- The recorder is becoming a common learning tool in Grade Four classrooms as schools implement Competency-Based Education.
- Music teachers say the instrument helps learners develop musical skills while laying the foundation for future careers.
- Parents are encouraged to buy quality recorders to support their children’s learning.
All of a sudden, the sounds of children trying to play tunes on the recorder are filling Ururi Midlands Village in Usigu Sub-county, Siaya County. It is a clear sign that music learning is taking root among many Grade Four learners.
Initially, I thought the sounds were coming from mobile phone ringtones. It was not until I met Naftali Ochieng, a Grade Four learner at Nyabondo Comprehensive School, that I sought an explanation.
He clarified that the recorder is one of the learning materials required in the Art, Craft and Music curriculum.
Performing Arts, Craft and Music teacher David Rateng said the curriculum allows Grade Four learners to sing, compose simple melodies, appreciate music by listening to different performances and play simple instruments such as the recorder or flute.
“But the recorder beats them all. It is simply because it is a soprano instrument. It is the standard and affordable instrument used in Kenyan schools,” Rateng said.
He added that the recorder is inexpensive, suitable and ideal for young learners because its size fits their small fingers.
Feeling at home discussing his favourite subject, Rateng explained that the recorder teaches breath control, music note reading and proper finger placement.
“It is indeed one of the most suitable instruments for playing Kenyan folk songs,” he said.
According to Rateng, learners begin with simple songs such as Old MacDonald Had a Farm, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and the Kenyan National Anthem.
“Parents need to buy a recorder because it is a simple soprano-in-C instrument. The plastic Yamaha type is quite pocket-friendly. That is why it is recommended in the CBE curriculum for Grade Four learners,” he said.
He cautioned parents against buying toy recorders because they are often out of tune.
Proper care and future opportunities
Rateng said quality plastic Yamaha-type recorders should come with a cleaning rod and cloth.
He noted that such accessories are especially important because many rural schools are located along dusty roads.
He advised that learners should also have recorder cases or bags and music books for notation practice. Recorders should be cleaned regularly using warm water, while sharing them during flu seasons should be avoided to minimise the spread of infections.
Just as learners write their names on exercise books, Rateng recommended that recorders should also have name tags to prevent them from being mixed up. He added that well-resourced schools should purchase extra recorders to support needy learners.
Surprisingly, the simple recorder serves as an ideal gateway to many other wind instruments that can eventually lead learners towards professional music careers.
Rateng explained that recorder training develops breathing techniques, diaphragm control, steady airflow and tonguing.
“These skills are the same ones required when playing the bassoon, clarinet, flute, trumpet and saxophone, among other instruments,” he said.
He noted that learners who begin with the recorder in Grade Four benefit because it is affordable, requires little maintenance and enables entire classes to perform together like an orchestra.
“It also gives learners confidence,” he added.
Rateng said most learners can master a simple tune within two weeks.
Many school band members begin by playing the recorder in Grade Four before progressing to the clarinet, flute or tin whistle in upper primary.
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“In secondary school, they move on to the clarinet, saxophone and trumpet. These skills open doors to school band scholarships because learners can already read music, maintain good pitch and perform sight-reading,” he said.
By Ochieng Amoto Ndiewo
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Grade Four learners practise playing recorders during a music lesson as schools implement the Competency-Based Education curriculum.
