How To Play It's Raining On A Recorder

How to Play "It's Raining" on the Recorder: A Comprehensive Guide

Learning to play the recorder can be a rewarding experience, opening up a world of musical possibilities. For beginners, mastering simple songs like "It's Raining" is a fantastic way to build confidence and technique. This comprehensive guide will walk you through playing this popular tune, covering everything from fingering charts to helpful practice tips. We'll break down the process step-by-step, ensuring you can play "It's Raining" beautifully in no time.

Understanding the Recorder and its Fingerings

Before diving into the music, let's familiarize ourselves with the recorder and its fingering system. The recorder is a woodwind instrument, meaning sound is produced by blowing air across a hole. The holes along its body are closed and opened using your fingers, creating different notes. Most beginners start with the soprano recorder, which is a common and relatively easy-to-handle size.

Soprano Recorder Fingerings:

The fingering system for the recorder is relatively intuitive, but understanding the basics is crucial. Each hole closed represents a specific note, creating a unique musical sound. There are various fingering charts available online, but we'll focus on the common fingering system for the soprano recorder. Remember, consistency in your finger placement is key to producing a clear and even tone.

• Open Hole: This generally indicates no finger is covering the hole.
• Closed Hole: Your finger should completely cover the hole to prevent air escaping.
• Half-Hole (sometimes used): This technique involves partially covering a hole, usually producing a slightly altered pitch. This is less common for beginners playing “It’s Raining.”

Common Recorder Issues and Solutions:

• Squeaking: This often happens due to improper embouchure (mouth position) or air pressure. Experiment with slightly altering your lip position and blowing gently but steadily.
• Weak Sound: Insufficient air pressure or a loose embouchure can lead to a weak sound. Ensure you have a firm embouchure and blow with consistent force.
• Inconsistent Tone: Inconsistent finger placement is a common culprit. Practice placing your fingers firmly and evenly on each hole.

Playing "It's Raining" Note by Note

Now, let's tackle "It's Raining." We'll break down the melody note by note, providing fingering guidance for each. This song is typically played in C Major, making it a perfect introductory piece for beginners.

Remember to listen to recordings of "It's Raining" played on the recorder before starting your practice to get a good feel for the rhythm and melody.

Note: The following fingering chart assumes a standard soprano recorder. Fingering can vary slightly depending on the specific recorder model, so experimentation may be necessary to find the optimal fingering for your instrument.

The Melody:

Let's assume a simplified version of "It's Raining" for beginners. We'll focus on the main melody and ignore any complex variations or embellishments.

(Note: The following representation uses standard musical notation. If you're unfamiliar with music notation, you can find numerous online resources that convert musical notation into fingering charts.)

Measure 1: C - D - E - C

• C: All holes open.
• D: Cover only the bottom hole.
• E: Cover the bottom two holes.
• C: All holes open.

Measure 2: G - G - G - E

• G: Cover the top two holes and the hole just below the middle hole.
• G: Repeat fingering for G.
• G: Repeat fingering for G.
• E: Cover the bottom two holes.

Measure 3: C - D - E - C

• C: All holes open.
• D: Cover only the bottom hole.
• E: Cover the bottom two holes.
• C: All holes open.

Measure 4: G - G - G - rest

• G: Cover the top two holes and the hole just below the middle hole.
• G: Repeat fingering for G.
• G: Repeat fingering for G.
• Rest: No sound.

Repeat Measures 1-4 as needed. The song typically repeats several times.

Practice Techniques and Tips for Success

Mastering "It's Raining" (or any song) takes consistent practice and dedication. Here are some crucial tips to improve your playing:

Consistent Breathing:

Good breath control is the foundation of recorder playing. Practice slow, deep breaths before each phrase. Avoid shallow breaths, as they can lead to inconsistent tone and breath support.

Proper Posture:

Sit upright with good posture. A relaxed but attentive posture helps ensure efficient breath control and finger movements.

Accurate Finger Placement:

Precise finger placement is critical for producing clear and accurate notes. Pay close attention to ensuring each hole is fully covered or open as required by the fingering chart.

Listen Critically:

Regularly listen to your playing, comparing it to recordings of "It's Raining" played by experienced recorder players. This will help you identify areas for improvement in your tone, rhythm, and intonation.

Break it Down:

Don't try to learn the whole song at once. Break it down into smaller sections (measures or even individual notes) and master each section before moving on.

Practice Regularly:

Consistency is key. Even short, regular practice sessions (15-20 minutes) are far more effective than infrequent, long sessions.

Record Yourself:

Recording your practice sessions allows you to objectively assess your progress and identify areas needing improvement. Listening back to recordings can be surprisingly revealing.

Find a Teacher (Optional):

Consider taking lessons from a qualified recorder teacher, especially if you're struggling or want more personalized feedback. A teacher can provide valuable guidance and address specific challenges you may face.

Beyond "It's Raining": Expanding Your Recorder Skills

Once you've mastered "It's Raining," you can move on to more challenging pieces. Consider exploring other simple songs in C Major, or gradually expanding your repertoire to include songs in different keys and with more complex rhythms and melodies.

The Importance of Regular Practice and Patience

Learning any musical instrument requires patience and persistence. Don't get discouraged if you don't sound perfect immediately. With consistent practice and dedication, you'll steadily improve your skills and be able to play a wider variety of songs. Remember to enjoy the process, and celebrate your progress along the way! Playing the recorder should be fun! Keep practicing, keep listening, and keep growing as a musician. The rewarding experience of playing "It's Raining" is only the beginning of your musical journey.