🎵 Learn to Play Recorder
Lesson 24: Key of A Major
  • Master the A major scale (three sharps: F#, C#, G#)
  • Develop fluency in reading three-sharp key signatures
  • Navigate the extended sharp key fingerwork smoothly
  • Play bright, energetic melodies characteristic of A major

Introduction

A major is a brilliant, energetic key with three sharps. It's favored for virtuosic passages and bright, cheerful music. For soprano recorder, A major sits comfortably in the higher range.

A Major Scale

A major has three sharps: F#, C#, and G#. Remember the order of sharps: F#-C#-G#-D#-A#-E#-B#

All three sharps create the bright A major sound.

Finger Patterns in A Major

Get comfortable with these essential A major fingerings:

The A major chord (A-C#-E) provides the harmonic foundation.

Scale Pattern Exercises

A stepwise pattern through the scale.

Move through A major in thirds to develop finger facility.

Chromatic Notes in A Major

Having three sharps means you'll be using cross-fingerings frequently:

  • F#: Cross-fingering (you learned this in Lesson 9)
  • C#: Cross-fingering (you learned this in Lesson 18)
  • G#: Fork fingering (you learned this in Lesson 18)

Practice these transitions until they become automatic!

Practice the tricky chromatic fingerings in A major context.

Melody: Für Elise Fragment (adapted to A Major)

A lyrical melody highlighting A major's bright character.

Relative Minor: F# Minor

A major's relative minor is F# minor (same three sharps).

Same sharps as A major, but starting from F# creates a darker mood.

Reading Tips for A Major

Key Signature: Three sharps appear on F, C, and G lines/spaces.

  • Every F = F#
  • Every C = C#
  • Every G = G#
  • Unless cancelled by a natural sign (♮)
Challenge: Three sharps means lots of cross-fingerings! Practice slowly and methodically. Don't rush—accuracy comes first, speed follows.

Historical Context

A major in recorder repertoire:

  • Often used for lively, virtuosic pieces
  • Common in Baroque sonata fast movements
  • Associated with brightness, joy, energy
  • Telemann and Vivaldi wrote memorable A major recorder pieces

Practice Routine (25 minutes daily)

  1. A major scale (two octaves) - 6 minutes
  2. A major arpeggio and thirds - 5 minutes
  3. Chromatic transition exercises - 6 minutes
  4. Melodies in A major - 8 minutes
Mastery goal: Play the A major scale fluently in two octaves with all three sharps (F#, C#, G#) automatic. Execute cross-fingerings and fork fingerings smoothly without hesitation. Read simple melodies in A major at sight, automatically applying all three sharps.
Next: Lesson 25 - Key of Bb Major