🎵 Learn to Play Recorder
Lesson 16: Simple Duets
  • Learn to play in harmony with another recorder
  • Develop ensemble listening and balance skills
  • Master simple two-part textures
  • Practice staying in time with a partner

Introduction

Playing with others is one of music's greatest joys! Duets teach you to listen, blend, and create harmony. Even if you're practicing alone, learning both parts develops your musicianship and prepares you for ensemble playing.

Duet Basics: Roles and Textures

In a two-part duet, the parts relate in different ways:

  • Parallel motion - Both parts move in the same direction (often in thirds or sixths)
  • Contrary motion - Parts move in opposite directions (one up, one down)
  • Melody and accompaniment - One part has the tune, the other supports
  • Imitation - One part echoes or answers the other (like a round)

Ensemble Skills

  • Listening balance - Hear both parts equally. Don't overpower your partner!
  • Tuning together - Match pitch and blend your tone
  • Breathing together - Plan breath marks so one person is always playing
  • Eye contact - Stay together with visual cues
  • Starting together - Count off: "1, 2, ready, play" or use a nod

Simple Duet Examples

Part 1 (higher):

Part 2 (lower):

Tip: Parts move together. Listen for sweet harmony!

Part 1:

Part 2:

Tip: One part moves up while the other descends. Creates interesting independence!

Part 1 (melody):

Part 2 (drone - hold one note):

Tip: Part 2 provides a sustained foundation. Keep the drone soft and steady!

Imitative Duet: Question and Answer

Part 1 plays a phrase, then Part 2 imitates it.

Part 1 (measures 1-2, 3-4):

Part 2 (rest measures 1-2, then play 3-4):

Tip: One rests while the other plays, then switch. Like a musical conversation!

Frère Jacques (Round as Duet)

Both parts play the same melody, starting at different times:

Part 1 (start immediately):

"Frè-re Jac-ques, Frè-re Jac-ques"

Part 2 (start when Part 1 reaches "Jacques" the first time):

Tip: This is called a "round" or "canon." Stay steady and don't get distracted!

Practicing Duets Alone

Don't have a partner? You can still practice duets:

  • Learn both parts - Play through each part separately
  • Record yourself - Play Part 1, record it, then play Part 2 along with the recording
  • Use a drone app - Many free apps provide sustained notes for drone exercises
  • Play along with recordings - YouTube has many recorder duet play-alongs
  • Mental practice - Play one part while singing/hearing the other in your head

Finding Partners

  • Local recorder societies and clubs
  • Music schools and community centers
  • Online communities (play together via video call)
  • Family members or friends who want to learn

Common Duet Mistakes

  • ❌ Playing too loud - You must play softer in ensemble than solo!
  • ❌ Not listening - Hear your partner, not just yourself
  • ❌ Rushing ahead - Stay together! Don't race
  • ❌ Stopping when you make mistakes - Keep going! Your partner depends on you
  • ❌ Fighting over melody - If you have the accompaniment, embrace it! Support your partner

Practice Routine (20 minutes daily)

  1. Learn Part 1 of each duet - 5 minutes
  2. Learn Part 2 of each duet - 5 minutes
  3. Record Part 1, play Part 2 - 5 minutes
  4. Practice with a partner or recording - 5 minutes
Historical Context: Recorder duets flourished in the Renaissance (1400-1600) and Baroque (1600-1750) eras. Composers like Jacques Hotteterre and Georg Philipp Telemann wrote beautiful duets for amateur musicians to play at home. This tradition of "house music" (Hausmusik) brought families and friends together!
Mastery goal: Play simple two-part music while maintaining steady tempo and good intonation. Listen actively to balance with your partner. Stay in time even when the other part has a different rhythm. Develop the ensemble skills of breathing, balancing, and blending that will serve you in all group music-making!
Next: Lesson 17 - High E and Extended Range