This week Sarah Watts talks a bit about her latest recorder tutor, Ready Steady Recorder, while we take a look at what makes it different and why she launched it!
"Red Hot Recorder has been immensely popular and much used- I hope it still will be, but eight years after its publication, I wanted to offer an alternative. Ready Steady Recorder is aimed at younger starters (ideally Year 2, but could be used for earlier years). It is colourful, has a larger font and moves a little slower- especially after G when many tutors speed up. The pieces (and the rhythm learning) are always reinforced by lyrics, and there is plenty of fun along the way with movement and humour. The book has the same 'Feel good' jazzy accompaniment, and the short pieces are repeated so they can be performed in a concert with singing, or just as recorder repertoire. There is a Grand Recorder March at the start of the book to inspire the student, and encourage them to move to the beat. An extravagant fanfare celebrates each new note learned, and everyone can 'Take a bow'!"
If that isn't a good enough reason to purchase Ready Steady Recorder then here are 8 more!
It's multi-purpose: from a song that will help children conquer any fear they might have of spiders, to a song that encourages exercise.
It comes with a good dose of magic: 'Thoughts and dreams', 'Buttercups and butterflies' and 'Boating Lake Waltz' are not only really magical, but have a really sophisticated sound that will make young players feel really grown up!
Includes lots of humour: It's amazing how the note 'A' on a recorder fits the word 'pong' perfectly in the song 'Smelly Cheese'.
I can't imagine any young audience that wouldn't want to dance to these songs as well...
...Equally I couldn't imagine any adult/parent not wanting to give these tunes a go themselves. Especially those who played the recorder as a child. Trust me.
Even songs that use only one note manage to sound exciting!
It includes 'Big band' accompaniments: cue piano, xylophone, drums and cymbals adding extra ceremony and excitement to performance tracks to give star quality to young players!
My favourite 'why not...?' tip would have to be the one that suggests playing the recorder to your pet. I'm pleased to report that test subject 'Buster' (who's been known to run from the hoover) was nonplussed (and I'm not nearly as capable a recorderist as those that will be using this super-duper book!)
Verdict
With her impressively catchy songs and equally catchy titles- Sarah's got recorder tutors down to a fine art. Ever upping the fun-factor, Sarah has created songs that children will be eager to learn and will want to play again and again. Here are pieces that somehow manage to stay simple whilst sounding advanced throughout. This book is also parent and teacher friendly- containing nothing that won't be a joy to teach or to listen to!
Ready Steady Recorder is available from all good music shops. A full range of tutors by Sarah Watts is available from all good Music Shops or direct from Kevin Mayhew by phone (+44 (0)845 3881634) or website
Your KM Blogger is Sarah Sibley with fabulous support from Abbie Goldberg!