🎵 Learn to Play Recorder
Lesson 5: High D
  • Learn high D5 with thumb half-hole plus one finger
  • Extend your range beyond high C
  • Practice octave leaps and range exercises
  • Play "Mary Had a Little Lamb" and "Ode to Joy"

Introduction

Now that you've mastered the thumb half-hole technique with high C, adding high D is straightforward! This lesson expands your second octave range and opens up many more melodies.

Note: High D5

Fingering for High D: Thumb half-hole + first finger only (like high C, but lift your second finger)

This is similar to high C, but with one less finger covered. Remember to keep that thumb in the half-hole position!

Play steady high D notes. Focus on consistent tone without squeaks.

Tip: If it squeaks, check your thumb hole—it might be too open or too closed.

C to D Transitions

Moving between high C and D requires precise finger coordination.

Practice the transition between these two notes.

Goal: Smooth transitions with no pitch wobbles or squeaks.

Scale Patterns to High D

Ascending from G to high D and back down.

This covers your complete range so far!

Mary Had a Little Lamb - Complete Melody

This is THE classic beginner song, and now you can play the complete melody with high D!

Complete traditional melody

Lyrics: "Mary had a little lamb, little lamb, little lamb"

Lyrics: "Mary had a little lamb, its fleece was white as snow"

Ode to Joy - Simple Version

Beethoven's famous melody, simplified for recorder!

Opening theme

This is one of the most recognizable melodies in classical music. Play it with joy and energy!

Range Extension Exercises

Practice jumping to high D from nearby notes.

Challenge: Make each leap smooth and confident—no hesitation!

Troubleshooting High D

  • Too squeaky? Thumb hole might be too open. Roll it closed slightly.
  • Sounds like high C? Your second finger might be partially covering. Make sure it's completely lifted!
  • Airy or weak? Increase air speed slightly (but gently—don't blow hard).
  • Unstable pitch? Check thumb position—it should be consistent every time.

Practice Routine (20 minutes daily)

  1. Review high C - 3 minutes
  2. Long tones on high D - 4 minutes
  3. C to D transitions - 4 minutes
  4. Mary Had a Little Lamb - 5 minutes
  5. Ode to Joy - 4 minutes
Musical Tip: "Mary Had a Little Lamb" and "Ode to Joy" are perfect for practicing expression. Try playing them with different dynamics—soft and gentle, or loud and energetic. See how the same notes can create different moods!
Mastery goal: Play high D clearly and consistently. Perform both "Mary Had a Little Lamb" and "Ode to Joy" smoothly from memory. Execute octave leaps (D4 to D5) with confidence. When you can do this, you're ready to engage your right hand!
Next: Lesson 6 - Low E