Beginner Recorder Lessons
Start Your Musical Journey with Professional Online Instruction
Learn recorder from scratch with personalized lessons designed for complete beginners. No musical experience required.
Book Your First LessonWhy Choose Beginner Recorder Lessons with Tali?
🎵 Professional Foundation
Learn proper technique from the start. As a Berklee College of Music graduate and professional performer, I teach you the right way to hold, breathe, and articulate—avoiding bad habits that hold beginners back.
📚 Structured Curriculum
My beginner program follows a proven progression: from your first notes to complete melodies. Each lesson builds on the previous one, ensuring steady progress without overwhelming you.
🎯 Personalized Approach
Every student learns differently. I adapt my teaching style to your learning pace, musical interests, and goals. Want to play folk songs? Baroque music? We'll get there together.
💻 Online Convenience
Learn from home with high-quality video lessons. See fingerings up close, get instant feedback, and record sessions for practice. No commute required.
What You'll Learn in Beginner Lessons
Phase 1: Foundation (Weeks 1-4)
- Proper posture and hand position - Set yourself up for success
- Breath control and tone production - Create a beautiful sound
- First notes (B, A, G) - Start making music immediately
- Tonguing technique - Clean, articulate playing
- Reading simple notation - Understand what you're playing
- Your first melodies - Hot Cross Buns, Mary Had a Little Lamb, and more
Phase 2: Expansion (Weeks 5-8)
- Extended range (Low C to High D) - More notes, more songs
- Rhythm reading - Quarter notes, half notes, whole notes
- Dynamics and expression - Play with feeling
- Folk and traditional songs - Build your repertoire
- Music theory basics - Understand what makes music work
Phase 3: Musicianship (Weeks 9-12)
- Chromatic notes (sharps and flats) - Play in any key
- Phrasing and musicality - Sound like a musician, not just a note-reader
- Intermediate repertoire - Renaissance and Baroque pieces
- Performance skills - Play with confidence
- Practice techniques - How to practice effectively on your own
Who Are These Lessons For?
Adult Beginners
Never too late to start! Many of my students are adults discovering music for the first time or returning after years away. The recorder is perfect for adult learners—quick progress and beautiful repertoire.
Kids & Teens (Ages 8+)
Young students love the recorder because they can make progress quickly. I keep lessons fun and engaging while building solid technique that transfers to other instruments.
Musicians Switching Instruments
Already play another instrument? The recorder offers a unique sound and rich early music repertoire. I'll help you transfer your musical knowledge while learning recorder-specific techniques.
Music Teachers
Want to incorporate recorder into your teaching? I can show you effective techniques for teaching groups or individuals, plus resources for classroom use.
What Students Say
"I'm 52 and always wanted to learn an instrument. Tali made it so easy and fun! Within a month I was playing songs I recognized. Her patience and clear explanations are perfect for adult beginners."
— Sarah M., Adult Beginner
"My 10-year-old daughter loves her lessons with Tali. She's learned so much about music theory and technique, not just recorder. Tali knows how to keep kids engaged and excited about practicing."
— James K., Parent
Getting Started
1
Book Your First Lesson
Choose a 30 or 60-minute lesson at a time that works for you. We'll discuss your goals and I'll assess your starting point.
2
Get Your Recorder
Don't have a recorder yet? No problem! I'll recommend the perfect instrument for your budget and goals. You can find quality beginner recorders for $20-60.
3
Start Learning
We'll meet via Zoom and dive right in. By the end of your first lesson, you'll be playing your first notes. I'll provide practice materials and exercises to work on between lessons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the recorder a good instrument for beginners?
Absolutely! The recorder is one of the best instruments for beginners. It's affordable, portable, and allows you to start making music quickly. Unlike many instruments that take months before you can play recognizable tunes, recorder students often play simple melodies in their first few lessons.
What recorder should I buy as a beginner?
I recommend starting with a quality soprano (descant) recorder. For beginners, a plastic Yamaha YRS-23 or Aulos 203 are excellent choices ($20-30). If you want to invest in a wooden recorder, the Mollenhauer Student line ($60-100) offers beautiful tone. I'll provide specific recommendations based on your budget during our first lesson.
How long does it take to learn recorder?
You can play simple melodies within 2-3 weeks of starting lessons. Most students can play full folk songs and easy classical pieces within 2-3 months. However, mastering advanced techniques and baroque repertoire takes 1-2 years of consistent practice. The recorder has depth that can last a lifetime!
Do I need to read music?
No! I teach music reading as part of the lessons. We'll start with finger charts and very simple notation, gradually building your music reading skills alongside your playing technique. By the end of the beginner phase, you'll be comfortable reading standard music notation.
How often should I practice?
I recommend 15-20 minutes daily for beginners. Consistency matters more than duration—daily short sessions are better than one long weekly session. I'll teach you effective practice techniques so your practice time is productive.
Can I learn recorder online?
Yes! Online lessons are highly effective for recorder. The camera angle lets you see fingerings clearly, and I can demonstrate techniques up close. Many students actually prefer online lessons for the convenience and ability to record sessions for later review.
Ready to Start Your Recorder Journey?
Book your first beginner lesson today and discover how fun and rewarding the recorder can be. No experience necessary—just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
Book Your First Lesson Now