Recorder Hats: An Easy Way To Remember Technique

Submitted by Darlene Johnson, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Idea posted June 18, 2002

An easy way for my students to remember recorder playing technique is for me to tell them to put on their "recorder hats."

• H - HANDS, in correct position, left on top
• A - AIR, warm air and just the right amount
• T - TONGUING, du, or tu, or whichever you use

I can just say "HATS" and they know what to check. It's much easier than stopping to explain all the time. Of course, I have a visual displayed, a big "Cat In The Hat" hat with the explanations. It works every time!