Practice Resources

Reference materials, fingering charts, and practice tools

Fingering Charts

Complete fingering diagrams for soprano and alto recorders

Soprano Recorder (C)

Scale Exercises

Practice major and minor scales in all keys

  • C Major Scale
  • G Major Scale (1 sharp)
  • D Major Scale (2 sharps)
  • F Major Scale (1 flat)
  • Bb Major Scale (2 flats)
  • Chromatic Scale

Recommended Method Books

Beginner
  • Recorder Karate - Belt system motivation
  • Recorder Express - Engaging activities
  • Essential Elements - Band method style
Intermediate
  • Basic Recorder Technique by Hugh Orr
  • Method for the Recorder by Mario Duschenes
Advanced
  • Die Kunst des Blockflötenspiels by Hans-Martin Linde
  • The Modern Recorder Player by Walter van Hauwe (3 volumes)

Care and Maintenance

After Each Use
  • Swab out moisture with cleaning rod and cloth
  • Allow recorder to air dry before storing
  • Never leave in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures
Troubleshooting
  • Squeaky sound? Clean the windway with warm soapy water
  • Stuffiness? Check for moisture blockage
  • Poor intonation? May need professional adjustment

Music Theory Glossary

Tempo Markings
  • Largo - Very slow
  • Adagio - Slow
  • Andante - Walking pace
  • Moderato - Moderate
  • Allegro - Fast
  • Presto - Very fast
Dynamic Markings
  • pp (pianissimo) - Very soft
  • p (piano) - Soft
  • mp (mezzo-piano) - Medium soft
  • mf (mezzo-forte) - Medium loud
  • f (forte) - Loud
  • ff (fortissimo) - Very loud
Articulation
  • Staccato - Short, detached
  • Legato - Smooth, connected
  • Accent - Emphasized
  • Tenuto - Held full value
  • Fermata - Held longer