Fun-Filled Music Education Through Recorder Karate

Usually, the first musical instrument encountered by most music students at a beginner's level is, the recorder. It belongs to the woodwind class of instruments and is relatively easy to learn if dedicated practice is adhered to. One dynamic and fun way of learning it is, recorder karate, an innovative method being implemented in the classroom, based on motivational incentives.

Much like the discipline of karate, students are expected to behave in an orderly and respectful way. Learners bow to their teachers as well as to each other before class and at the end of each lesson. They also sit cross-legged and observe silence, not playing until instructed to do so. They should arrive at the lesson with all the necessary items and enter the classroom in an orderly and disciplined manner.

The grading process also echoes the methods of martial arts by including belts, ranked according to the following series:white, yellow, orange, green, purple, blue, red, brown and finally black. As each level is achieved, students receive the relevant colour belt. Some teachers add extra incentive by pinning trinkets and musical charms onto the belts for extra levels of effort and dedication shown in class.

In recorder karate however, there are no kicks, punches or duels which determine grading. To the contrary, it is determined by familiar songs which increase in technicality according to each level progression. For white belts, students must successfully play, "Hot Cross Buns", a song including notes, B, A and G. The final song required to achieve a black belt is Beethoven's, "Ode to Joy", consisting of notes, D, E, F#, G, A, B, and C.

One noticeable benefit of this method is that it motivates children who normally do not want to participate in class activities. Some teachers have noticed that many even help each other and practice in recess. More students also become more easy to instruct and willing to receive advice and take extra lessons to achieve their goals.

A con of the method is that struggling students may not be able to keep up with other class members. Some teachers even feel that this kind of competitive practice is unhealthy. Still others feel that competition increases their willingness to learn and play an active role in achieving their full potential.

Every teacher seems to have a different take on ways to modify this method. Some include gold or silver belts in the rankings, with their own advanced songs to master. Some teachers only focus on it for a small, allocated amount of time while others dedicate entire lessons to practicing and learning each song.

Books and easy guides on recorder karate are available both at selected outlets or online and include fingering techniques, practice worksheets and instructions on how to care for the instrument. Teachers have tried and tested its methodology, discovering both its pros and cons, and many have emerged avid fans of its routines and rewards. It has also proven to be an effective way to enhance other, older ways of teaching music to young children.

Come to our website about Recorder Karate for more information.