Learning the Recorder Journey

Personal Background

• Recorder Ownership: Owned a recorder for 14 years but never played it properly.
• Initial Experience: Did not understand music reading, finger movements, and breathing techniques.
• View on Recorder Sounds: Considered recorder sounds "awful".
• Motivation: As an adult, decided to learn the recorder and earn a black belt in Recorder Karate.

Recorder Karate Program

• Concept: A program to learn songs of increasing difficulty with associated colored belts.
• Previous Experience: Mention of a frustrating experience due to not earning a black belt in childhood.
• Goal: Complete the program in one week.

Learning Process

Day 1: Getting Started

• Initial Condition of Recorder: Uncertain cleanliness after years of disuse, found bite marks on it.
• First Song Attempt: Tried to play "Hot Cross Buns" and struggled.
• Recollection: Remembered the educational goals from school (e.g., composing a pentatonic melody).

Days 2-3: Progress and Improvement

• Practice: Continued practicing; feelings of being less capable than children in grade school.
• Achievements: Reached yellow and green belts by learning simple tunes.
• Notable Discoveries: Realized breathing marks on sheets and that many familiar tunes used different terminology.

Day 4: Sharing Progress

• Social Interaction: Shared gameplay with a friend who expressed skepticism.
• Reflection: Enjoyed the process, realized the recorder had artistic value and could be a real instrument.
• Cultural Significance: Explored the history of the recorder in music education.

History of the Recorder

• Origins: Medieval Europe, popularized during the Baroque period.
• Shift in Use: Sidelined by the transverse flute in later years.
• Educational Adoption: Introduced into schools post-WWII by Carl Orff, desired to use marimbas but ended with recorders due to mass production issues.
• Introduction to Children: Linked to Germany and England's musical identities and the affordable production after interactions with the Nazi regime.

Cultural Context of Adoption

• Key Figures: Arnold Dolmetsch (revived instrument of recorder), Edgar Hunt (promoted music education), Peter Harlan (mass producer).
• Economic Factors: Recorder became affordable, leading to integration in school programs worldwide.

Personal Reflection and Final Goals

• Adult Music Experience: Shifted from creating to consuming music over time, recognized the importance of joy in making music.
• Professional Interaction: Engaged with Alison Melville, a professional recorder musician, about the versatility and musicality of the recorder.
• Learning Technique: Emphasized breathing techniques and practice tips during the interaction.

Conclusion: Reflection on Growth

• Self-Acceptance: Gained confidence in playing the recorder with instruction and support.
• Collaborative Music Experience: Played a piece together, highlighting the importance of community in music.
• Final Thoughts: Rediscovered joy in playing and expressed the communal aspect of making music, even if imperfect.