The recorder is a woodwind instrument that is often used by young students to learn the basics of reading music and playing an instrument. It has a sweet, pure tone and is relatively easy to learn compared to other woodwinds like the clarinet or saxophone. For beginning musicians, online recorder lessons can be a great way to start learning the instrument. Online lessons allow students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. In this article, we will discuss 10 of the best websites that offer online recorder lessons for students of all levels.
1. ArtistWorks
ArtistWorks offers video recorder lessons with acclaimed performer and educator Anastasia Petanova. Lessons are available for soprano, alto, tenor and bass recorders. Beginner to advanced level courses are offered, allowing students to progress through a structured curriculum. Students have the unique opportunity to submit practice videos to get personalized feedback from Anastasia. ArtistWorks has a straightforward pricing structure, with unlimited access to video lessons, sheet music and tools for $24.99 per month. The video exchange feature really sets ArtistWorks apart, providing direct mentorship from a world-class recorder player.
2. TakeLessons
TakeLessons is one of the most popular sites for finding music teachers for in-person lessons, but they also have a great selection of online instructors. On TakeLessons you can find recorder teachers that specialize in teaching kids, adults, beginners, and advanced students. Lessons take place over video chat and allow you to work one-on-one with an instructor. You can schedule lessons on a recurring basis or purchase individual lesson packages. TakeLessons also makes it easy to find instructors based on student reviews. Prices range from $15 – $50 per 30 minute lesson. TakeLessons is great if you want personalized attention and feedback from an experienced recorder teacher.
3. PlayAlongRecorder
PlayAlongRecorder provides a library of over 200 recorder lesson videos. Lessons cover beginner notes, reading sheet music, playing songs, and technique. Detailed finger chart diagrams are provided to help you learn the notes. You can also slow down the tempo of songs to practice at your own pace. Sheet music is available to print for all songs taught in the lessons. PlayAlongRecorder is focused on being a self-guided video lesson site, rather than offering live instruction. But beginners will appreciate the large video library and tools for learning at home. Access starts at $9.99 per month.
4. Udemy
Udemy is a massive online course platform with classes on just about any topic, including recorder lessons. Numerous Udemy instructors offer recorder lessons for all skill levels. Courses provide video tutorials that allow you to learn on a flexible schedule. Most classes include downloadable sheet music, fingering charts, and exercises. Udemy offers frequent discounts, so you can often purchase recorder courses for $10-15. While you don’t get ongoing support from the instructor, the low one-time price makes Udemy recorder lessons worthwhile for self-motivated students.
5. Skillshare
For bite-sized recorder instruction, Skillshare has short online classes that teach the basics. Teachers such as Meg Whittle provide quick lessons on beginner techniques, reading music, and playing simple songs. Skillshare classes are generally focused on introducing certain skills or concepts in under an hour of video. While you won’t gain comprehensive recorder knowledge from any one class, Skillshare provides a low-commitment way to explore the instrument. Membership starts at $19/month but provides access to all courses.
6. YouTube
There are tons of free recorder tutorials on YouTube. While the quality varies, there are many channels that provide clear instruction for beginners. Liesl Van Der Walt’s Recorder Classroom channel covers note reading, posture, fingering, and repertoire. The Just Recorder channel by April Shenkl offers methodical lessons for new players. Many YouTube teachers provide valuable supplemental materials like exercises, sheet music, and resources. With an abundance of dedicated recorder teachers providing free lessons, YouTube is worth exploring.
7. Hoffman Academy
Hoffman Academy offers comprehensive online music instruction, including recorder lessons for kids and adults. Instructors including Benjamin Botkin teach techniques from the beginning stages while keeping lessons fun. Step-by-step video lessons are combined with supplemental worksheets and sheet music. Beginner lessons start with posture, making sounds, reading notes, and playing easy songs. Intermediate lessons cover tuning, tone, and more advanced techniques. Hoffman Academy membership starts at $9.99 per month, providing access to all instrument lessons.
8. ArtistWorks Kids
For children interested in learning the recorder, ArtistWorks Kids could be a perfect choice. The site uses an engaging video exchange platform to connect students with instructor Rebecca Feery Halstead. Kids submit practice video clips to get personalized feedback and encouragement from Rebecca. Video lessons teach notation, rhythm, repertoire, and more. ArtistWorks Kids keeps children motivated by making the lessons interactive and fun. Membership is $14.99 per month with no long-term commitment required.
9. Online Academy of Irish Music
For those interested in learning Irish traditional music, the Online Academy of Irish Music provides recorder lessons in that style. Teacher Éamonn de Barra offers instruction in Irish ornaments, rolls, cuts, slurs, grace notes, and other techniques essential to the genre. Beginner tin whistle lessons are also available. Membership options range from $9.99 – $14.99 per month. The school also offers group Skype lessons. For anyone looking to learn recorder with an Irish focus, this is an excellent choice.
10. Recorder School
Recorder School offers video recorder lessons for students of all levels. Lessons cover rhythm, reading music, tone, fingerings, maintenance, and repertoire. You can enroll in a full course pathway, or take individual lessons starting at $7.99 each. Their most unique offering is live online group classes for both kids and adults. Classes allow you to learn recorder together and motivate each other. Private lessons are also available. Recorder School provides a well-rounded approach with group classes, private lessons, and on demand video instruction.
Summary
Learning the recorder online opens up tons of possibilities. You can take lessons from top musicians around the world or find a local teacher offering virtual instruction. Whether you want solo lessons, group classes, structured curriculum, or self-guided instruction, online recorder lessons can fit your needs and schedule. Use this list of 10 sites to find your perfect online instructor and get started playing recorder today!
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