THE RECORDER - REPERTOIRE

The recorder is an ideal instrument for beginners of all ages. It's easy to master the basics, and in no time you'll be playing quite complicated music. The baroque repertoire is immense and possibly not generallly well enough known, although many famous pieces by such great composers as Bach, Handel and Telemann, which were originally scored for recorder have been played, in modern times, on the flute.

LESSONS FOR ALL AGES

Private one-to-one lessons are available for everyone who lives in North West Cumbria. Little children from age 5 are especially welcome to learn recorder. At this age schools consider children too young, and sometimes their hands are too small for the usual descant recorder, but often these little kids are desperate to learn, especially if they have an older sister or brother who plays.

START 'EM YOUNG!

Small hands fit perfectly on the sopranino recorder. The fingering is the same (although the music is in a different key) and as they get older they can progress smoothly to the descant and larger recorders. Young children learn very thoroughly, as they're receptive to all kinds of information. A child who starts music at age 5 will have a much greater chance of becoming a really good musician when she gets older.

IT'S A SERIOUS INSTRUMENT!

The recorder is a fine instrument in itself, and has a wonderful serious repertoire. It is also a natural stepping stone to the orchestral or jazz woodwind, such as the flute, clarinet or saxophone: many professional musicians started off on the recorder.

CATCH UP WITH THE SCHOOL CLASS

Children learning recorder in large groups at school often feel they can't keep up with the quicker learners in the class, and are inclined to give up. Don't let them! A few private lessons will often be enough to help them catch up and gain confidence.

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE

At the other end of the spectrum is the adult learner, who perhaps learned a little recorder at school and wishes he hadn't stopped, or the adult who has never played any instrument but has always secretly wished she had.

Above all, playing music is fun!

MARSHALL McGURK, Elm House Farm, Crosby, Maryport, Cumbria, CA15 6SH. Phone: 01900 813200

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