Teaching the Recorder: A Historical Background

Before teaching a new instrument, I always introduce it and give a historical background. In addition to generating interest, it helps students to place the recorder within a historical and cultural context.

What's a Recorder?

The recorder is a woodwind instrument. Sound is made when air is blown through a tube. The air vibrates and produces a sound. The sound changes in pitch when different holes in the instrument are opened or closed. When the holes are close, the pitch is low. Opening the holes raises the pitch. The pitch can also be made higher by over-blowing into the mouthpiece. The reorder mouthpiece differs from other woodwinds in that it is a whistle.

Recorders have been used as instruments for over five thousand years. Artifacts of this type of instrument have been found in almost every country in the world. Earliest examples of recorders found have been made out of bone, horn or reeds. The name "recorder" came from a word that meant to practice a song. These songs usually referred to the songs of birds.

The Medieval and Renaissance Periods

During the Medieval period, the recorder was played by wandering entertainers, or minstrels as they traveled the countryside. Other instruments that were used at this time included the lyre, drum and cymbals. Recorders were used to play simple melodies to accompany dancing, marches or celebrations.

The recorder reached the height of its popularity during the Renaissance period. Many households owned chests of more that twenty recorders. Composers of the day wrote music fro the recorder. Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 features the recorder as do concertos written by Vivaldi.

Modern Use of the Recorder

Once orchestral instruments, such as the transverse flute we are familiar with today, were developed in the mid 1800's the recorder became less popular. The transverse flute had a much greater range and sound. However, the recorder continued to be used in the revival of folk music and even in popular rock songs from the last few decades, such as The Rolling Stones' Ruby Tuesday and Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven.

Today, recorders are used primarily in music classrooms because they are a relatively easy instrument for elementary students to play. Good quality contemporary recorders are made out of hardwood or boxwood. Plastic recorders are much cheaper and are generally the ones used in the classroom and can be found in most music stores.  There are four different types of recorders that can be used and produce different pitches of sounds: soprano, alto, tenor and bass. The soprano recorder is the one mostrly used in the music class as it follows a treble line of music, making it easy for students to transfer prior knowledge of music note reading.

Sources:

Lloyd, Norman. The Golden Encyclopedica of Music. New York: Golden Press, 1968.

Westrup and Harrison, The New College Encyclopedia of Music. New York: Norton and Comapny, 1960.

How to Teach the Ukulele to Elementary School Students

 Ukuleles can be used in the music classroom as a fun way to teach many different elements of music education.

In learning to play the ukulele, students are required to learn how to read music and pick a simple melody. Students learn to accompany themselves while singing as they strum chords. Performance skills are taught as students learn to play the ukulele both individually and as part of a group. 

 Children See the Ukulele as a Fun and Unique Instrument. 

They are excited to learn how to play a "small guitar." In fact, in learning to play the ukulele, students are able to have the chance to explore the properties of a stringed instrument, different to the more common experiences of playing percussive (xylophones or hand drums) or wind instruments (recorder or band instruments) that they are normally exposed to in school.

Materials Needed

A class set of ukuleles is needed. These can be ordered from a music store such as Long & McQuade. There are classroom quality ukuleles that cost around forty dollars each; however,  special deals can be had if you are buying in large quantity. Ukuleles come in a variety of colours, but to avoid arguments between students, it is better to have one colour choice! Each ukulele should come with a vinyl or cloth case for storage. Extra strings and small tools for repair should also be purchased. No matter how careful students are, strings will break and tuners will loosen. These can be easily fixed by the teacher without having to make a trip to the music store. 

Music books teaching how to play the ukulele are also helpful. Since the tuning of the ukulele varies, make sure the books used are consistent. It is important to choose a book that is geared to the interest and level of elementary school children. Ukulele for Kids- The Hal Leonard Ukulele Method ,an engaging mix of older popular tunes and comes with an instrumental accompanying track can be found in music stores, catalogues or online. Teachers may find it is easier to create their own book that is specific to their class, picking and choosing from other published materials.

Setting Up the Classroom

Ukuleles need to be stored in an area that is accessible to students so they can get themselves a ukulele without the teacher having to pass them all out. At the same time, it is helpful to secure the ukuleles when they aren't in use to avoid breakage. A music cupboard with a lock would be ideal.

Sitting on the floor in a circle or in rows is the best way for elementary aged students to play the ukulele. They can rest the ukulele on their knees or on the floor when not in use. Music books can be open on the floor or students can look up at the teacher or board to read the music.

Teachers should have their own ukulele to demonstrate and play with the students. Sitting on a chair or standing would make the teacher visible to the students. Teachers should also be prepared to walk among the students to help individuals.

Structuring the Lesson

Students should be given a set amount of time at the beginning of class to get their ukuleles, music and sit in a designated place on the floor.

Ukuleles will have to be tuned between classes. Although a little time consuming, the best way at first is having students who have their supplies, come up to the keyboard one at a time for the teacher to tune their ukulele. Later in the year, students might be able to tune their own to the key. It doesn't work to tune them as a group since the noise level is too great to hear each individual string. 

Fifteen to twenty minutes at a time is ample for playing the ukulele in class. At first, especially, students will have very sore fingers as they are not used to pressing on the strings. Playing times can be interspersed with singing, listening activities or theory games and lessons. Having students play individually or in small groups also gives them a break from playing. The lesson should begin with a review of notes or concepts taught in the last class. Having chord or fingering charts in sight will aid students in helping themselves if chords or notes are forgotten. 

Benefits of learning the ukulele

Learning to play the ukulele benefits children in many ways. Besides teaching important elements of music, it gives children a sense of accomplishment in mastering a new instrument. With every instrument a child learns, it makes it that much easier to learn a new one. Playing the ukulele as a group helps children learn the importance of working together and listening to each other as they make music.