If you’re just starting to learn the recorder, playing simple and familiar tunes is a great way to build confidence and improve your skills. In this article, we’ve collected some popular nursery rhymes that are perfect for beginners and children. Each song comes with easy letter notes, making it easy to get started even if you’re new to reading music. Plus, we’ve included links to full song lessons for each song, so you can learn at your own pace. Whether you’re practicing on your own or helping a young musician get started, these songs are a fun way to enjoy playing the recorder!
Finger Charts For the Easy Recorder Songs
Before you start playing the songs on your recorder, you need to familiarize yourself with the notes required. Advanced players may already know this, but beginners will definitely need a reference to see the finger positions for each note. For most of the beginner songs we only need natural notes, for which you can find the finger chart in the picture below.
For a few songs, however, you will need to play altered notes, for which you can find the finger charts in the following image.
You can also get the free PDF printables of all the recorder notes and print them out!
Now that you have a reference to all the recorder notes, let’s start playing our first songs!
1. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is at the top of our list because it’s simply the most popular song for any type of instrumental lesson. Everyone knows the melody and the lyrics. In addition, the melody is very catchy and quite easy to play. You can be sure that children will love it when you play it, and even if a child wants to learn a song on the recorder, this should be one of the first. It requires only a few simple recorder notes, making it perfect for beginners.
Sheet Music & more: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
2. Old MacDonald had a Farm
Old MacDonald Had a Farm is another fantastic choice for beginning recorder players thanks to its simple and repetitive melody, making it easy to pick up and play. The familiar melody helps newcomers practice essential recorder techniques, such as finger placement and smooth transitions between notes. Plus, the song’s playful animal sounds add an element of fun that keeps young learners engaged and turns practice into a fun, interactive experience.
Sheet Music & more: Old MacDonald had a Farm
3. Mary had a little Lamb
Mary Had a Little Lamb is by far one of the easiest recorder songs to learn! You only need to know how to play a few basic notes, which makes this nursery rhyme super beginner friendly. If you struggle to get the notes right for any other song, this is your song. The children’s song also tells a nice story that seems to be based on a true story. It’s a big favorite in preschools and many music classes.
Sheet Music & more: Mary Had a Little Lamb
4. Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday to You may not be a nursery rhyme, but it’s a catchy and simple tune that’s perfect for learning to play the recorder. As one of the most popular songs in the English-speaking world, its familiar melody makes it easy for beginners to pick up. Its short length and straightforward notes make it an ideal choice for those just starting out on the recorder, earning it a well-deserved spot on our list of easy songs for kids to learn.
Sheet Music & more: Happy Birthday to You
5. Row Row Row your boat
Row, Row, Row Your Boa may not be the most famous nursery rhyme, but it’s a fantastic choice for young beginners learning the recorder. Its short, simple structure makes it an ideal song to master in a single practice session. The repetitive nature of the melody, especially the lively “merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily” section, provides a fun challenge for kids, helping them work on faster note transitions while keeping them engaged and entertained. It’s a great way to build confidence and develop important recorder skills early on.
Sheet Music & more: Row Row Row Your Boat
6. Yankee Doodle
Yankee Doodle is a classic American patriotic song with roots dating back to the Revolutionary War. Originally used by the British to mock the untrained colonial “Yankees,” Americans eventually adopted the song as a symbol of pride and resilience. Today, Yankee Doodle is not only a popular national anthem, it’s also a great choice for beginning recorder players. Its lively and straightforward melody makes it perfect for new players who want to practice their fingerwork while connecting with a piece of history.
Sheet Music & more: Yankee Doodle
7. ingle Bells
Is Christmas fast approaching? Then you should get ready by learning some nice Christmas carols on the recorder. Jingle Bells is one of the most recognizable holiday songs Its lively and joyful melody makes it an excellent choice for beginning recorder players. The song’s repetitive and straightforward notes are easy to grasp, allowing new players to practice essential techniques such as smooth transitions and breath control. Plus, the upbeat rhythm and familiar melody keep learning fun and engaging, making Jingle Bells a nice song to add to your holiday repertoire while building confidence on the recorder.
Sheet Music & more: Jingle Bells
8. Silent Night
Another very popular carol is Silent Night, which is at least as timeless as Jingle Bells holiday. Its slow tempo and simple, flowing notes allow new students to focus on mastering breath control and finger placement without feeling rushed. The peaceful nature of the song makes it an excellent piece for practicing smooth transitions between notes. As one of the most popular Christmas carols, Silent Night not only helps build basic recorder skills, but also provides a beautiful and soothing melody to enjoy during the holiday season.
Sheet Music & more: Silent Night
