Blow softly

• Blowing softly with a steady stream of air is one of the most difficult but important techniques as you begin to play recorder

• Use the left hand index finger on the top note (B) with the thumb covering the back hole and blow softly with a "too" sound.

• As you change to a new note, continue to whisper the sound "too" as you blow.  You will feel your tongue stopping the flow of air by touching the back of your upper teeth.  The technique is called "tonguing" and is very important in the early stages of learning recorder.

• To practise blowing softly with good tonguing, use the notes B, A and G in many combinations with a rhythm of 4/4 and at your own pace