As someone with very little musical experience, I chose to learn about the recorder! This instrument is notorious for being an “easy” instrument in Western Education since it is a common instrument that young children learn. I remember learning and playing “Hot Cross Buns” in grade 5, but that is all I remember regarding any instruments in Elementary school. In conjunction with learning the basics of the recorder, I am trying to work on reading sheet music. The Music Literacy assignments have been very helpful and I think I am making progress and certainly understanding more!
As the recorder can sound very harsh, I have been focusing on techniques to make it sound smooth and articulate. I found this video quite helpful as she provided lots of tips that I have not thought about. I mostly have been focusing on how to cover the holes with my fingers, tongue placement, and posture. I have a pretty cheap recorder so sometimes I wonder whether I am making a technical mistake or if the cheapness is taking over (lets be honest… it is probably me)! I also switched from my right hand being at the top to my left hand being at the top. This is recommended due to the shape of the last two holes on the recorder.
I have been working on my fluency and finger movement when playing “Hot Cross Buns” as it is very simple and only requires 3 notes- B, A, and G. The other song I have been practicing is a portion of “Silent Night”. This song includes more notes and challenges me more!