1. Be Gentle!!!

2. Be sure all three pieces of your recorder are pushed together, and that the holes on the middle joint are lined up with the “window” on the top joint.

3. LEFT HAND ON TOP: Place your LEFT thumb on the single hole on the back of your recorder, and your LEFT pointer, middle finger, and ring finger on the first three holes in front (from the top).  Your left pinky is never used and should be held in the air.

4. RIGHT HAND ON BOTTOM: Place your RIGHT thumb on the back of your recorder between the 4^th and 5^th holes, and your RIGHT pointer, middle finger, ring finger, and pinky on the bottom four holes (6 & 7 are “double” holes).  You may adjust the bottom joint by twisting it so your pinky can reach.
 
5. Cover the holes lightly but completely with your finger pads (the mushy part of your finger!), like leaving gentle fingerprints.  It is very important to cover each hole completely so no air can escape.  You can check for “imprints” of full circles on your finger pads to be sure.
 
6. Your fingers should come straight in from the sides of the recorder and be just slightly curved.
 
7. Fingers that aren’t being used should be held in the air just above their holes so they are ready to play when needed.
 
8. Sitting up straight, hold your recorder at an angle with your elbows out and your eyes looking forward (not at your fingers).
 
9. RELAX!!!