- One-to-one lessons at the school
- Learn for fun or work towards grades
- A good first instrument for children
What recorder lessons involve
Most beginners start on the descant recorder, the one many people remember from primary school. Early lessons cover holding the recorder, covering the holes cleanly, and using a gentle, steady breath with light tonguing so every note sounds clear rather than squeaky. From the first lesson you’ll be reading music and playing simple tunes.
As you progress, lessons add the lower notes and half-holing, scales, articulation and longer pieces. Many players go on to the treble recorder, which opens up a large amount of music, including baroque sonatas and pieces written for recorder groups.
Who recorder lessons suit
The recorder is a popular first instrument for young children because it’s small, light and gives quick results, which keeps practice fun. One-to-one lessons help children build good habits early, so the sound is pleasant and reading music becomes second nature.
It isn’t only for children, though. The recorder has a long history and a serious repertoire, and adults enjoy it as an instrument in its own right, whether that’s early music, folk tunes or playing with friends.
Grades, if you want them
Recorder grade exams are offered by the main exam boards, and the higher grades carry UCAS points. They’re optional. Every lesson is planned around the student, so you can follow a grade syllabus or simply learn the music you enjoy.
Lessons at our school in Thornaby
When recorder lessons are running, they take place one-to-one in our purpose-built teaching studios in Thornaby, at our standard price of £18 for 30 minutes or £36 for an hour. It’s pay as you go, with no contract or term fees. Lessons are by appointment, Monday to Thursday between 3pm and 9:30pm, with free parking at the rear and a bus stop outside the door.
Register your interest
We don’t have a recorder teacher on the timetable at the moment. If you’d like lessons, get in touch and we’ll let you know when they’re available. For a young child keen to start reading music now, our piano lessons are running and are another good first instrument.