The familiar sound of the recorder—once a staple of elementary school music education—has begun to fade from British classrooms. This woodwind instrument, known for its thumb hole, seven finger holes, and unmistakable sound when played en masse by children, is seeing a significant drop in usage. According to a new report from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music in the United Kingdom, fewer children are now learning to play the recorder.
Essel Linton, a music teacher based in Annandale, Virginia, notes that this trend isn’t limited to the UK. The decline has also been observed in American schools. Linton points to the COVID-19 pandemic as a major factor in the shift. During the height of the pandemic, wind instruments, which require students to blow air into them, were considered high-risk due to concerns over airborne transmission of the virus. As a result, many educators turned to safer alternatives.
In Linton’s case, the ukulele became a preferred substitute, while others turned to digital technology for teaching music. Despite this necessary change, Linton reintroduced the recorder to her third-grade students two years ago. She observed that while the instrument remains beloved among students, many now have additional musical opportunities, which may contribute to the noticeable decline in recorder use.
Linton still sees unique value in the recorder, emphasizing its affordability and accessibility. She points out that a decent plastic recorder can cost under $10, making it an economical choice for schools and families alike. Its portability and the ease with which students can learn basic melodies are also major advantages. Songs like “Hot Cross Buns,” which only require three pitches, are among the first tunes students typically master, sharing melodies with other simple classics like “Three Blind Mice.”
Although often associated with early music education, the recorder has a rich legacy. Many great composers, including Johann Sebastian Bach, composed works specifically for the instrument. As part of her own musical journey, Linton played in a recorder ensemble during her youth in South Korea, underscoring the recorder’s broader musical relevance beyond elementary classrooms.
Despite the challenges and occasional off-key renditions that come with teaching beginners, Linton maintains a deep appreciation for the instrument. She admits to mentally preparing herself before introducing the recorder to third graders, yet delights in watching students develop their skills. For her, the recorder remains an invaluable gateway to other wind instruments like the clarinet and trumpet, and she believes with the right practice and breath control, anyone can continue playing it well beyond childhood.
