Recorder Modifications for the General Education Classroom

Photo: Recorders in their class bin with recorder "belts" . Use yarn to create inexpensive, bright belts.

Inclusion in the music classroom is so beneficial for students- but what to do when tasks become too complex for some of our diverse learners? Modifications and scaffolding are an integral part of ensuring that ALL students benefit from class time, and most of the time it's up to us to develop and hone these teaching tools.

Recorder can be a particularly tricky instrument to modify for given the skills required to play: hand/eye coordination, literacy, finger dexterity, breath control and internalization of the beat to name a few. Recorder requires so many skills that can sometimes be difficult for students with special needs. Here are some simple fixes that work for my room that might help these students in yours!

Problem: Students Have Trouble with Remembering Which Hand Goes On Top

Use a sticker to help students remember which hand goes on top! The dollar tree carries small stickers in large packages!  Place the sticker on the right side of the recorder and tell students that they need to be able to see their sticker when they play. If they can't see it, they have the wrong hand on top!

Problem: Students Do Not Have Enough Finger Dexterity to Feel Holes/Completely Cover Holes.

Use hot glue to go around the finger holes and help students "Feel and Seal" the finger holes to prevent leaks- and prevent squeaks. The glue is clear so its not really noticeable. You can also try using corn pads.

Problem: Students Can Not Remember Finger Patterns in Real Time

For these students, I've found that writing the letters next to the holes works most of the time. For the "A" you'll need to write a few different letters, I even include a simplified finger chart right on the recorder. Here is the labeling system that I use:

           B
           A C*D*
           G
 X F#
E
D
C

Problem: Students Can Not/Will Not Control Breath

 Use a mute! Available here these simple mutes will cut the sound down a bit- although they also bring the instrument down a half step. I use these when students have extreme difficulty controlling their breath and it becomes a distraction. We also use them for everyone during group practice. Students can still play and hear themselves... its just not as loud.

The more of the window that is blocked, the lower the volume level will be. Work with students to determine what the best fit will be.

Did you try this activity in your classroom? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
Happy Music Making!
-Mel.