Recorder for Absolute Beginners: Play Simple Melodies by Letter & Learn How to Transpose

By Helen Winter

This e-book is for kids or adults who are absolute beginners in music. I tried to write it as simply as possible. I use an “easy-to-play” visual aid so any beginner can play music quickly. No previous knowledge is necessary.

Every song has a large and simple letter-coded visual, along with traditional sheet music. The instruction is designed so that children begin with simple circles and gradually advance to reading notes using sheet music. I try to make this transition as easy as a game, where children advance to higher levels themselves.
There are 22 songs and 2 options to help children begin to play right away.

PLAYING BY LETTER CIRCLE
PLAY WITH THE MUSICAL STAFF

The player can first follow the circles and then repeat with the classic note symbols and staff. The helpful letters are always above the notes.
There are 3 parts in this e-book. They are equal to 3 levels.

Level 1
Songs that are played in one octave. All songs here appear twice: once written with circles and the next time with classic music notes. This will help kids remember the staff notes.

Level 2
In this part, you will find one version with both circles and notes and a more advanced version of the song with notes and musical notation.

For example:
Hot Cross Buns - Version 1 - CIRCLES
Hot Cross Buns - Version 1 - NOTES
Hot Cross Buns - Version 2 - NOTES (Here, the player will play songs in a different key and learn how to transpose.)
Generally, the version of the song written with sheet music is a little bit more complex than a letter-coded version. Such versions already have music notations such as rests or beams, etc. You can find an illustrated explanation of the notation at the beginning of this e-book.

Level 3
Here, the first two songs are versions of the same melody (different combinations of notes) written with circles and notes. This is important so that the beginner can see how the same melody can be played in different keys.
First of all, this e-book is addressed to newcomers to the recorder instrument. Also, it is a perfect self-training guide for children and beginner adults to mastering the challenges of flute or recorder.

Table of contents

Level 1
Mary Had a Little Lamb
Ode to Joy
The Whills on the Bus
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
Ten Little Fingers
London Bridge
Do You Know the Muffin Man?
we Wish You a Merry Christmas
The First Noel
Brahms Lullaby
Row Row Your Boat
Itsy Bitsy Spider
Silent Night
Oh Susannah

Level 2
Hot Cross Buns
Are You Sleeping?
Old McDonald

Level 3
Jingle Bells
La Cucaracha
Yankee Doodle
Happy Birthday
Amazing Grace

Music Note Values
Musical Puzzles

• Language: English
• Publisher: Helen Winter
• Release date: Oct 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9791222473260

Book preview