All Ages Is it worthwhile to teach kids to play the Recorder?

Susie

Susie

Legacy Member
I am on the fence on this issue. The Recorder is widely taught as an instrument in the 3rd grade in our area schools. My child brought it home and practiced on it but it seemed flimsy and even she said it didn't feel like a real instrument. Is there any real value to teaching this in school these days?
 
I think that any instrument is good to learn and they teach them the recorder because it is easy to learn how to play it especially in a class full of students.
There are other instruments to me that are far more interesting but the recorder is good to play as you can join in with any instrument once you know how to play it and find the ear for music.
 
Learning how to play the recorder continues to be a fond memory for me. It taught me the very basics of music composition, at least. I remember that when I received little colored threads for properly played pieces, I felt that the time to took to practice that piece was worth it. Playing the recorder is likely to open up a person's perspective on music and musical theory.
[DOUBLEPOST=1415542338][/DOUBLEPOST]Learning how to play the recorder continues to be a fond memory for me. It taught me the very basics of music composition, at least. I remember that when I received little colored threads for properly played pieces, I felt that the time to took to practice that piece was worth it. Playing the recorder is likely to open up a person's perspective on music and musical theory.
 
I also have fond memories of having learned to play the recorder. In fact, I think that mine is still around here somewhere. I think that not only are the memories worthwhile but also the fact that it helped me learn how to read some music, which then helped me go on to learn to play the piano years later. I bet I could still read music today even though I haven't played any instrument in years.
 
My school district also starts the use of the recorder in 3rd grade and continues to use it into the 4th grade. I will have to say, in the beginning, it really does hurt your ears. But, they do improve as the school year moves forward. My 4th grader continues to play his recorder in music class. I will say that they do improve with time. So, I guess it is like any instrument, the more they play, the better they get.
 
Teaching kids how to play any kind of instrument, whether it's piano, guitar, or recorder is definitely worthwhile. I don't think it's insignificant as I believe recorder is a pretty decent musical instrument to learn. Just give it a try, it won't hurt anyone, I guess.
 
I think there is value still in learning how to play the recorder, but obviously not mainly for the music aspect of it. When was the last time you heard a professional recorder player in the top 10 for example?!

What it does do though is teach other things, such as patience and it gives children an activity that isn't book related so to speak. It's cheap also, and its an instrument that parents from all walks of life can afford, so there isn't any form of exclusivity with it either.
 
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