Technique

Conventional (as distinct from extended) recorder technique seeks to control three main variables: tone (timbre), tuning (intonation) and articulation (the way in which notes are joined together or separated). Aspects of these matters are addressed in the pages accessible via the menu on the right-hand side of this page, some in considerable detail. Also found there are links to resources concerning the special problems encountered by bass recorder players, health issues and, for more advanced players, historical methods and treatises.

The methods listed immediately below by Brian Blood, Walter van Hauwe, Gudrun Heyens, Hans-Martin Linde, Hugh Orr and Anthony Rowland-Jones  are especially recommended for adult beginners.

An outstanding and comprehensive resource on all aspects of recorder playing is provided  by Geert Van Gele (2019).

The special problems and techniques encountered in consort and ensemble playing are addressed by Bart Spanhove (2000).

A comprehensive approach to introducing the recorder in the music classroom is provided by Fred Kersten (2001).

Two highly informative series of YouTube videos by Sarah Jeffrey (Team Recorder) and Hester Groenleer & Maria Martinez Ayerza (Consort Counsellors) are also highly recommended.

General References

  • Barthel, Rudolf. 1971. “Consigli per un complesso di flauto dolce [Advice for a Recorder Ensemble].” Il flauto dolce 1: 3–8.
  • Blood, Brian. 2016. “Recorder Method Online.” Dolmetsch Online. Accessed January 11.
  • Charlton, Andrew. 1981. The Charlton Method for the Recorder: A Manual for the Advanced Recorder Player. Columbia: University of Missouri Press.
  • Clark, Paul. 1968. “Not for You?” Recorder and Music Magazine 2 (11): 370–72.
  • Davis, Alan. 1983. Treble Recorder Technique. London: Novello.
  • Delker, Elisabeth. 1980. Ansätze zur Untersuchung dynamischer Ausdrucksmöglichkeiten auf der Blockflöte [Approaches to the investigation of dynamic possibilities of expression on the recorder]. Celle: Moeck.
  • Dolmetsch, Carl F. 1950. “On Playing the Recorder.” Consort 7: 18–21.
  • Green, David H. 2016. “Adult Recorder Methods and Materials, an Annotated List of Recommended Publications.” Antique Sound Workshop, Ltd. Accessed January 11.
  • Hauwe, Walter van. 1990. “Towards a Modern Recorder Technique.” Journal of the Victorian Recorder Guild 12: 20–22.
  • Hauwe, Walter van. 1986. “Fundamental Recorder Techniques.” Recorder: Journal of the Victorian Recorder Guild 4: 18–23.
  • Hauwe, Walter van. 1984–1992. The Modern Recorder Player. 3 vols. London: Schott Edition 12150, 12270, 12361.
  • Heyens, Gudrun. 2005. Advanced Recorder Technique – the Art of Playing the Recorder. Translated by Peter Bowman. Vol. 1: Finger and tongue technique. 2: Breathing and sound. London: Schott Music.
  • Horsley, Imogene. 1960. “Wind Techniques in the Sixteenth and Early Seventeenth Centuries.” Brass Quarterly 4 (2): 39–63.
  • Kersten, Fred. 2001. Teaching Recorder in the Music Classroom. Reston: Roman & Littlefield / National Association for Music Education (NAfME).
  • Lander, Nicholas S. 1996–2021. “Technique.” Recorder Home Page.
  • Linde, Hans-Martin. 1984. Handbuch des Blockflötenspiels [The recorder player’s handbook]. 2nd ed. Mainz, New York: Schott.
  • Linde, Hans-Martin. 1991. The Recorder Player’s Handbook. 2nd ed. London: Schott ED12322.
  • Mayer-Spohn, Ulrike, and Keitaro Takahashi. 1014. “The Recorder Map.” http://recordermap.com/
  • Mellor, Robyn. 2003. “Some Thoughts on Basic Technique.” Cinnamon Sticks 4 (1): 18–20.
  • Orr, Hugh. 1961. Basic Recorder Technique. 2 vols. Toronto: B.M.I./Berandol.
  • Rowland-Jones, Anthony. 2004. Introduction to the Recorder: A Tutor for Adult Beginners. 2nd ed. Hebden Bridge: Ruxbury Publications.
  • Rowland-Jones, Anthony. 2003. A Practice Book for the Treble Recorder. 2nd ed. Hebden Bridge: Ruxbury Publications.
  • Rowland-Jones, Anthony. 1960. “Technique.” American Recorder, 1 (1): 3–4, 6, 18; (2): 3–6.
  • Rowland-Jones, Anthony. 2004. “Recorder Technique (3rd Edition)—Some Missing Bits; Part 1: The Recorder Orchestra. Part 2: Solos.” Recorder  Magazine, 24(1): 11–12, (2): 44–45.
  • Rowland-Jones, Anthony. 2003. Recorder Technique, Intermediate to Advanced. 3rd ed. Hebden Bridge: Ruxbury Publications.
  • Spanhove, Bart. 2000. The Finishing Touch of Ensemble Playing. Peer: Alamire.
  • Van Gele, Geert. 2019. Thoughts on the Recorder. Borgerhout: InterCulturate. http://www.kattenbergrecordings.be/geertvangele/Thoughts.html.
  • Wollitz, Ken. 1982. The Recorder Book. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
  • Wyatt, Theo. 1964. “On Being Your Own Teacher. (The Recorder in School).” Recorder and Music Magazine 1 (5): 133–34.
  • “Why Don’t Recorder Players Take Their Instrument Seriously?” 1988. American Recorder 29 (2): 57–58.

Cite this article as: Nicholas S. Lander. 1996–2024. Recorder Home Page: Technique. Last accessed 21 December 2024. https://recorderhomepage.net/technique/