The recorder is an excellent beginner instrument for young children because it’s simple to play and easy to handle. Many parents encourage their kids to try piano or violin but often overlook the recorder, despite its accessibility and affordability. And also parents can enjoy playing the recorder for their children. While bedtime stories are a cherished tradition, playing a gentle tune can create a calming and unique way to end the day.
Nursery rhymes are ideal for beginners since they are short, easy to follow, and often familiar. Before diving into songs, a child learning the recorder should first practice proper hand placement, breath control, and basic notes. These fundamentals help build confidence and make learning more enjoyable.
Basic Recorder Notes
Before you start learning and playing some new songs, you should be familiar with the recorder notes we will be using. Below are all the basic recorder notes with the fingering positions. You can also get these recorder note charts as a PDF to print out.
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star is one of the most beloved lullabies in the U.S. and a favorite among young children. Its melody actually originates from the French tune “Ah! vous dirai-je, maman” while the lyrics come from the poem “The Star.”
On the recorder, this song is an excellent piece for beginners to practice breath control and smooth note transitions. While it involves a slightly wider range of notes compared to some simpler nursery rhymes, it’s still easy to learn and rewarding to play. Whether for a child learning their first song or a parent playing a soothing bedtime melody, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star is a wonderful choice. Visit our recorder lesson to learn get all details about Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
Recorder Notes for Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Here are the recorder notes for the song. You need the notes C, G, A, F, E and D.
Baa Baa Black Sheep
Baa Baa Black Sheep is a simple and well-known nursery rhyme that shares its melody with Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and The ABC Song. It’s easy to recognize, making it a great choice for beginners learning the recorder.
This song uses just a few basic notes, making it an excellent way to practice finger placement and breath control. Since these notes appear in many other beginner tunes, learning Baa Baa Black Sheep helps build a strong foundation for playing more songs on the recorder. Visit our lesson page to learn Baa Baa Black Sheep on the recorder.
Recorder Notes for Baa Baa Black Sheep
Here are the recorder notes for Baa Baa Black Sheep. You need the following ones: C, G, A, F, E, D
Happy Birthday To You
Happy Birthday to You was originally a nursery rhyme called Good Morning to All, written by two American kindergarten teachers. Over time, the lyrics changed and the song became one of the most recognizable tunes in the world.
If you play an instrument, this is a must, and the recorder is a great way to learn it. The melody is simple and easy to learn, making it perfect for beginners. Imagine the joy of playing it for a friend or family member on their special day – a fun and meaningful way to celebrate! Visit also our lesson page to learn more about Happy Birthday To You.
Recorder Notes for Happy Birthday To You
In order to play Happy Birthday To You on the recorder you need the notes D, E, G, F#, A, D’ and B.
Old MacDonald Had a Farm
Old MacDonald Had a Farm is a classic nursery rhyme loved by preschoolers and school-aged children alike. Its fun, repetitive lyrics make it especially engaging, as kids enjoy adding different animal sounds to the song.
Though the tune has been around for a long time and evolved over the years, it remains popular worldwide, even as a tool for teaching English. On the recorder, the simple melody makes it a great beginner piece. With endless possibilities for new verses, it’s a song that never gets old! Check out our detailed page about Old MacDonald for the recorder.
Recorder Notes for Old MacDonald Had A Farm
Here are the ukulele chords for Old MacDonald: G, D, E, B, A
Mary Had a Little Lamb
Mary Had a Little Lamb is my favorite beginner’s song for the recorder, thanks to its simple melody, which requires only a few notes! With just a few basic notes, it’s easy to pick up and helps new players focus on breath control and finger placement.
The repetitive melody makes it great for practicing rhythm and memorization. Mastering this song on the recorder builds confidence and lays the foundation for learning more challenging pieces. As it’s one of the easiest tunes to play, it’s a perfect starting point for young learners. Visit our lesson page to learn Mary Had a Little Lamb on the recorder.
Recorder Notes for Mary Had a Little Lamb
Here are the recorder notes for Mary Had a Little Lamb. You only need the notes E, D, C and G.
Yankee Doodle
Yankee Doodle is very popular tune, especially in the United States since it’s not only a nursery rhyme but also used as a patriotic song. It’s not the easiest beginner’s song on the recorder but definitely a great one to learn when you already have master your first pieces. Visit our lesson page to learn Yankee Doodle.
Recorder Notes for Yankee Doodle
You need quite a few notes for the song: C’, D’, E’, G, B, F’, A, F, E.
Row Row Row Your Boat
Row, Row, Row Your Boat is another nice beginner song to learn on the recorder, especially for young children. Its simple melody and slow, steady rhythm make it an ideal first tune for practicing breath control and finger coordination.
The song’s repetitive structure helps with memorization and timing, making it easier to play smoothly. Learning Row, Row, Row Your Boat on the recorder is a fun and rewarding way to build confidence before moving on to more challenging melodies. Plus, its round-style singing makes it perfect for group play, adding an extra layer of musical enjoyment! Visit our lesson page to learn Row, Row, Row your Boat.
Recorder Notes for Row Row Row Your Boat
For the the song Row, Row, Row your Boat you need the notes C, D, E, F, G and C’. Here are the lyrics of the song with the notes:
Amazing Grace
If you are looking for more than just a nursery rhyme, but still want a song that is easy to play, we recommend Amazing Grace. It’s a very popular song that everyone knows. It’s quite simple, short and easy to play on the recorder. Make sure to check out also lesson page on Amazing Grace.
Recorder Notes for Amazing Grace
For the the song Amazing Grace you need the notes D, G, B, A, E, D’. Here are the lyrics of the song with the chords:
