Three Minute Recorder Lesson #3 - Short'nin Bread

New Three Minute Reccorder 3 - Short'nin Bread from Richard Lawton on Vimeo.

Hi Third Graders -- here is a video to help you practice the music I handed out today. Remember, the sheet music which you got in class and which is reposted here shows what fingerings to use to make the notes C, A and G.

Three Minute Recorder Lesson #2 -- C, A and G

In Three Minute Recorder Lesson #2, we focus on the first three notes we are learning on the recorder - C, A and G. As we will discuss in class, the amount of air we use when we play is just as important as the having the correct fingerings.

New Three Minute Reccorder 2 - C, A, & G from Richard Lawton on Vimeo.

Three Minute Recorder Lesson #1 -- Basic Technique

Hi Third Graders. As promised here is the first episode of "Three Minute Recorder" for you to review. These short video tutorials will hopefully reinforce what you are learning in class about your instruments. I will asking you to practice 6 minutes a day, so watching one of these videos twice equals one days practice.

New Three Minute Reccorder 1 - Basic Technique from Richard Lawton on Vimeo.

Recorders are handed out!

Handing out recorders, which I do every year in third grade, is one of my favorite things to do. So much of the musical explorations we undertaken are some form of messing around, but the recorder is an authentic instrument with a beautiful repertoire written for it. Playing the recorder is easy, but playing well requires patience and practice. Beginning this weekend I will be posting practice material here -- I am asking all students to give me 6 minutes of practice a day. If you can make that commitment, you will be amazed at the level you are able to play when it comes time for the holiday show.

Getting settled in

Getting adjusted to my new school has kept pretty busy. Most of the grade levels have been involved in reviewing some basics before moving onto the main focus for the year. In third grade, for example, students are focusing on the relationship rhythm and melody in anticipating of receiving their recorders (this week!) Also this week is back to school night. I am really looking forward to meeting some the parents.