Centre for Youth and Community Music

Why learn Recorder??

Some of us will remember having recorder lessons in primary school with mixed feelings about the musicality of the instrument! Unfortunately this graceful little wood wind is often perceived as a primary school instrument – of torture!! However, in the right hands, (and years of practice) this instrument is as beautiful as any other. It pre dates most other woodwind instruments and has been played in various forms all over the world for hundreds of years.

In its defence, I’d like to point out the benefits of recorder lessons for young and old. Unlike a flute, or Oboe it’s easy to get first sounds, allowing the player to focus on other key points of playing such as posture and reading music. Once the rudiments of music have been learned on Recorder, these skills readily transfer to other woodwind instruments such as flute and saxophone. For young students the Recorder is easily managed and handled, small hands can reach all the finger holes and unlike any other woodwind instrument, the plastic ones are almost indestructible! Recorders can also be easily and cheaply purchased in local music stores.

The CYCM is able to provide recorders for new players but flutes need to be provided by the student. The Flute

There are many similarities in Recorder and Flute playing; breath control, posture and finger positions all transfer easily to flute playing. It generally takes longer for new players to ‘find’ the sound on flute and as it is a bigger, heavier instrument, it can be more physically demanding than recorder. Once confident with producing sounds, students are able to produce beautiful melodies as either solos or in groups, in a variety of styles.

The CYCM offers performance and ensemble opportunities once students are confident and competent in their chosen instrument. There are also music theory classes available to help with music reading skills. Instrumental lessons are offered on a one on one basis.

I have taught flute, recorder and Sax for over 10 years in Darwin schools and completed my music degree at Charles Darwin University, specialising in flute. I’m happy to teach any age students, at any level up to Grade 5 AMEB. I really enjoy teaching music and look forward to being able to inspire and train new students to share the joy of music making.

We are excited to bring Kindermusik for 0-3 years old to CYCM. With two levels of learning to suit every age, all children will enjoy this engaging and playful introduction to the world of music.

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