• Review all Lower Intermediate concepts and skills
• Self-assess progress and identify areas for improvement
• Celebrate achievements and set goals for Upper Intermediate level
• Plan continued musical development

Introduction

Congratulations on completing the Lower Intermediate level! You've developed substantial musical and technical skills. Let's review what you've learned, assess your progress, and prepare for the exciting Upper Intermediate level ahead!

Skills Mastered in Lower Intermediate

Technical Skills

• ✓ Extended range: C4 to G5 (two full octaves)
• ✓ All major keys: G, D, A, F, Bb major
• ✓ Chromatic notes and cross-fingerings
• ✓ Advanced articulation (double tonguing, varied syllables)
• ✓ Vibrato technique
• ✓ High F and G with half-hole precision

Musical Knowledge

• ✓ Multiple time signatures (3/4, 6/8, complex rhythms)
• ✓ Ornamentation (grace notes, trills, mordents, turns)
• ✓ Baroque style and affect
• ✓ Renaissance dance forms (pavane, galliard, allemande, courante)
• ✓ Sonata structure and performance practice
• ✓ Folk music from multiple traditions

Performance Skills

• ✓ Ensemble playing and balance
• ✓ Stage presence and performance preparation
• ✓ Musical phrasing and expression
• ✓ Sight-reading fluency
• ✓ Instrument care and maintenance

Self-Assessment Checklist

Rate yourself honestly (1=needs work, 5=excellent):

Technical Proficiency

• ___ Play two-octave scales in all major keys
• ___ Execute clean high F and G
• ___ Double tongue rapid passages clearly
• ___ Apply vibrato musically where appropriate
• ___ Navigate chromatic passages smoothly

Musical Understanding

• ___ Identify and express Baroque affects
• ___ Apply stylistically appropriate ornamentation
• ___ Shape phrases with dynamics and rubato
• ___ Read music fluently at sight (simple pieces)
• ___ Understand sonata structure

Performance Ability

• ___ Perform confidently for others
• ___ Blend and balance in ensemble
• ___ Manage performance anxiety
• ___ Maintain good stage presence
• ___ Recover from mistakes gracefully

Milestone Performance Pieces

You should now be able to play:

• Complete movement from Telemann sonata
• Renaissance dance suite (4 movements)
• Folk songs from multiple traditions with ornamentation
• Duets and ensemble pieces
• Music spanning your full two-octave range

Areas for Continued Development

Most players still need work on:

• High register control: F and G need ongoing practice
• Sight-reading: Always room for improvement!
• Ornamentation: Applying tastefully takes years
• Ensemble skills: Develop through regular playing
• Performance confidence: Improves with experience

What's Next: Upper Intermediate Preview

In Upper Intermediate (Lessons 41-60), you'll explore:

• Alto recorder: Learn the F instrument
• Advanced Baroque repertoire: Complete sonatas, concerti
• Extended techniques: Flutter tonguing, harmonics, contemporary sounds
• Modal music: Dorian, Phrygian, Mixolydian modes
• Advanced ornamentation: Complex trills, divisions, improvisation
• More challenging rhythms: Quintuplets, complex syncopation

Setting Goals for Upper Intermediate

Write down 3-5 specific goals:

1. Example: "Master a complete Telemann sonata"
2. Example: "Learn alto recorder fundamentals"
3. Example: "Perform in a recorder consort"
4. Example: "Improve sight-reading to Grade 5 level"
5. Example: "Add vibrato to slow movements confidently"

Recommended Practice Routine Going Forward

Daily (30-45 minutes):

1. Warm-up: scales, long tones - 10 minutes
2. Technical work: articulation, chromatic studies - 10 minutes
3. Repertoire: sonata/major piece - 15 minutes
4. Sight-reading: new music daily - 5 minutes
5. Ensemble parts (if applicable) - 5-10 minutes

Resources for Continued Learning

• Repertoire: Telemann sonatas, Handel sonatas, Sammartini sonatas
• Technique books: Van Eyck "Der Fluyten Lust-hof," Linde "The Recorder Player's Handbook"
• Sight-reading: ABRSM sight-reading books, recorder ensemble parts
• Listening: Michala Petri, Dan Laurin, Dorothee Oberlinger (professional recorder players)
• Community: Join local recorder society, find ensemble

Celebrate Your Progress!

Take a moment to appreciate how far you've come:

• From basic notes to two-octave range
• From simple melodies to Baroque sonatas
• From solo practice to ensemble performance
• From technical exercises to expressive music-making

You are now an intermediate recorder player! The foundation is solid. The musical world is opening up. Keep practicing, keep exploring, and most importantly—keep making music!