20 Easy Songs for the Recorder (Beginner-Friendly Tunes) (2024)

Learning to play an instrument can be a rewarding experience, and the recorder is a great option for beginners.

The recorder is a simple instrument to learn, and it is often used in music education programs.

However, finding easy songs to play on the recorder can be challenging for beginners.

Fortunately, there are many easy songs that beginners can learn to play on the recorder. These songs are often familiar tunes that are easy to play and recognize.

Additionally, many of these songs are available as sheet music or can be found online, making it easy for beginners to find and practice them.

With a little practice, beginners can quickly improve their skills and move on to more challenging pieces.

Hot Cross Buns – Traditional

Hot Cross Buns is a traditional English nursery rhyme and song that has been around for centuries.

It is a popular song for beginner recorder players due to its simple melody and repetitive nature.

The song is typically played in the key of C and requires only three notes: B, A, and G.

The song’s melody is easy to remember and can be learned quickly with practice. It is a great song for beginners to practice their finger placement and breath control.

The song’s repetitive nature also makes it an excellent exercise for developing rhythm and timing.

To help beginners learn the song, below is a table that shows the finger placement for each note:

In addition to the table, beginners may find it helpful to listen to a recording of the song to get a sense of the melody and timing.

There are many recordings available online, including on YouTube and music streaming platforms.

Overall, Hot Cross Buns is an excellent song for beginner recorder players to practice and develop their skills.

With a simple melody and repetitive nature, it is easy to learn and can be played with confidence in no time.

Mary Had a Little Lamb – Traditional

“Mary Had a Little Lamb” is a traditional nursery rhyme that is perfect for beginners learning the recorder.

It is a simple and catchy tune that is easy to play, making it an ideal choice for young children or those who are just starting out.

The melody of “Mary Had a Little Lamb” is only five notes long, making it easy to memorize and play.

The song can be played in the key of C, which is the most common key for the recorder. The notes used in the song are C, D, E, F, and G.

To make learning “Mary Had a Little Lamb” even easier, there are many resources available online that provide sheet music, tutorials, and videos.

These resources can help beginners learn the song quickly and easily.

Overall, “Mary Had a Little Lamb” is a great choice for anyone learning the recorder.

It is simple, fun, and easy to play, making it a great way to build confidence and develop skills.

– Traditional

“Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” is a traditional nursery rhyme that is easy to play on the recorder.

It is a great song for beginners, as it only requires the use of four notes: B, A, G, and E.

The song is typically played using the following fingerings:

To make the song more interesting, beginners can experiment with different rhythms and dynamics.

They can also try adding vibrato or playing the song in different octaves.

Overall, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” is a great song for beginners to learn on the recorder. It is easy to play, yet still fun and enjoyable.

Yankee Doodle – Traditional

Yankee Doodle is a popular traditional American song that is often taught to beginners on the recorder.

It is a simple and catchy tune that is easy to learn and play.

The song dates back to the American Revolutionary War and has become a symbol of American patriotism.

The melody of Yankee Doodle is relatively easy to play on the recorder. It uses only four notes: B, A, G, and E.

The song can be played using the following fingerings:

To make the song more interesting, beginners can experiment with different rhythms and tempos.

They can also try playing the song in different keys or octaves to add variety.

Overall, Yankee Doodle is a great song for beginners to learn on the recorder. It is a fun and easy tune that can be played by anyone, regardless of their skill level.

With a little practice, beginners can master this classic American song and impress their friends and family with their newfound musical abilities.

Ode to Joy – Ludwig van Beethoven

“Ode to Joy” is a popular melody composed by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1824.

The song is a part of his Ninth Symphony and is considered one of the most recognizable and beloved pieces of classical music.

This iconic tune is a great choice for beginners learning to play the recorder. The notes are easy to learn and the melody is simple yet beautiful.

The song is played in the key of D major and only uses six notes.

By practicing this song, beginners can develop their finger dexterity and improve their breath control.

Additionally, playing a well-known piece like “Ode to Joy” can be a confidence booster for new recorder players.

Overall, “Ode to Joy” is an excellent choice for beginners looking for easy songs to play on the recorder.

With its simple melody and limited notes, it is a great starting point for anyone learning to play this instrument.

Jingle Bells – James Lord Pierpont

“Jingle Bells” is a popular Christmas song that is often played on the recorder.

Written by James Lord Pierpont in 1857, it has become a classic holiday tune that is loved by many.

The song is relatively easy to play on the recorder, making it a great choice for beginners. The melody is simple and repetitive, and the notes are easy to memorize.

It is also a good song for practicing breath control and finger placement.

To play “Jingle Bells” on the recorder, you will need to know the notes B, A, G, and E.

The song starts on the note B and moves down to A and G before going back up to A and B. The chorus of the song features the notes G, G, G, G, A, B, C.

Overall, “Jingle Bells” is a fun and festive song that is perfect for the holiday season. It is easy to play on the recorder and is sure to bring joy to anyone who hears it.

Amazing Grace – John Newton

“Amazing Grace” is a popular Christian hymn written by John Newton in the late 18th century.

It is a song that is easy to play on the recorder and is a great choice for beginners.

The song is written in the key of G major, which means that it only uses the notes G, A, B, C, D, and E.

This makes it easy for beginners to play, as they only need to learn a few notes before they can start playing the song.

The melody of “Amazing Grace” is simple and easy to remember, making it a great choice for beginners who are just starting to learn how to play the recorder.

The song also has a slow tempo, which makes it easier for beginners to keep up with the rhythm.

Overall, “Amazing Grace” is a great choice for beginners who are looking for an easy song to play on the recorder.

Its simple melody, slow tempo, and use of only a few notes make it a great song for beginners to start with.

Au Clair de la Lune – Traditional French Folk Song

“Au Clair de la Lune” is a traditional French folk song that has been popular for centuries.

The song is known for its simple melody, making it an ideal choice for beginners learning to play the recorder.

The song’s title translates to “By the Light of the Moon,” and the lyrics tell the story of a man who is locked out of his house and asks his friend to lend him a light to help him find his way.

The song is typically played in the key of C, making it easy to learn and play on the recorder.

The sheet music for “Au Clair de la Lune” is widely available online and can be easily downloaded for free.

To add some variety to the song, players can experiment with different tempos and dynamics.

For example, the song can be played slowly and softly for a more reflective mood, or it can be played quickly and with more energy for a livelier feel.

Overall, “Au Clair de la Lune” is a great choice for beginners learning to play the recorder.

Its simple melody and easy-to-follow sheet music make it a fun and rewarding song to learn.

The Farmer in the Dell – Traditional

“The Farmer in the Dell” is a classic nursery rhyme that is easy to play on the recorder.

This traditional song is a great option for beginners who are just starting to learn how to play the recorder.

The song has a simple melody that is easy to remember and follow. The notes used in the song are within the range of the recorder, making it easy for beginners to play.

To help beginners learn the song, it is recommended to break it down into sections and practice each section separately.

Once each section is mastered, they can be played together to create the full song.

Overall, “The Farmer in the Dell” is a great option for beginners who are looking for an easy song to play on the recorder.

By breaking down the song into sections and practicing each section separately, beginners can quickly learn the song and improve their recorder skills.

London Bridge Is Falling Down – Traditional

“London Bridge Is Falling Down” is a traditional English nursery rhyme that has been passed down through generations.

It is a classic song that is easy to learn and perfect for beginners on the recorder.

The song can be played using only three notes: B, A, and G. This makes it an ideal song for those who are just starting to learn the recorder.

The melody is simple and repetitive, which makes it easy to memorize.

Here is the basic melody for “London Bridge Is Falling Down”:

B A GLondon Bridge is falling down,G A BFalling down, falling down.B A GLondon Bridge is falling down,G A BMy fair lady.

The song can be played at a slow tempo, which allows beginners to focus on their finger placement and breath control.

As they become more comfortable with the song, they can gradually increase the tempo and add their own embellishments.

Overall, “London Bridge Is Falling Down” is a great song for beginners on the recorder.

Its simple melody and repetitive structure make it easy to learn, while its traditional roots make it a timeless classic.

Old MacDonald Had a Farm – Traditional

“Old MacDonald Had a Farm” is a traditional children’s song that is perfect for beginners learning to play the recorder.

The song is easy to play and has a simple melody that can be learned quickly.

The song is played using only four notes: B, A, G, and E. The melody is repetitive, which makes it easy to memorize.

The song can be played in the key of C or F, depending on the preference of the player.

Overall, “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” is an easy and fun song to play on the recorder. It is perfect for beginners who are just learning to play the instrument.

When the Saints Go Marching In – Traditional

“When the Saints Go Marching In” is a traditional gospel song that has been covered by many artists in various genres.

It is a popular tune for beginner recorder players due to its simple melody and easy-to-remember lyrics.

The song is in the key of C major and consists of only four notes: C, D, E, and G.

This makes it an excellent choice for beginners who are still learning how to read sheet music and play their recorder.

To make the song even easier, many beginner recorder books will provide the fingerings for the notes directly on the sheet music.

This can be especially helpful for young children who are just starting to play the recorder.

Overall, “When the Saints Go Marching In” is a great choice for beginner recorder players.

Its simple melody and easy-to-remember lyrics make it a fun and memorable song to play.

Three Blind Mice – Traditional

“Three Blind Mice” is a popular traditional nursery rhyme that has been enjoyed by children for generations.

It is a simple and easy song to play on the recorder, making it a great choice for beginners.

The song is played in the key of C, which means that it uses only the notes C, D, E, F, G, and A. This makes it easy to learn and remember the fingering for each note.

The song is played in 4/4 time, which means there are four beats in each measure. The tempo is moderate, making it easy to keep a steady rhythm.

Overall, “Three Blind Mice” is a great choice for beginners who are just starting to learn how to play the recorder.

It is easy to learn and fun to play, making it a great addition to any beginner’s repertoire.

Row, Row, Row Your Boat – Traditional

“Row, Row, Row Your Boat” is a traditional nursery rhyme that has been enjoyed by children for generations.

It is a simple and easy song to learn on the recorder, making it a great choice for beginners.

The song is played using only three notes: B, A, and G. This makes it easy for children to learn and play, even if they have no prior experience with the recorder.

To help children learn the song, teachers and parents can use visual aids such as finger charts, which show the correct finger placement for each note.

This can help children to memorize the song and play it more confidently.

“Row, Row, Row Your Boat” can also be played as a duet, with one person playing the melody and the other playing the harmony.

This can help children to develop their listening and ensemble skills, as they learn to play together and stay in time with each other.

Overall, “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” is a great choice for children who are just starting to learn the recorder.

It is easy to learn, fun to play, and can help children to develop their musical skills and confidence.

Brahms’ Lullaby – Johannes Brahms

Brahms’ Lullaby is a popular German lullaby that has been enjoyed by generations.

The melody was composed by Johannes Brahms in 1868 and has since become a classic tune for children’s lullabies.

The song is simple and easy to play on the recorder, making it a great choice for beginners.

The piece is written in the key of C and only requires six notes, making it a great way to practice basic fingerings.

To help beginners learn the song, here is a simple table that shows the notes and fingerings needed to play Brahms’ Lullaby on the recorder:

The song is typically played at a slow tempo, making it easy for beginners to keep up.

The melody is repetitive and easy to remember, making it a great choice for young children who are just starting to learn the recorder.

Overall, Brahms’ Lullaby is a great choice for beginners who are looking for an easy and enjoyable song to play on the recorder.

Its simple melody and repetitive structure make it a great way to practice basic fingerings and improve overall technique.

Happy Birthday – Patty and Mildred J. Hill

“Happy Birthday” is one of the most well-known songs in the world and is often played at birthday parties.

The song was written by two sisters, Patty and Mildred J. Hill, in 1893.

Originally, the tune was called “Good Morning to All” and was used as a greeting song in Patty’s kindergarten classroom.

The song is very easy to play on the recorder, making it a great choice for beginners. The melody consists of just six notes, which are all within the range of the recorder.

The notes are B, A, G, B, D, C, with the first B being an octave higher than the second.

To make it even easier, the song can be played using only the notes B, A, and G.

This version is commonly used in schools and is perfect for young children who are just starting to learn the recorder.

Overall, “Happy Birthday” is a great song to learn on the recorder. It’s easy to play, fun to sing along to, and is a great way to celebrate someone’s special day.

The First Noel – Traditional

“The First Noel” is a traditional Christmas carol that is easy to play on the recorder. It is a great song for beginners to practice their fingerings and breath control.

The song has a simple melody that is easy to remember and play.

The song is in the key of G major and uses only five notes: G, A, B, C, and D. The notes are played in a simple, repetitive pattern that makes it easy to learn.

The song can be played using the basic fingerings for the recorder, making it accessible to even the youngest players.

To help beginners learn the song, it is recommended to break it down into smaller sections and practice each section separately.

Once the sections are mastered, they can be combined to play the full song.

Overall, “The First Noel” is a great song for beginners to learn on the recorder. It is easy to play, has a simple melody, and can be played using basic fingerings.

With practice, even the youngest players can master this traditional Christmas carol.

Silent Night – Franz Xaver Gruber

“Silent Night” is a classic Christmas carol that is often played on the recorder due to its simple melody and easy-to-follow rhythm.

The song was composed by Franz Xaver Gruber in 1818 in Austria.

It has been translated into over 140 languages and is one of the most popular Christmas carols worldwide.

The song is written in the key of G major and consists of only three simple chords: G, C, and D.

This makes it an ideal song for beginners who are just starting to learn the recorder.

The melody is easy to memorize, and the rhythm is slow and steady, making it easy to keep pace.

One of the great things about “Silent Night” is that it can be played in various styles, including slow and gentle or upbeat and cheerful.

The song can be played solo or with a group, making it a great choice for classroom performances or family gatherings.

In summary, “Silent Night” is an easy and timeless Christmas carol that is perfect for beginners learning the recorder.

Its simple melody and easy-to-follow rhythm make it an ideal song for those who are just starting out.

Greensleeves – Traditional

“Greensleeves” is a traditional English folk song that dates back to the 16th century.

The song has a simple melody that is easy to play on the recorder, making it a great choice for beginners.

The song is typically played in the key of G major, which means that it can be played using only the notes G, A, B, C, and D.

This makes it a great song for beginners who are just learning to play the recorder.

The song can be played at a slow or moderate tempo, depending on the skill level of the player.

It’s a great song to practice basic recorder techniques like breath control and finger placement.

Overall, “Greensleeves” is a great choice for beginners who are looking for an easy song to play on the recorder.

Its simple melody and easy-to-play notes make it a great way to start learning this beautiful instrument.

Scarborough Fair – Traditional English Ballad

“Scarborough Fair” is a traditional English ballad that is easy to play on the recorder.

It is believed to date back to the 17th century and has been covered by many artists over the years.

The song has a simple melody that is easy to learn and can be played with just a few notes. It is a great choice for beginners who are just starting to learn how to play the recorder.

To play “Scarborough Fair” on the recorder, you will need to know the notes B, A, G, and F. The song can be played in the key of G, which is a common key for recorder music.

One way to make the song more interesting is to add some variation to the rhythm.

You can do this by playing some notes slightly longer or shorter than others, or by adding some rests between notes.

Overall, “Scarborough Fair” is a great choice for beginners who are looking for an easy song to play on the recorder.

With a little practice, you can master this classic English ballad and impress your friends and family with your newfound musical skills.