How to choose a recorder

This musical instrument is affordable and its maintenance is inexpensive. After mastering the basics of playing the recorder, the child can decide to play another woodwind instrument – a ​​flute, clarinet, %3AFilterSitemapNode&LINK_ITEM_ID=1546">oboe or saxophone.However, the basics of melodic feeling acquired thanks to the recorder can be practically used on any musical instrument.

In the past, men used to play the flute

Flutes have always attracted people with the mysterious power of their sound. In the past, they were believed to have a direct connection with the human soul and their simplicity have made them the most popular wind instrument. Flute instruments have also been known phallic symbols since ancient times and were used in various ceremonies. They were mostly played by men. Over the centuries, flutes have undergone a dynamic evolution and have taken many forms. The smallest one had 3 + 1 holes, tenor and bass recorders had a bocal on top and a choke instead of the last finger hole.

Types of flutes

Flutes are divided according to the way they are played, shaped or blown into. They all make sound by vibrating a column of air. By covering the holes, the column is shortened or lengthened.

The most popular type is recorder. When playing, it is held perpendicular to the player and consists of three parts: the head joint, the middle joint and the foot joint. Its closest relative is the concert flute, which is also historically classified as a woodwind instrument, but today it is made of metal and tends to be an indispensable part of symphony, wind or chamber orchestras

Baroque and German fingering

Recorders differ mainly in the way they are played: we distinguish the so-called baroque and < a href="/s/61adbbfb42?LINK_ITEM_TYPE=Cms%3A%3ASitemapNodes%3A%3AFilterSitemapNode&LINK_ITEM_ID=1508&is_in_stock_eshop=1&page=1¶m_ids.461%5B%5D=German&per=36&sort_by=price+asc">German style. The different fingering is manifested in the formation of "F" and "F-sharp" tones.

The Baroque style of playing is based on the shape of the instruments of the period. It follows the fingering of the earliest woodwind instruments, but in comparison with them the Baroque recorder has a greater range thanks to its construction. The Baroque style of playing is sometimes (inaccurately) referred to as the English style.

In Germany, the popular recorders have undergone a major modification in the drilling of tone holes. Thanks to mass production, the local manufacturers made the instrument available to the general public, but at the same time the recorders lost some of their typical sound characteristics from the Baroque period.

Tuning

According to the tuning, recorders are divided into the following basic categories:

• Sopranino Recorder: is the smallest of the recorders and is tuned in the key of F
• Soprano recorder: tuned in the key of C
• " Alto recorder: tuned in the key of F"
• " Tenor recorder: tuned in the key of C"
• Bass recorder: is tuned in the key of F, the only one notated in the bass clef, and it is the largest recorder

How to choose a recorder for a child

" It is very important that children have a quality musical instrument from the beginning, not an imitation – a toy. A plastic soprano recorder is the most suitable for children of preschool age due to its durability and extremely easy maintenance. Wooden recorders deserve more care. Their maintenance is also very simple, just clean them with a cleaning brush regularly after playing and lightly grease them at least twice a year with a natural oil."

The material aspect of the recorder production affects the tuning, the strength and the quality of the played tone. It is necessary to think about how long the child or beginner will use the recorder. While some materials tend to degrade the sound quality after long-term use, others can improve it even more.

The most commonly used woods for recorders are hickory, coconut, ebony and rosewood. Ivory recorders used to be highly prized for their durability, but today they are no longer made due to stricter nature conservation criteria.

Developing a love of music, musical art and musical abilities provides many benefits to the child. In addition to being proven to support children's cognitive brain function, learning patience and concentration, music can also be a natural pathway to a happy life.