Recorder Karate: An Exciting Way To Teach Beginner's Music

A dynamic methodology introduced into the music classroom fairly recently is, recorder karate. Also named the, "English flute", it is usually the very first instrument children are introduced to at a beginner's level. Belonging to the woodwind class of instruments, it is relatively easy to learn if patience and diligent practice is encouraged.

This method also includes the same principles of discipline and respect that karate upholds. Students should enter the classroom in silence, prepared with all the necessary items required for the lesson. They are also expected to bow to their instructor and their peers before and after the lesson. Learners sit cross-legged and should not begin playing without being instructed to do so - to do otherwise is seen as being disrespectful.

A special grading system is followed, where students earn belts as they advance through the various levels. The colours of the belts follow the same progression as karate: white, yellow, orange, green, purple, blue, red, brown and finally, black. As extra incentive, some teachers add trinkets or charms to the ends of the belts for special effort and good behaviour in class.

Instead of the grading system being dependent on technical moves and physical duels, it is determined by songs which increase in musical difficulty as the student progresses through each level. The song which will earn a student a white belt is called, "Hot Cross Buns", and is a well known children's singing rhyme which includes the initial notes, B, A, and G. To earn the sought-after black belt at the end, learners must play, Beethoven's well known composition called, "Ode to Joy", which covers the notes, D, E, F#, G, A, B, and C.

Through the implementation of this method, some teachers have noticed definite advantages. Learners who usually lack enthusiasm, are more eager to participate in class. Some teachers have even encountered students practicing and assisting each other in their lunch breaks, Also, children become more open-minded to receiving instruction and are more willing to learn.

Some teachers are in disagreement with the competitiveness that it encourages. To the contrary, some claim that it in fact encourages a higher standard of work and participation in class. Another con is that some learners may struggle and become disheartened at not being able to keep up with the set pace.

In order to suit the needs and make-up of each individual music class, many teachers adapt the methods. Some allocate entire lessons to learning and practicing new songs while others spend a maximum of thirty minutes on it. Others have introduced gold and silver belts to follow black, with their own individual songs to accompany them.

Teachers and students can easily access online books and instructional guides which will aid in the learning process. Recorder karate books include fingering techniques, instrument maintenance guides and worksheets which make for an engaging learning experience. Teachers find both pros and cons to be prevalent but many affirm it is being very effective and extremely influential in producing better results in music class.

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