Submitted by Donna Metler, Memphis, Tennessee
Idea posted July 17, 2002
Before my kids get their recorders, I put a sticker on the upper left side and a thin band of colored tape around the middle. This gives them a visual cue - the hand on top should cover the sticker, and the right hand starts below the tape.
I also bring in a clarinet, since I also teach band, and show them where the break between the joints of the instrument is and where the keys are. After having seen this, the recorder fingerings make a lot more sense. I don't get the "but I can play just fine this way" arguments once they see the reason on a bigger instrument. And the fact that they have to be proficient on recorder to join band is a big incentive, too.