How obstacles to recorder teaching can be understood
and overcome
Are there new possibilities for recorder teaching and can Asia be a role model for European schools in this context? What can we learn from Taiwanese schools?
This short article is intended to show the basic differences between the various concepts in recorder teaching and offer simple solutions for making group lessons with the recorder more successful and motivating for all participants.
We will also look at the possibilities of integrating the recorder into lessons in general education schools and music schools in a new way.
Hürden des klassischen Blockflötenunterrichts …
Blockflöten werden fälschlicherweise oft nicht als „richtiges Instrument“ wahrgenommen, sondern als „uncool“ und „schrill“ empfunden. Die Empfindung des schrillen Klanges ist nicht unbegründet, denn in der Regel wird als erste Blockflöte die Sopranblockflöte verwendet. In der musikalischen Geschichte des Instrumentes war diese Stimmlage jedoch nicht die erste Wahl, da sie viel schwerer stimmend zu spielen ist als tiefere Modelle. Im Zeitalter der Renaissance und des Barocks, als die Blockflöte richtig hip war, wurden die Stimmlagen Alt, Tenor und Bass zusammengespielt, wie Stiche in alten Büchern zeigen.
The physical background (vibration coverage of high frequencies), which ensures that low recorders are easier to play in tune than high ones, will not be discussed in detail here. However, we would like to look at the interaction of several voice types in lessons and address the issue of "uncool". In order to get children in schools and music schools interested in recorder lessons, it is important to deal with the prejudices against the recorder and to develop new, innovative teaching concepts. In the following, we would like to give you some suggestions.
What influence can a seemingly simple instrument like the recorder have on children's musical education? At a time when creative forms of expression and social interaction are crucial, the reputation of the recorder as a musical pedagogical tool - at least in Asia - has changed dramatically in recent decades. In Taiwan, the recorder is used almost universally and very successfully in group lessons at primary school level. Many things that we consider impossible in Europe have simply been done there for decades - according to the motto: "Everyone said 'it can't be done' until someone came along who didn't know and just did it."
In Taiwan, the most popular voice types are used together in primary schools, from the soprano (descant) recorder to the alto, tenor and bass recorder. The pedagogical motto is: not everyone does the same thing, but everyone works on the same piece of music. This differentiation of the group into different voice types suits all students. Some love low sounds and slow bass voices, others find their musical home in high and note-rich solo voices. This not only increases the motivation of the individual, but also shows that a great (musical) whole can only be created if everyone plays their part.
This approach requires a little more work from the teacher at the beginning, as four different voices have to be issued, supervised and brought together.
However, the musical result and the resulting motivation will soon outweigh this one-off initial investment.
If you would like to teach your recorder class with such a concept, you will find suitable sheet music editions in well-stocked music shops. If you are interested in further training tailored to your needs, please ask our seminar team!
Another solution
For those who don't want to take the step into polyphony or want to postpone it until later, a recent instrument development offers a simple and effective way to avoid the shrill sound of the recorder.
A new recorder model combines the range of a soprano (descant) recorder with the sound of a tenor recorder. With its innovative design, this recorder model also mitigates the aforementioned fact that recorders are often perceived as "uncool" and thus offers an additional motivating side effect.
The instrument was developed by Kunath Instrumentenbau in collaboration with one of Europe's leading recorder makers and presented for the first time in November 2024 as part of the "lifem" (london international festival early music). The model series is called "sigo" and is available from selected specialist dealers. Ask there for the "sigo-Tenor".
Community projects and competitions as further opportunities to break down barriers and build skills
Community projects and competitions promote interest in the recorder and create a sense of belonging.
Events where students can showcase their skills not only boost self-confidence but also increase motivation.
Such initiatives give children the opportunity to showcase their musical talents and compete with their peers in a friendly competition.
These competitions are often designed to encourage teamwork and creative thinking. Group performances or ensembles promote teamwork and strengthen social cohesion among the participants. When children make music together, they not only develop musical skills, but also social skills that go beyond music. Such experiences are formative and contribute to the recorder being perceived as an instrument that promotes community and the joy of making music.
In addition, schools and music schools can enter into collaborations with local cultural institutions to organise workshops or concerts.
These projects not only offer children valuable performance experience, but also insights into different musical styles and traditions.
Such engagements embed the recorder in a wider cultural context, further increasing interest in the instrument.
Conclusion
The future of the recorder can be enhanced through innovative approaches to teaching, new recorder models and collaborative projects.
The combination of modern learning tools and making music together creates a dynamic environment in which children can grow both musically and personally.
With the latest new developments, the recorder offers an opportunity to take existing and proven teaching concepts to a whole new level and to promote the benefits of encouraging children's creative and social development through group musical lessons.
By considering the recorder as a central element in musical education, we can help children not only grow musically, but also experience the joy of making music together and develop important life skills.
Information and various new offers on these topics can be found at www.kunath.com and www.blockfloetenshop.de. These platforms not only offer a wide range of recorders and accessories, but also valuable information and resources for teaching.