The recorder is an excellent instrument for beginning musicians, offering a straightforward path to understanding basic music theory and performance. Its simple design allows new players to focus quickly on producing clear tones and learning fundamental melodies. The tune “It’s Raining” is a classic choice for a first piece because it uses only three notes, making it immediately accessible. Learning this simple melody provides a solid foundation before moving on to more complex fingerings and rhythms.
Getting Started: Basic Recorder Technique
Proper physical mechanics are necessary to produce a clear, steady sound from the instrument. Begin by establishing a relaxed posture, either sitting or standing, ensuring the recorder is held slightly away from the body. The standard technique places the left hand toward the mouthpiece, covering the thumb hole and the upper tone holes. This positioning is standard for most soprano recorders and helps establish muscle memory for future pieces.
The most common challenge for new players is achieving a pure tone without squeaking or overblowing. This requires a gentle, consistent stream of air, often described as “warm air” or similar to saying the syllable “doo” into the mouthpiece. Overblowing the instrument causes the air column to vibrate at a higher harmonic, resulting in an undesirable, high-pitched squeak. Ensure that the lips form a light seal around the mouthpiece without biting down on the plastic.
The tone holes must be completely sealed by the pads of the fingers to prevent air leakage, which causes squeaking or a fuzzy tone. Even a small gap will disrupt the acoustic properties, preventing the correct pitch from sounding. Practice covering the holes firmly but without excessive tension. This foundational technique prepares the player to successfully execute the specific fingerings required for the song.
Mastering the Core Notes (B, A, and G)
The melody for “It’s Raining” requires only three distinct pitches, which are among the easiest to produce on the recorder. The note B is the highest of the three and requires the least amount of fingering. To play B, cover the thumb hole on the back of the instrument and the first tone hole with the index finger of the left hand. All other holes remain open, allowing the shortest column of air to vibrate.
Moving down to the note A requires adding one more finger. Maintain the thumb on the back hole and the index finger on the first hole, then add the middle finger of the left hand to cover the second tone hole. This slightly lengthens the vibrating air column, lowering the pitch. Ensure both the first and second holes are fully sealed when transitioning from B to A.
The lowest note needed for the song is G, which requires three fingers plus the thumb. To play G, add the ring finger of the left hand to cover the third tone hole, keeping the thumb, index, and middle fingers in place. This configuration creates the longest air column used in the song. Practicing the smooth transition between these three fingerings is the next step before attempting the full melody.
The Full Song: Note-by-Note Instructions
Once the fingerings for B, A, and G are comfortable, the player can begin assembling the notes into the complete melody. The song is structured in four short phrases, which helps in learning and memorizing the sequence. The first phrase begins with B, followed by A, and then two G notes: B-A-G-G.
The second phrase introduces a slight rhythmic variation and uses only the two higher notes. This section is played as A-B-B-B, with the three B notes held for a slightly longer duration than the preceding A. Focus on maintaining a steady breath stream to keep the tone consistent during the repeated notes.
The third phrase is composed entirely of the note A, played four times in succession: A-A-A-A. This sequence provides an opportunity to practice the stability of the A fingering and the consistency of the breath. The final phrase then brings the melody to a close, returning to the original three notes.
The concluding phrase is played as B-A-G, with the final G note held for a longer duration to signify the end of the song. The full sequence is B-A-G-G | A-B-B-B | A-A-A-A | B-A-G. Execute these transitions smoothly and accurately.
Tips for Practice and Rhythm
Developing a steady rhythm is just as important as mastering the correct fingerings for each note. Begin by practicing the song at a very slow tempo, focusing on the precise moment the fingers lift and cover the holes. This slow practice allows the brain and fingers to synchronize the movements before speed is introduced.
A common issue is the production of an airy or squeaky sound, which stems from either an uneven breath or incomplete hole coverage. If the tone is unstable, check the pressure of the breath and ensure the pads of the fingers are fully sealing the tone holes. The air stream should be gentle enough to avoid overblowing, which causes the high-pitched squeak.
To improve rhythmic accuracy, try tapping your foot or using a metronome set to a slow beat while playing. This external timing mechanism helps internalize the pulse of the music, ensuring that each note is held for the correct duration. Consistent, short practice sessions focused on these elements will quickly refine the performance of the melody.