Recorder · First steps · 8 min

First note: B, with Mo

One note, two fingers. Play Mo's "Hel-lo mail!" rhythm on B: short, long, long.

Filled holes are covered. The thumb hole is on the back. Left hand on top.

Steps

Left hand on top. Thumb covers the hole at the back; finger 1 covers the top hole on the front. That's B.
Lips around the tip, no teeth. Breathe out gently and whisper "doo", like warm air on a cold window.
Play B long and soft, counting to four. If it squeaks, blow softer.
Play Mo's rhythm on B: short, long, long ("Hel-lo mail!").
Call and answer: the grown-up sings "Who is this hello for?" and the child answers with three B's.

Hel-lo mail!BBB

For the grown-up

Squeaks mean too much air. "Blow like you're cooling soup, not blowing out candles."

In the reader

Slow Hello Mail! to 75% so the rhythm is easy to match.