The history, value, and importance of children learning to play the recorder
Music education open doors that help children pass from school into the world around them a world of work, culture, intellectual activity, and human involvement. The future of our nation depends on providing our children with a complete education that includes music.
Music is a universal language which connects to people of different tongues, race and age. Music holds immense benefits for all age groups. Children, especially those who get the chance to learn music at their early ages tend to amass the most benefits from music as it aids their cognitive and physical development. If you ask any established musician around you, there are higher chances that they picked up the soprano recorder in their childhood, and this common instrument contributed immensely to their foundation and career in music.
The soprano recorder is an instrument that can greatly aid a child’s development in many ways, and this article will carefully highlight these benefits.
History
The recorder belongs to the woodwind family of musical instruments. The first recorder was made in the 1500s, and it got its name from the latin word “recordari” which is a combination of the word “re” which means “again,” and “cor” which means “heart.” The direct meaning is to play something by first ruminating over it in the mind or simply put, the act of learning by heart. This meaning precedes to record i.e., the act of writing something down. The recorder is quite easy to play.
There are five types of recorder, and they are sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor, bass, and great bass recorder. Apart from these five, there are some recorders that have key systems that are similar to that of the flute and saxophone.
The important values children stand to gain from learning to play the recorder
There are many advantages that one can gain from learning music in general but in this article, we’ll limit the focus to the benefits for children learning to play the soprano recorder.
Learning to play the recorder enhances a child’s mental function and capacity.
Research has shown that learning to play a musical Instrument at an early age enhances the mind. The recorder like many musical instruments help in the development of both sides of a child’s brain. This happens when the child plays the music from a musical sheet – an exercise that features the two sides of the rain.
Good foundation for flute, saxophone, and other instruments
The knowledge gained from learning to play the recorder comes in handy when the child decides to make a switch to a bigger and advanced instrument like the flute and saxophone. This is because the skills gathered from learning to play the recorder will be easily adaptable because the key system of the flute and saxophone shares some similarities with the recorder. e Some of the skills mastered while playing the recorder will also be needed for these instruments. The skills include:
- Breath control
- Coordinated finger movement
- Emotional connection to music
- Ability to read a Music sheet
Builds confidence in children
Playing the recorder in front of an audience is an incredible confidence building block for children. When a child gets to perform in front of an audience during a recital, they feel a whole lot better when they perform and get applauses from the audience.
Instills discipline and tolerance
Learning to play the recorder requires a great deal of commitment and perseverance. Mastering the act of playing the recorder involves the ability to know the importance of discipline and tolerance.
Enhances creativity in children
Learning to play the recorder opens up a child to new ways of expressing themselves. It makes them look at things beyond the norm and open up fresh perspectives. Understanding basic rules and using those rules creatively is all there is to music. These creative expressions brings about playing in a way that sounds beautiful and appealing to listeners.
There are much more benefits a child can gain from learning to play the recorder more so, any musical instrument. It is no surprise that researches have shown that many people who make waves in different areas of life have engaged themselves with a musical instrument in their formative years.
Best recorder books for children
The Recorder Fun Book’s Big Song Book
Recorder Song and Coloring Fun Book
Book of Easy Duets for the Recorder
Christmas Duet Fun Book for Recorder
Fifty Famous Classical Themes for Recorder
The Politically Correct Book of Holiday Songs for Recorder
Thirty Famous Patriotic Songs for Recorder