6 months of learning to play the recorder (adult beginner!) 

I'm now 73 and have no prior experience of music whatsoever. I think it's both fun and at times frustrating, trying something completely different. My family think I'm totally nuts both because of my age and the fact I've chosen the recorder. (4 of them) However I've always said it's only being nuts that keeps me sane. Thanks for your videos and I wish I was as quick as you are at learning to play recorders. Keep up the good work.

I am 36. I just begun trying to learn recorder. I ve always wanted to learn an instrument. I felt bad cause there is so much prejudice against adults learning. I feel very motivated . i apreatiate your videos. Thanks and greetings from México

You've essentially learned a second language in 6 months and are now learning the grammar of that language. Fantastic job!!!!!!

Your experiences very much parallel my own. Think you got a funny look at the music shop? Try it at 61 grey beard and all. Clerk: Is this a gift for your grandchildren? Me: No, it's for me. I've always wanted to learn music. Clerk: Shows me guitar Me: Shows clerk stiff arthritic fingers. Clerk:...ukulele? Me: thinks about showing clerk *one* particular arthritic finger... So I started out with a soprano Yamaha which turned out to be too small and cramped. I moved up to an alto but the lack of a low "C" made playing the popular music I wanted to play difficult. So now I've settled happily on a Yamaha tenor. I try to practice at least an hour every day splitting between scales and songs. I'm not as far along as you are but I don't compare myself to other people but to how I was yesterday and the day before. I've caught the sea shanty\jig bug and currently working on The Irish Washerwomen. So much fun! Breath control for the high register is giving me fits though UGH!

I am 67 and just started the recorder. I have been at it about 3 weeks and have managed Men of Harlech, from an ancient text by Freda Dinn. Greetings fom Canada.

Respect and administration. You are a beacon for people who want to learn and your honesty is so encouraging. Keep going. Keep us posted. Niall

I had the same approach as you for 4 years on classical guitar. You have to stay motivated. work regularly and always play with pleasure . Progress comes by itself.

I used to play the recorder as a kid and the clarinet and was quite good but like a lot of things in life it fell by the wayside. Now I’m going to learn the alto recorder. I’m 49. Wish me luck! 😉

I’m not laughing at you. I’m an adult recorder learner, too. Keep on keeping on.🎼

I'm 56 and looking at starting a recorder I've never played a instrument ever.im guessing all the Muppets who slag you off are people who can't play .well done it impressed me and inspired me to do all you are doing keep it up .

Am going to start to learn the recorder again after 46 years I think it will help me as I am getting older, I used to love it all those years ago, I think it will be like starting from scratch but hopefully will come back to me. Keep up the good work your doing fine xjx❤

You are an inspiration. I'm now just two weeks in. It's great to know that in six months you can get to such a good level as you are. Thanks

What a fantastic progress! I started at age 49 and after a year ..I am better, but ... Now I feel sorry that I didn't record my initial practice 🙂 I had a good laugh when you showed a bunch of your recorders saying "it is addictive". My wife couldn't understand my collection. Greetings from London!

I’ve been following Sarah Jeffery for ages, she’s absolutely brilliant. I’ve just retired and bought a recorder to learn how to play. Your lovely video update fills me so full of hope that I too will be able to turn the random squeaks into something some melodic. Good luck with your journey and hope the grades go well. 😊

I am 73 and am on day2. Rubbish but this gives me a bit of hope!

Really very good progress. Everyone's got to start somewhere. Just start, and keep going regularly.

I am impressed by your progress your way of making and editing a video, Your capability to come straight to the point without making endless monologues and I do enjoy your sense of humour. And yes it is people like you, adult learners like myself I am looking for. Listening to your Wellerman and your Praetorius interpretation gives me hope. I think I want a tenor and an alto as well. It is true, the best feedback is recording myself. Keep up your good work and enjoy!

You are just lovely! I have caught the bug. I started out getting a set of inexpensive soprani for my family, but now that my oldest is actually showing an interest in working through a book and learning actual fingering, I feel it's time to step my game up! Yoir progress and picking up from scratch is all fantastic!

Last time I was playing a recorder I think dinosaurs were still walking up and down high streets 😅 I've always played instruments but I recently went back to playing the recorder because although people want to laugh and mock it's one of very few instruments that relies on the person interacting with the instrument in the most natural way if that makes sense. So I'm talking about the recorder in it's most basic form, no keys or electronics or gizmos although those do help but everything is controlled by the recorder player breathing cover holes fully/partially etc, if you think Alto or Tenor for example you might struggle with stretching fingers even for me with large hands took a while. I have sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor and I couldn't play the first two because they're so tiny in my hands and to think I used to play it a lot when I was at school. Anyway... Big High Five Girl! How many people would have been brave enough to post their 6 months from starting from scratch to where you are now is absolutely amazing, you also mentioned Doan Daphne piece you are working by Jacob Van Eyck have I written it correctly 😂 I would never have remembered this if you and Sarah Jeffrey and others haven't played it. Your right there's a really good community of people who are like us beginners regardless of age who will keep playing and learning. One day we'll all be playing this piece together online live... 🙂 Keep up the good work.

like you, I decided to pick up a instrument as an adult, without any prior experience. I found this video very motivating. Thanks for posting.

I'll be thirty-six in July. The recorder, guitar, ukulele, a couple of little keyboards and an assortment of percussion instruments where the first instruments I played when I was little, back in the early-'90s. I've played the violin since '96 (oh, how I love that instrument!), and although I still have my cheap plastic soprano Baroque recorder (Yamaha's YRS-24B, a model they still make!), I've only played it once or twice since I switched to the violin. On a whim, I dug it out again yesterday afternoon to see if I could produce a half-decent sound: nope. I'm still trying, though, with a little help from a video by, yep, Sarah Jeffery. I'm not looking to really learn the instrument, just produce a workable sound and experiment with it a bit.

Your Ode To Joy was awesome for only 3 days learning!! I’m getting an Alto recorder in a couple days hope I sound as good as you do in 6 months time. Excellent video. 👍🏻💕

Wow you have made years of progress in only a few months. Brilliant 👏👏👏. Keep playing ❤love the recorder ❤❤

You are doing great! Keep it up. You can really hear the improvement over time and I appreciate you sharing your progress with us. I do hope you will keep us updated. :)

The recorder has a vast repertoire and is absolutely geautiful Wishing the best of luck and definitely follow sarah jeffrey.🎵❤️🎶

This was wonderful! Very encouraging!! Thanks!!!

Great video, very encouraging for anyone wanting to start out. Thank you

Wow! So cool! Thank you so much for sharing your experience😍

Quite good !!! Excellent progress !

I love this. Thanks for this amazing video ❤

Actually, I think your rhythm is very good. I had the other problem when I started recorder a couple of months ago, I have played a few woodwind instruments and found the fingering of the alto recorder to be non-intuitive. I think the descant or tenor would have been better since the fingering is more similar to the flute, saxophone and upper register of the clarinet but I do really like the alto, not to screechy and not too large for my fingers. Like you, I want more recorders but first I am going to get a really nice alto. What I would like more than anything is to find some else I could play duets with but as a seriously mature (53) beginner, this is proving difficult. Your doing great, especially for someone who hasn't played another instrument before. The recorder has a huge repertoire and is seriously maligned for such an amazing instrument.

😮🎉😮 very inspiring !!

Loved your video! I used to play as a child, quit, and now I've picked it up again. I have to relearn everything but it's been so much fun.

Yay! I’m an adult learner too! You’re so positive and the video is so encouraging! Thanks a lot, keep up, I’ll be waiting for more. From Russia with 🎶🪈❤

absolutely lovely! And yes, very addictive! I love Sarah Jeffery as well, her enthusiasm is infectious! I'm learning the various recorders because I'm also interested in early medieval music, and flutes and whistles are just about the earliest instruments found, so great fun! And the recorder is so versatile because it is chromatic, you can play ALL the notes! Working out the sharps and flats once you start reading notation is fun! My husband started the 5 string banjo in April 2021 without any prior musical knowledge or ability, and like you, had to learn not just the notes, but also the rhythms.... TAB doesn't show timing very well, only the position of frets on strings, he's come a long way! Keep it going! 😍

What a cute video. TY!

Thanks for sharing. I just started at the age 57 three days ago and came across your video. Love to hear from you in the next 6 months I laughed at how you went to the music store I can relate so much. Lol.

Very impressive for six months sweet girl please continue and best luck!😘🙏🙏🙏

Great progress! I have started in 2022, but not completely from scratch. I already knew how to read notes and still had my childhood recorder (germen fingering) from first grade.

I look forward to following your journey. I started the recorder (never having played one as a child) as an adult too. I've played other instruments, but they were string instruments - so, never played a wind instrument (other than dabbling with the tin whistle). I can read music, but not complicated rhythms. The other challenge - my husband is very sweet, BUT, he can't stand to listen to me practice the recorder. Sometimes I try to play underneath a blanket! (NOTE: I only play the soprano as I have a hand injury and the larger recorders are not something I can play.) I actually found a mute for my recorders and that helps (a Canadian company made it). Keep posting! You're encouraged me to start playing again!

I feel identified with you. I started with the saxophone and the keyboard with some teachers, but only for a short time, then, I started by myself, a few years later I signed up with a teacher to remove errors during a course, then I left it due to lack of time for work. Nowadays I have managed to learn many instruments based on the videos that other people put on RU-vid, but as long as they are at the level I need because it really is frustrating when someone teaches you at a higher level. By selling his videos, I realize that this is the way and that he may not be doing so badly since I am recording things and I see the progress over time. Currently I have many different instruments at home such as: Chinese Xun, DIZI, Bawu, Ocarina, Fife, Clarinet, Transverse Flute, Trumpet, Saxophone, Xiao, Quenas, Whistle, Flugelhorn, Keyboard, Japanese Hakuachi, Lyra, Tongue, ... some of them. I made myself following tutorials on RU-vid and the truth is, it has helped me a lot. I don't have a sufficient level in any of them, but I love discovering instruments from all over the world. I hope you like the videos on my channel, which I only upload to compare and share my experience over time. From time to time I visit a school to show them these instruments and the children are very surprised, they always ask the same thing: How have you learned so many instruments? I always answer them: and why not? It is a rewarding experience. Thank you for sharing your experiences. Greetings from Asturias- Spain.

a really open and sincere video thanks for posting.

This is an AMAZING video. Thanks for posting this: you’re an inspiration! ☺️

Your progress is amazing! I like even your first records, not to mention your current level. Thanks for your story!

Thank you for your videos they are very uplifting and encourage others to take up this lovely instrument

You’ve made a lot of progress in six months! I bought my recorder two years ago, but have only actually played it a few months during that time. 😂 Good luck with the Trinity books!

Well Done!!!

Really enjoyed your video - thank you for sharing

Your graphics are killer funny. Great video!!!

A great work! A nice video for beginners to see how your progress worked and how it could be for them (me :D) I had an illusion I could master this instrument for a month or so as many musicians (probably they were professionals or just magicians) did. At least I was inspired that recorder is the easiest instrument to start with. Jeeez... such a mistake... such a big mistake :D Thank you for the video and real life examples. They are motivating me and others (me for sure) and give a realistic view on how learning can be difficult and how much efforts and time it can take.

The reason you make these videos, from an intermediate perspective, is exactly why I love your videos (and the humour of course!). Would you recommend that book in particular to a beginner?

one of the main things that has helped me is getting into genres that are flute/recorder friendly, like bossa Nova or salsa. As much as i love my 3 buck soprano yamaha, i understand that it has a texture that can be tricky to blend with some musical genres. I don't have many musician friends, but if you do, i would recommend yo to start playing with them to understand dynamics, articulations, and specially, the need for knowing how to improvise and chat musically with other people. The recorder has an infamous reputation, butits a lovely instrument, and it shouldn't be seen that way forever.

sooooooo inspiring!

What a great an honest video, superb :) So cool to see your progress! I just bought a recorder after seeing Video's of Sarah, she is indeed a great PR for the recorder. And also downloaded a sheet of Daphne haha :D I hope I have just as much progress as you, but at least have the same amount of joy with it.

Great video. I'm 22. Just picked up the recorder and hoping to do as well as you have

Yes, it's addictive!!!

What a great endeavor. I became an adult learner last summer, started with the tin whistle but will explore other wind instruments until I find “mine”, if such a thing exists. I know that I like soft and warm sounds so I would love to try the NAF and the Bansuri. Want to find a recorder too.

i just got a recorder for my b day, haven't played in 15 years, i feel silly but it's so satisfying to make music!

Keep it up every journey starts with one step

I am currently 3d-printing my future recorder. Haven't played any minute yet, but tested my parts and most of them work, the windpipe got messed up so I have to reprint. I've also looked at saxophones but didn't find any good enough project for making music with 3d printed instruments, so I guess the recorder is one of the best 3d printing projects for music. Apart from this, I play a little guitar, I've been playing on and off since university and I've recently started to do 1h of practice per day (it's been a week so far and it really shows, I can do much more that I was able before). I have some songs I like and I want to record myself doing duets between guitar and recorder and also play the recorder at campfires. Plus, it's light and easy to carry on planes and trains and other transportation in my holiday trips or when I am hiking. That's why I am looking into recorders. How many hours do you practice per day?

Clearly you are ull of unreleased potential as you moved in time to Ode to Joy. Wonderful. Thank you for being you and for sharing. Please keep up the sterling work.

Good job! Thank you.

Keep on keeping on. I'm a beginner too. I have hope of playing in church or in a concert 🙏

You're so cute and fun, i really love your videos and i'm very impressed how you learned a lot of things in a very short time of study and alone, congratulations for the determination and dedication :)

you're awesome! I am a LOT older and going through the same thing now. 2 months into it. May 2022. FFFUUUUUNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your video really encourages me.

Loved the music store skit! Several years ago I called a store about taking cello lessons and was asked how old my child was. Recorders are awesome for their price and portability. Everyone should play one. I just subscribed to your channel. I may be inspired by you to post some videos of my own recorder playing.

Well played I think. Basically the sound of a soprano. Also you have more husband than I do so congrats to you. Supposedly new wood recorders need playing in to get accustomed to being played.

Adult recorder learner here!

I started learning the recorder age 25. Played for a few months, then sort of wandered off. I'm now 53, and am getting back into music, though so far, I've only played the kazoo. I've got pretty good. 😉

I started with clarinet but because I have partial mouth paralysis, I had a trouble with embouchure. My clarinet teacher suggested an alto recorder, which is similar fingering and easier on the mouth, and I've been playing that for about 6-8 months. I STILL suck at it, but I'm better than I was. Those high pinched notes are a bear to play, LOL!

i'm very impressed, i've been playing for 40 years and you could give me a run for the money!

Thanks for your videos, so funnies! I had an epiphany with music(also with a recorder) few months ago! Found you looking opinions about yamaha YRF-21 cross beginners flute

well done

It's all very familiar to me. I wasn't allowed to play an instrument at school which has led to an intermittent but seemingly lifelong desire to play an instrument but sadly I never keep at it unlike you have........only later for it to re-emerge. I then go buy and try something else. So far I've got a flute, electric guitar, acoustic guitars, ukuleles and more recently 2 recorders; a soprano and an alto. I can't play any of them. One day, one day! Or perhaps I'm just a collector of instruments?

Thank you.

The recorder is a beautiful instrument that demands practice,practice, practice 😀.

Good Job Mama

❤

I used to play Irish whistle and flute, but gave up music for 30+ years. Decided yo learn Recorder, went into a musical instrument store to pick up a yamaha tenor that had been delivered there for me, the guy behind the counter invited me into the backroom to watch me put it together because he had never seen a tenor, he wanted me to play it as well and I had to disappoint him :-). Been back there to pick up an alto since, total respect.

Very entertaining good humer.

Beethoven would be proud of your day 3 :D Sounded good for 3 days.

You started just about the same time I did. You have gotten much farther than I have! Pretty cool, though.

Damn. Just bought the Yamaha yrs 31 recorder

You sound pretty damn good 👍 Im having More questions than answers , its not your fault

Just collected my recorder today as a 60 year old beginner. Having failed on the uke over first lockdown I thought i'd try something different. I have tried Sarah's first lesson but could do with some basic finger charts on screen during the songs. I think she moves too quickly for me and not so keen on the other lesson run by a Miss Piggy glove puppet. Guess I will have to invest in a book! BTW impressive progress in your recent tin whistle video.

OMG, 4:50 is the most relatable thing ever XD *looking at my recorder bucket in the corner*

Well done. This stigma about recorders is so wrong. I had it on FB but when I said it has a chromatic scale he went away.

Nice vídeo :)

Very inspiring video. I got a recorder last year but then found that it made a lot of noise in the apartment and I got really shy about making any sounds with it. Also, most of the repertoire that I have heard doesn't interest me all that much. Watching this video has made me reconsider giving it another shot. I want to learn to play a little music at home with something simple. Any tips on not making a lot of noise would be very welcome.

I am 14 y old and I play the recorder❤ I've been practicing since May and I can already play a lot of stuff! Not to brag or anything but I can play the naruto theme (the rising fighting spirit, the harry potter theme at 2x speed🎉 through alot of practice of course) I do it as a hobby and my teacher is "youtube tutorials😂" Edit: although I started playing at 11 y old and stopped playing and only recently I've been having fun playing it❤

11:09 Getcher insperation!

You are super funny and cool we should be friends I want to learn the recorder as well

Haven't seen a video from you in sooo long. Hope you are okay!!!

My main interest is actually in learning music theory and notation. More complicated instruments demand more attention to dexterity and complicated finger movements and require more physical coordination. So for me, I think the recorder is perfect. The actual practical skill of learning to play the instrument won't hold me back as much as I aim to progress through the grades (at least this is what I think).

Join the club, I am in your starting position right now. Alto recorder delivered today, plus tutorial book…and then what!!! First I find that either I am genetically disfigured or whoever decided to put the holes there must have been. Why do I feel I have to be a hand contortionist to get my fingers and the holes to line up? Did/do you find them odd? Btw, a few years ago I was part of a research group studying the health effects from sound. We determined that ‘Noise’ could be best defined as ‘Unwanted Sound’. I know a lot of people conflate these two words without thinking of the difference. What you produce is ‘Sound’ of course! :)

Amazing! Did you feel more difficulty because you're learning different kinds of recorder or it made things easier?

We have the same situation. I am violinist and currently studying soprano and alto recorders.

Yep, I learned quite quickly, that recorders are like pokamon... ...you just gotta catch em all!

Beethoven after 3 days? Amazing.

Can you make a video on this connection b/w notes?