Earlier this month I visited the Nuvo Instrumental office in Beverly, MA. They are creating a line of high-quality pre-band instruments and recorders. These instruments are designed to make wind instruments easier for children to play and learn. I think the applications for students with limb differences, low muscle tone, fine motor challenges, and other … Continue reading Recorder +
Recorder
Renaissance Recorder
If you told me seven years ago that I would play Byrd’s Fantasia 2 in a Renaissance recorder consort, I wouldn’t believe you. But that’s what I did last Monday night! I recently got a Renaissance alto recorder in F, and as it was with my other recorders, it was a group effort to make … Continue reading Renaissance Recorder
Recorder Survey
Two months ago I created a survey to study music teachers’ awareness and use of adaptations for the recorder. I received responses from 193 teachers, the majority of whom live in the United States, and 94.8% of whom teach recorder in their classes. As expected, the recorder is primarily taught at the elementary level. … Continue reading Recorder Survey
I invented something! And you can, too!
About 6 years ago, I created a soprano recorder brace out of a plastic thumb rest, a wooden dowel, a screw, some glue, and some foam. I use this brace today and I made one for my alto recorder, as well. They are not fancy, but they work. After dreaming about doing this for ages, I finally … Continue reading I invented something! And you can, too!
There is a one-handed clarinet!
Guess what! You can play clarinet with one hand! I am so excited to tell you about this new instrument! Peter Worrell, an instrument maker in the UK, has done tremendous work for musicians with limb differences. He recently developed a one-handed clarinet! As you may know from my previous posts, instrument stands are … Continue reading There is a one-handed clarinet!