Classroom Musical Instruments

Classroom Musical Instruments

The recorder certainly ranks as one of the more humble musical instruments but it's also a very old one with a history dating back to baroque times and a repertoire of compositions from the likes of Handel Vivaldi and Bach. This wide availability of music coupled with its simple easy-to-learn playing style and whistle mouthpiece that does not require a complex embouchure makes it a favored instrument for the classroom. Early recorders were made of wood but modern classroom recorders are also available in plastics and other materials that are more durable at a lower cost.

The leading recorder manufacturers are Aulos and Yamaha but these instruments are available from a wide range of brands that also includes the likes of Lyons Canto Rhythm Band and Nuvo. Players may choose between four common sizes of which the three typically found in the classroom are alto tenor and soprano. The fourth size bass is more commonly associated with professional work and is also more likely to use traditional baroque fingering - although that option does exist for all sizes. Because of the recorder's educational popularity parents and teachers can easily find packages suited for their needs such as bulk packs of 25 or even 100 instruments or starter kits that include a recorder case cleaning rod and method book.