Recorder Hats: An Easy Way To Remember Technique

Submitted by Darlene Johnson, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Idea posted 2002-06-18

An easy way for my students to remember recorder playing technique is for me to tell them to put on their "recorder hats."

  • H - HANDS, in correct position, left on top
  • A - AIR, warm air and just the right amount
  • T - TONGUING, du, or tu, or whichever you use

I can just say "HATS" and they know what to check. It's much easier than stopping to explain all the time. Of course, I have a visual displayed, a big "Cat In The Hat" hat with the explanations. It works every time!