Materials Expected of Each Student
•metronome/electronic tuner combo (Korg TM-40); smartphone apps are certainly acceptable (a user-friendly app is “Tempo”)
•music stand for home practice
•three-ring binder for materials received in lessons
•a large organizer or bag for lesson materials
•proper cleaning and maintenance supplies for your instruments
Some helpful resources
Scales
Here are the major scales in each of the 12 keys. I left out C-flat major and F-sharp major, but those are easily played by reading C major or F major and mentally changing the key signature. Arpeggios and key signatures are included on each line.
Major & Minor Scales for C Recorders
Major & Minor Scales for F Recorders
Fingering chart
Fingering charts are always suggestions of fingerings to use. The player should be flexible and understand that fingerings can vary. My private students should use this fingering chart as guide. Please also refer to fingering charts provided by the maker of your instrument or in one of the books by Aldo Abreu.
Jody Miller’s Baroque Fingering Chart
Intonation chart
Here’s a handy tool for charting out the intonation tendencies of your instruments. Read the instructions thoroughly and complete the chart with a friend to see how accurate your intonation actually is. Use the completed chart to begin making adjustments as you play. Knowing is half the battle, right?
Intonation chart for C recorders
Intonation chart for F recorders
Instructions for using the intonation chart
Recommended Plastic Recorders
Sopranino—Aulos A507
Soprano—Zen-on 150B (Stanesby, Jr model); Yamaha YRS 302B (Rottenburgh model); also YRS 312B, YRS 314B, and YRS 402B
Alto—Yamaha YRA 302B (Rottenburgh model); also, YRA 312B, YRA 314B, and YRA 402B
Tenor—Yamaha YRT 304B
Bass—Yamaha YRB 302B
Recommended Wooden Recorders
This option should be discussed individually and the decision should be made based on the level of the musician, the repertoire being studied, and the quality of the instrument. My private students should discuss with me the desire to purchase a wooden instrument so that you make the best purchase possible.
Additional Suggestions for Computer Equipment for Online Study
Online study can work great if your equipment is adequate and you set up what you need properly.
First, a computer laptop or desktop is usually better than a tablet. Hardwire directly into your router, rather than use WiFi, if possible.
You’ll be playing along with a teacher or a recording from time to time. The best way to hear the music is to use high quality headphones. If you use speakers, instead, the Bose Companion 2 Series III Multimedia Speakers are high quality, reasonably priced, and won’t take up too much room.
A good microphone is helpful, too. I use the Blue Microphones Yeti USB condenser mic.
Make sure your camera angle shows your mouth, instrument, and fingers.
Finally, keep your Zoom updated. Zoom comes out with regular updates and they are forthcoming that older versions may not work well after a coule of months.
Lesson Procedures
One-hour lessons are encouraged for students old enough to maintain the attention span. Usually this is between age 10 and 12. Thirty-minute lessons are reserved for students not yet old enough to maintain the attention span needed.
Please be at early enough for your lesson that you have time to gather materials and mentally prepare for the session. Please wait in the appropriate area and knock on the door when it is time for your lesson. Be sure to double check your bag before you leave home so that you know you have all lesson materials and assignments.
Bring a pencil to your lesson and take notes on your music. You will not need your tuner, metronome, Tuning CD, or music stand. Bring the recorders you typically play, even if you don’t have a current assignment on those instruments.