Note: This newsletter is best viewed in your browser for full access to all content.
Recorder assessments can feel tricky—especially when you want to be fair, efficient, and encouraging. This week, I’m sharing what I listen for in a successful recorder player, how I score and assess using a simple rubric, and realistic ways to structure assessments so every student is heard and supported with feedback.
When I am assessing recorder playing, these are the key elements I am looking for:
Tone - Plays with a gentle, beautiful tone
Tonguing - Starts the note with “too”
Legato - Connects notes smoothly
Fingerings - Uses correct fingerings
Finger Position - Covers holes completely and uses fingerpads
Rhythms - Plays rhythms correctly
Fluency - Plays the example without stopping
The recorder rubric below is available on MusicplayOnline in the Recorder Kit One Supporting Resources. Use it to guide your assessments and track student progress. Below are some additional teacher tips and practical strategies to help you implement this rubric in a realistic classroom setting.
Assessing a full solo for every student can be very time-consuming.
Focus on one skill at a time each week.
Assess only 1–3 solos or parts of solos per term.
Seat students in alphabetical order and grade directly on your class list.
Give students a short exercise to perform that demonstrates the skill.
Centers are a great way to hear students individually, provide feedback, and assess skills in a manageable way.
Group students based on skill level, mixed ability, or behavioral considerations.
I’ve found that four centers work best in my classroom.
Include games and activities students already know—this keeps them engaged and allows you to observe their playing.
Start with a short, 15-minute whole-class instruction.
Then rotate through centers, giving you time to hear each student individually, assess skills, and provide feedback.
Center Ideas:
Group Game: Rhythm Dice Games, Busted, Floor Staff Game, or digital games from MusicplayOnline.
Worksheet Bundle: Fingering charts, note names, or theory review.
Practice Center: Students work on repertoire they are currently learning.
Small Group Instruction: Check in with students individually, give feedback and complete assessments.
with Ruth McCartney
Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 @ 10:30-11:30 MST (60 Minutes)
A recorded version will be available if you are unable to watch live.
Join Ruth McCartney for a review of Awesome Ostinato, a Themes & Variations publication.
We wanted to take the opportunity to share some updates from the team: