Recorders: return to playing
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 12 May 2025End Date: 14 Jul 2025Mon (Daytime): 12:00 - 13:30In PersonFull fee £179.00 Senior fee £143.00 Concession £125.00
- Start Date: 15 Sep 2025End Date: 01 Dec 2025Mon (Daytime): 12:00 - 13:30In PersonFull fee £219.00 Senior fee £175.00 Concession £153.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Further develop your recorder playing in a friendly group setting. Develop your skill and confidence in playing solo and ensemble pieces.
What will we cover?
- Basic techniques of recorder playing: fingering, breathing and articulation
- Playing in unison with others, and playing in parts in a small ensemble
- A range of recorder repertoire in a variety of styles
- Music reading and music theory.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Know the fingering for notes on the recorder (descant and/or treble) to play in simple minor keys
- Play the recorder with control of breath and articulation and good intonation
- Play tunes on your own or with a group
- Play a line in an ensemble piece of up to three parts
- Identify different styles and periods in recorder music
- Understand more complex music notation.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is for those who have been learning recorder for at least a term, or those who have played before and want to brush up their skills to get back into recorder playing.
You need to be able to listen to and follow instructions in English, and take part in class discussion.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Classes are taught through tutor explanation and demonstration, group playing and individual practice. Sessions will also include class discussion, aural skills and theoretical study.
A regular practice routine is essential to make progress (ideally 20 minutes a session, at least 4 times per week).
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring your instrument(s), as well as a notebook, pencil and eraser.
Music will be provided by the tutor via Google Classroom, and course book will be discussed ath the first session.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
This course leads to Recorders 2A next year.
You may wish to support your learning through Musicianship and Music theory and/or Music history courses.
Layil trained as an early music specialist, playing recorders and bass viol, and now has a versatile career, touring and recording internationally with early music ensembles and fusion projects. Past collaborations include Les Concert De Nations under the direction of Jordi Savall, Charivari Agreable, Baroccada, Hamza Namira, Addictive TV, Donee, and Women in Music, amongst others. Layil also fell in love with Andalusian music learning to dance flamenco, and started to collaborate with musicians and dancers from different styles and places around the world. Her music celebrates these encounters. Layil's album "Strings Between Us" was recorded in 2020 and is available on Bandcamp. It features original music for bass viola da gamba, recorder, West African kora, double bass, percussion and a Flamenco dancer.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.