Before I pass out recorders to my students, we work for a few weeks using our "Arm Recorders."

Sitting criss-cross on the floor, the kids raise their right hand and make a fist. Then, they place their right elbow onto their right knee and rest their chins on their fists (e.g., The Thinker). Next, they place their left thumb and index finger on their right arm (thumb on wrist, index finger on outside of arm).

Now, they can practice BAG without making noise. So... no more excuses. While this doesn't replace playing their instrument, it does add more practice opportunities. They learn a few sayings:

• Thumb and one we've just "B"egun.
• Thumb and two is A for you.
• Thumb and three is a G.

As they chant, they finger using their arm recorders (right hand), so the only hand to practice fingering with is their left!