Lesson 20: Early Beginner Review

Play one piece each in C major, G major, and F major.
Record the set; listen back; identify one strength and one priority for the next level.

Lessons 11–19 — the early-beginner arc.

Level review.
Cumulative repertoire.
Self-assessment.

Three keys, one player. The point of a level is the player who emerges from it.

You have learned two cross-fingered accidentals (F# and Bb), two registers, four kinds of articulation, rests, slurs, and dotted rhythms. Three pieces in three keys close the level. Pick one from each category. Pieces, not exercises — the goal is to make music.

In C major

The first key. Stepwise motion, no accidentals.

Joy to the World: A scale dressed as a melody. Dotted rhythms and shape.
Ode to Joy: Beethoven's tune. Build through four phrases.

In G major

One sharp (F#). The second key.

Scarborough Fair: An English folk ballad. Modal feel, slurred phrases, two-octave range.
Yankee Doodle: March. Bright, tongued, dotted rhythms.

In F major

One flat (Bb). The recorder's natural key.

Silent Night: Carol. Slurred, gentle, slow.
Pavane: Belle qui tiens ma vie: Arbeau's Renaissance pavane. Long values, dignified motion.

Warm-up — three scales

When you have a recording of three pieces in three keys, played end-to-end without retakes, you are ready for the lower-intermediate level. Move on to Lower Intermediate.

For listening-back guidance, see preparing to perform.