One of the first questions I’m often asked as an elementary music teacher is: “Do you still teach recorders?” My answer is always an enthusiastic yes! I’ve loved teaching recorder from the very beginning of my teaching career—the excitement on that first day when students hold their very own instrument had me hooked.
Of course, I’ll admit those first few classes can be a little rough on the ears. But with some targeted tips and clear guidance, my students quickly find their way. For me, the benefits far outweigh the initial squeaks, and I love watching the incredible growth that happens over three years of recorder study from Grades 4–6.
I know the recorder doesn’t always have the best reputation with parents—or the public, for that matter. That’s why this week, I’m sharing my personal reasons for teaching recorder, along with some great MusicplayOnline resources you can use to strengthen your recorder program and show why this little instrument really matters.
Recorder Section on MusicplayOnline
One of the biggest strengths of the recorder is its affordability. For just a few dollars, every student can have their own instrument to practice on. This makes recorder programs accessible to all schools and families, ensuring that every child has the chance to learn music without cost being a barrier.
For many students, the recorder is the very first instrument they can call their own. It looks and feels like a “real” instrument—because it is! That sense of ownership is powerful, motivating students to take pride in their playing and to keep practicing.
The recorder is an excellent tool for teaching essential music skills. Students enhance their note and rhythm reading while also developing their ability to follow notation. These are skills that will transfer directly to future musical experiences, whether they choose band, choir, or another path.
Playing recorder requires students to coordinate their fingers, breath, and eyes all at once. This is fantastic preparation for the demands of middle school band and orchestra, where reading notes while playing becomes second nature.
The soprano recorder plays in the same range as a child’s natural singing voice. This makes it an ideal bridge between singing and instrumental music, helping students connect what they see on the staff, what they play, and what they can sing.
Recorders aren’t meant to stand alone—they blend beautifully with Orff instruments, percussion, ukuleles, and even classroom guitars. This makes them perfect for ensemble playing, giving students the joyful experience of making music together.
MusicplayOnline offers a selection of ready-to-use posters to help you advocate for your recorder program. Display them in your classroom, share them on your school’s social media, or include them when communicating with parents about purchasing recorders. You’ll find all of these posters in the Documents section on MusicplayOnline.
Canadian teachers—did you know you can order recorder packages directly from the Musicplay Store? We’re proud to offer some of the most affordable options for Canadian schools, with bulk pricing discounts and FREE shipping on orders of 20 recorders or more anywhere in Canada.
Our Handel line of recorders are available in both Baroque and German fingering. Each 2-piece recorder comes with a zipper case, cleaning rod, and fingering chart—perfect for student use. Made with thicker plastic, these recorders produce a warm, wood-like tone and are nearly impossible to overblow in the low register.
Musicplay Store - Recorder Package (Canada Only)
Tuesday September 9th, 2025 @ 4:30-5:15 MST
A recorded version will be available if you are unable to watch live.
In this webinar, we’ll explore the instrument resources available on Musicplay Online, including recorder, ukulele, Boomwhackers, drumming, guitar, and Orff. Stacy will guide you through how to navigate and customize these materials to fit your classroom needs. We’ll also show you how to find performance pieces for school events, ensembles, and choirs, and how to access and download accompaniment tracks to support your performances.
Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 @ 4:30-5:30 MST (60 Minutes)
A recorded version will be available if you are unable to watch live.
Musicplay isn’t just for lower grades! Join Happier Music Teacher Beth Duhon for Part 2 of this webinar series as she shows you perennial favorites from MusicplayOnline and strategies for your upper elementary classes. You can do this! Teachers will use the composition tool, singing game, multicultural dance, recorder unit and back to school unit to teach and engage their upper elementary students.
We wanted to take the opportunity to share some updates from the team:
Our team has been hard at working creating new content! Here are some of our newest additions:
Adventures Await Boomwhacker Storybook
First Day of School Icebreaker Worksheet and Concept Slides
A Composer a Month Unit added to Units
Listen 6 added to Listening Kits
Rhythm Stick activity added to Golden from KPOP Demon Hunters