From Prehistoric Times to Your Classroom

Let’s Learn About the Recorder

A member of the woodwind family, the recorder is one of the world’s oldest instruments, dating back to pre-civilization. After experiencing immense popularity in the Renaissance and Baroque eras, the recorder fell out of favor in the 18th century, replaced by other woodwinds in solo and ensemble music. However, the recorder had a revival in the 20th century due to its increasing popularity in elementary music classrooms. Traditionally made of wood, it has a simple design with a straight body and finger holes. This allows for easy playing for all ages and skill levels, making the recorder a beloved instrument for many. Join Ellen Sauer Tanyeri to learn more about the amazing recorder.

Explore the accompanying slides and worksheets to learn more about the recorder.

About the Artist

Ellen Sauer Tanyeri  is a flute and recorder player based in Cleveland, OH, where she has had the pleasure of touring with Apollo’s Fire Baroque Orchestra and performing with other local ensembles. She is also a member of Nuova Pratica, a NYC-based chamber group composing and performing original works in Baroque styles.

Ellen grew up in a musical family in Ann Arbor, MI, where she remained for her undergraduate and master’s studies in flute performance at the University of Michigan. She later earned a Historical Performance degree at The Juilliard School, where she had the chance to play with many esteemed artists in the field including Jed Wentz, Rachel Podger, Masaaki Suzuki, and William Christie.

Ellen is currently earning a PhD in musicology at Case Western Reserve University and working as a research fellow in The Cleveland Orchestra’s archives. A passionate teacher, Ellen enjoys bringing music to new ears and minds, be it as a performer, flute instructor, or music lecturer.