Recorder Method Books

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Recorder Method Books

• Soprano Reorder in the Music Classroom A
  Comparative Analysis of Recorder Method Books for
  the Beginning Recorder Student
• Danielle C. Economy

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Introduction
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The Soprano Recorder

• The soprano recorder is great to use because
• generally inexpensive
• easily transportable
• easy to play (sort of)
• traditional

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Why RECORDER?

• Students may use Orff, Boomwhackers, and other
  UPP in the classroom why recorder?
• Absolute note names
• Play an instrument (students dont consider Orff
  instrumentarium to be instruments)
• Practice reading standard notation
• Introduction of unknown rhythms
• Preparation for band?

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How recorder is taught in a general music setting

• 3-5th grades
• rote, improvisation?
• method book?
• Combination?

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Recorder Method Books

• Variety of recorder method books available
• Some are modeled after the beginning recorder
  books or a methodology
• Options?
• Personal experience

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Purpose of studyNeed of study

• The purpose of this study is to provide a content
  analysis of beginning recorder books.
• Need for study resource for teachers

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Questions explored

• Do beginning recorder books introduce rhythms and
  notes in the same sequence?
• Do all beginning recorder books use the same
  range and variety of literature?
• What types of notation do beginning recorder
  books use?

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Limitations

• Though there are many beginning recorder books,
  this analysis focuses on just these recorder
  books. Any conclusions drawn from this study
  (e.g. rhythm sequences used) only refers to the
  books analyzed for this study.

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Related Literature
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Related Literature

• Hash (2011)
• Byo (1980)
• Hawkins (2007)
• Sheldon, Reese, and Grashel (1999)

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Methodology
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Methodology

• This study is a content analysis of the following
  recorder books
• 1) Essential Elements Book 1 Recorder
• 2) Do it! Play Recorder Volume 1 by James
  Froseth
• 3) Complete Recorder Book by Denise Gagne
• 4) My Recorder Book by Sandy Feldstein
• 5) Recorder Excellence (Standard of Excellence)
• 6) Recorder Express by Artie Almeida

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Data Collection and Analysis

1. Analysis of rhythm sequences and note sequences
2. Aesthetic qualities/other content areas
3. Rate in which new concepts are introduced
4. Range and variety of material
5. Supplemental resources

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1) Analysis of rhythm sequences and note sequences
Example Book 1
Notes (measure number) Rhythm sequence (measure number)
B (m. 1) quarter note (m. 1) eighth notes (m. 1) quarter rest (m. 5)
A (m. 6) half note (m. 6) half rest (m. 14)
G (m. 15) whole note (m. 17) whole rest (m. 19)
E, (m. 27) Split eigths (m. 26)
D, (m. 39) Tie (m. 40)
C (m. 55) D (m. 55) none
 
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2) Aesthetic qualities/ Other content areas
(sample) Book 1 Book 2 Book 3 Book 4 Book 5 Book 6
of pages 30
of measures 353
Clarity of pages GOOD
Fingering chart NO
Explanation of new material notes YES
Explanation of new material rhythms NO
Explanation of new material other concepts NO
Counting System NUMBER SYSTEM
Glossary of Terms NO
Instrument care NO
Reproducible NO
Teacher Manual YES
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3) Rate in which new concepts are introduced

• Narrative description for each book

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4) Range and Variety of Material

• Folk Songs (American)
• Folk Songs (multi-cultural)
• Holiday
• Original composition
• Other (popular)

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5) Supplemental Resources
SAMPLE Book 1 Book 2 Book 3 Book 4 Book 5 Book 6
Orff Arrangements SOME
CD accompaniment YES
Piano accompaniment YES
Powerpoints NO
Interactive White Board Features NO
Video/DVD features NO
Online resources NO
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Questions?