Music Sales Ltd The School Recorder- Book 1

This review is one of several that I am writing on the theme of tutor books for recorder (descant & tenor). The other books are - First Book of the Recorder (Usborne First Music) Recorder from the Beginning: Bks. 1 & 2 The New Recorder Tutor Book 1  - there is also book 2 for Descant and TenorThe odds are that if you're 'of a certain age' and are returning to the recorder, then this is the tutor you probably remember from your schooldays. If you are new to the recorder, there is still a good chance that this is one of possibly just 3 books that you already know about. There is a good reason for that - it has been continuously in print for 50+ years and has a superb record as a highly effective, readable and useable tutor.In common with all tutors it begins by teaching the notes B, A and G. It is difficult, but not impossible, to find many well known tunes which use only those 3 notes, so until the notes C' and then D' are introduced, the emphasis is upon exercises and learning both tonguing and an understanding of basic rhythm and notation. Once C' is introduced, there is scope for there to be more use of actual melody and from thereon, the book uses more and more melodies and well known songs rather than endless scales and exercises --- although, rightly, these are not entirely neglected.As one of my uploaded images shows, teaching information about the finer details of notation and musical theory continue to be integrated into the book as new melodies or challenges occur.Thankfully (in my opinion) the revised version of this book has not resorted to adding cartoons and song-based illustrations. The emphasis is upon what might be described as focused and beautifully sequenced education. It is very much a tutor for the would-be player who has a serious attitude towards learning. This is not to denegrate tutors such as, say, books published by Usborne, or 'Recorder from the Beginning', but in terms of approach and attitudes towards both teaching and learning, this book is very much closer to the approach taken in 'The New Recorder Tutor Books'. The fact that both of those date from times similar to this book is obviously the key reason for their style.As for how notes are taught, the format is consistent and exceptionally clear: There is a detailed drawing of the recorder which shows fingering, alongside a photo of the note being played and an example of the notation for that note. These are then followed by scales, exercises, occasional additional teaching notes or, as explained, well known melodies once the learner has acquired a grasp of 4+ notes.In conclusion, then: this is a book with a proven history of usefulness. It lacks the modern 'gloss' or flash of cartoons etc., but does its job exceptionally well. As far as I can tell, whereas Book 1 can still be bought new if you wish, Book 2 is slightly harder to find in anything other than 'as new' or 'good' condition via affiliate sellers.Books of easy tunes for recorder to consider might be these, some of which I have also reviewed - Very Easy Recorder Tunes (Activities) FIRST RECORDER BOOK OF CHRISTMAS TUNES Music for the Recorder: Folk Songs of the United States: Recorder/Solos Jazz for the Recorder On a totally different, but hopefully useful and relevant tack - if you are faced with melody-line notation that you do not know and want to hear (and if you have the patience to enter it into a program) I STRONGLY recommend the FREEWARE program Finale Notepad 2012. It is powerful, easy to use, intuitive and perfect for this task. I have uploaded several demos/tutors onto Youtube. First Book of the Recorder (Usborne First Music)Recorder from the Beginning: Bks. 1 & 2The New Recorder Tutor Book 1Very Easy Recorder Tunes (Activities)FIRST RECORDER BOOK OF CHRISTMAS TUNESMusic for the Recorder: Folk Songs of the United States: Recorder/SolosJazz for the Recorder

Arrived the other day & seems to be as good as other reviewers suggested. Bought for myself as I am an adult beginner teaching myself to play the (tenor) recorder. I recognise a lot of the tunes.

Excellent step by step introduction to notes and tunes for the absolute beginner to someone returning to practice scales. You do need book 2 to finish all the notes!I am teaching my father to play, who had never picked up a recorder before, using this book and it is a really good starter.

Brilliant as ever! Arrived in time for the Birthday bought as a gift, so time will tell. I like the fact that the cover is less likely to become shabby as in older copies and can be wiped clean if needs be.

Used this when I was at school, bought as part of a gift for friends grandchildren