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Post by Zi on Sept 18, 2023 14:57:17 GMT
I've just come across a book by Paul Harris which is for recorder beginners and aims to reach Grade 1. It's called 'Recorder for Beginners: The Tudor Way!' It's via the EMS and was produced by their home press. There's a description here: The Tudor Wayand a link to a youtube vid where Paul talks about it. I know everyone who posts here is way, way beyond that but I've bought a copy as I love Paul's attitude and just now I'd like to do something fun and extremely easy. It's for the descant (soprano) so I'm hoping I zoom along through it... maybe... Anyway, I'll report back when I've had some time with it. And it might be something to consider if anyone has to suggest a beginner book for a real beginner. Paul says it is suitable for adults and children.
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Post by Zi on Sept 21, 2023 10:45:28 GMT
'Recorder for Beginners: The Tudor Way!' - Paul Harris, Pupil's Book, Jaywood Press, The Early Music Shop pp52 I more or less stopped playing anything at all seriously and consistently in February. The last date in my (Paul Harris!) practice book is February 14th. No matter what I've tried to do, re-starting has been difficult and I've felt quite sad about my loss of even the mediocre proficiency I had. However, right now I'm pleased I've forgotten so much because otherwise I would have had no reason to buy this delightful book. It's aimed at absolute beginners, Paul says adults and children alike can use it and having played through several of the steps now, I'd agree though I suspect if you are a playful adult you'll have a lot more fun with this. And it really is fun. Paul starts with a very simplified diagram of a recorder and shows you how to hold it and blow into it. He then goes straight to Step 1 which deals with crotchets and crotchet rests and introduces a single note - B. Each step is accompanied by 'Handy Hints' on playing and 'Fun Facts' which aren't always about recorders but they are interesting and have raised a smile here. The pieces are in keeping with the idea that this is 'The Tudor Way' and have appropriate titles while ensuring that the lessons are conveyed. There are duets aimed at an accompanist who is obviously beyond beginner - presumably a teacher. But this book would be fine for anyone wanting to teach themselves. Each lesson begins with clapping and counting exercises. There are downloadables via The Early Music Shop. I'll say more about those later. The book says it will take the learner to Grade 1 and having looked through the later pieces, I have no doubt that working through this would reach that standard. As the steps progress so the music is more complex and the composers start to creep in - Bach is there too along with Handel, Vivaldi and the usual suspects. There are 14 Steps in all and a Finale. I love some of Paul's musical direction which includes playing 'thirstily' or 'hungrily'. This resulted in a conversation here about Satie and some of his musical directions. Anyway, I really like and enjoyed the emphasis on how music can convey ideas and feelings. The downloadables include both demos of the pieces and then accompaniments so you can play along. I haven't listened to all of them but of the ones I have heard some use the harpsichord and some the piano. They are nice, clear recordings. As I type I'm listening to some Bach Posthorn Aria and I so want to have a go at that one! I learned the descant mostly through Brian Bonsor's book which I still love and admire, however, I so wish I'd had this too as a beginner because it is a delight. It's fun and engaging and it has lifted my sagging spirits. It has reminded me why I wanted to learn the recorder in the first place so I'm now very glad I've had the break from it or I'd have never bought this. Anyone who is here and is thinking about playing the recorder and hasn't the faintest idea where to start then I'd recommend this. If you've never played an instrument before then this will help you gain expertise and confidence. If you have but need a refresher then you can skip the bits that are too easy (I didn't - I started at page 1 because I wanted to see how it felt working through this). It's a wonderful book and I think that the next time I feel sad because I can't play as well as I'd like to, I'll go here and play along with some of these pieces. But until then, this will keep me occupied until I feel confident enough to go it alone again. I feel as if there is someone here with me, giving me some guidance with humour and enthusiasm. Just what I need! BTW There's a certificate at the end. You can fill in your name and it's signed by Elizabeth R with a little postscript which I shan't spoil but which I found very amusing. Now, if Paul will just do the same for the treble I'll be extremely happy!
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Post by keff on Sept 21, 2023 11:20:19 GMT
Just watched the video. Very much liked the Pottage (wigan) Pie tune.
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Post by Zi on Sept 21, 2023 12:49:33 GMT
keff - Agreed! There are some absolutely delightful tunes in the book - I'd never come across the Posthorn Aria before and it's a sweet piece - very charming and amusing. I really want to play it. I assumed (wrongly) that the downloads would be available for people who bought the teacher's book but it isn't the case which means that it really is a viable option for anyone who doesn't have access to a teacher. I am seriously impressed with this book and the downloads!
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