index, middle and ring fingers cover the three upper front holes.
- The right hand is at the bottom. Its fingers cover the four lower holes, and the thumb supports the recorder from behind.
- The recorder points down and forward at an angle of about 45 degrees, the elbows hang loosely and the shoulders are relaxed.
The most common beginner mistake is covering the holes with the tips of the fingers. This leaves the holes slightly open and the recorder hisses. Use the soft pads of your fingers.
How to make the first sound
Put the mouthpiece on your lower lip and cover it with the upper one. Don't puff out your cheeks and don't blow hard: a recorder needs very little air. Imagine you are quietly warming your hands with warm breath. If the sound is shrill, you are blowing too hard.