2. Learn how to hold the recorder and make sound

Once you have your recorder, the next step is making sure you’re holding it properly. Like all woodwinds, the sound produced is heavily influenced by how the instrument interacts with your mouth and hands. Your left hand should be positioned closest to your body. Make sure the side of the mouthpiece with the hole is facing upwards (towards your face). Hold it gently between your lips and balance with your fingers – don’t bite the mouthpiece or touch it to your teeth.

Next, blow into the recorder and see what kind of sound you get. Don’t blow too hard or it will sound very harsh and unpleasant. Try to produce a smooth, consistent airflow to get a more musical sound – this is one of the most difficult, but important techniques to focus on as you begin to learn the recorder. Focus on breathing from your diaphragm, not your mouth – this will help you keep the sound consistent.

3. Learn the correct tonguing technique

Your tongue is the most important tool you have to play the recorder. Each recorder instrument note you play should start and stop with your tongue. Imagine you are saying “doot” or “dud” as you play the note – this will help give your notes a clear beginning and end.

At this point, you’re ready to play your first note. The first note people usually learn is B. All you have to do to sound a B is to cover the back hole with your left thumb and the very first hole (closest to your body) with your left index finger. Now, gently blow into the recorder, remembering to focus on a steady airflow from your diaphragm and mouthing a “doot” or “dud”. How does it sound? If you hear squeaking, make sure your fingers are fully covering the holes and that you’re not blowing too hard. Keep working on your B until you’re comfortable moving on to a new note.

4. Learn the fingering chart

Some recorders will come with a fingering chart like the one below. Work on learning which combination of fingers produces each note, and vice versa – which note you are producing based on your fingers. Learning any song you want will be much easier once you have a basic understanding of all the notes your recorder can make. Using the chart below, give these simple tunes a try:

Mary Had a Little Lamb:

B A G A B B B

A A A    B D’ D’

B A G A B B B

A A B A G

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star:

D D A A B B A

G G F# F# E E D

5. Practice makes perfect!

While mastery takes time, with these tips and dedicated practice, you'll soon know how to play a recorder proficiently. Just remember, if it doesn’t sound quite right at first, don’t give up. The greatest musicians in the world started just like you. You can accomplish great things with perseverance and determination.

If you think you’re ready to take your skills to the next level, West Music offers professional lessons at each of our six locations. Click here to sign up for individual or group lessons at the West Music nearest you! 

To get started now, check out our interactive recorder fingering game below!

Learn how to play a recorder in no time with this handy recorder-fingering chart!