Why the Recorder?

Choosing to play a particular instrument is a very personal matter. Here are some of my thoughts on the recorder.

• The recorder is a real instrument with a repertoire of its own
• It is a distinctive instrument with a character of its own
• It is a deceptively simple instrument.
• A beginner can quickly achieve effective results, but it is sufficiently demanding at an advanced level to last a lifetime.
• Because there is no keywork, it is a very tactile instrument
• An individual recorder has a practical range of two octaves and is fully chromatic over the range.
• However, by playing different members of the family, it is possible to span several octaves
• The recorder can be inexpensive, but inexpensive recorders are often very good.
• Because they are inexpensive, it is possible to own recorders covering a wide range of pitches.
• It can be used effectively for playing music in a variety of different styles.