What is Recorder Karate?

Recorder karate is a self-paced motivational learning method for young recorder players. It enables students to learn basic techniques of wind instruments using nine songs that grow in complexity with each song. Students earn a belt, similar to those given for passing karate assessments, with each song that they learn.

Each student gets a packet of nine songs and is required to learn one song after another without skipping. When the student demonstrates that he or she is able to play a song, he or she receives the belt and ties it to the end of the recorder and starts working on the next song in line. Acquiring these belts normally motivates the students to work hard in order to get more belts.