Things to do · Arts and crafts
Learn the recorder
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The recorder comes in a family of sizes, from sopranino down to bass, and adults play it together in classes, consorts and branch groups. The American Recorder Society calls it a route into early music and group playing.
GentleUnder £100 / $130MonthsIndoorsWith othersUK and US
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From classes to consorts
City Lit in London says its recorder classes take C instruments (descant or soprano, and tenor) and F instruments (sopranino, alto or treble, and bass). Its Recorders return to playing class is for people who have been learning for at least a year. The Society of Recorder Players keeps a list of regular classes, including beginners' groups, though the page was last updated in June 2023, so check with the organiser.
The Society has 49 branches across the UK and Ireland and suggests you try a branch meeting before deciding to join. Its West Riding branch asks that you can sight-read, gives the first session free and plays recorders of all sizes. In the US, the American Recorder Society's general directory lists local chapters, consorts and recorder orchestras.
Ways in compared
| Where | Format | Cost (as last listed) |
|---|---|---|
| City Lit, London | Recorders return to playing; 10 Monday sessions from 11 January 2027; for players learning at least a year | £219 |
| Surrey Arts (Surrey County Council) | One-to-one lessons for adults at any level; recorder among the woodwind instruments | £16.10 for 20 minutes or £23.00 for 30 minutes, per lesson |
| Society of Recorder Players | National membership, 49 branches; branch subscription on top | £30 a year (UK and Ireland); West Riding branch drop-in £8 after a free first session |
| American Recorder Society (US) | Membership; magazine, online music libraries, member directory | $30 new member, first year; $60 renewal |
| Road Scholar, Carmel Valley, California | Seven-day recorder and early music workshop; intermediate to advanced; must play at least one C and one F recorder | From 1,649, no currency shown (October 2027 dates) |
How to start
- Get a recorder and a beginners' tutor book, or find a beginners' class near you on the Society of Recorder Players' list of regular classes.
- Learn to read music as you go; some groups, such as the Society of Recorder Players' West Riding branch, sight-read and do not send the music in advance.
- Try a Society of Recorder Players branch meeting before joining in the UK (West Riding's first session is free), or find a chapter or consort in the American Recorder Society's directory in the US.
Where to go
- Society of Recorder Players: regular recorder classes UK
- Society of Recorder Players: membership and branches UK
- American Recorder Society: chapters, consorts and recorder orchestras US
We opened these links on 10 November 2026 and found them to be what we say. Dates, places and prices are on the official page, where they stay up to date.
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Pick a day, or a month, and we will set out how to get ready, step by step, with a date and a reason for each. Courses and classes have start dates and can fill up, so the plan begins with finding and booking one. Kit comes after the first session, once you know what you need.
Questions people ask
Is the recorder a good instrument for adults to learn?
The American Recorder Society says the recorder spans skill levels from beginner to virtuoso, and its chapters, consorts and recorder orchestras are full of amateurs who play for the joy of it.
Which recorder should an adult beginner start on?
City Lit's classes take C instruments (descant, tenor) and F instruments (sopranino, treble, bass).
How much does it cost to join the Society of Recorder Players?
The main subscription is £30 a year in the UK and Ireland, or £10 if you are under 30 or in full-time education, plus your branch's own subscription.
What is a recorder consort?
A small group playing recorders of different sizes together. The Society of Recorder Players says membership can help consorts with public liability insurance, and the American Recorder Society lists consorts in its directory.
Where this comes from: City Lit, Choosing an instrumental class at City Lit; City Lit, Recorders - return to playing; Society of Recorder Players, Regular classes; Society of Recorder Players, SRP membership; Society of Recorder Players, West Riding branch; Surrey County Council, Music lessons for adults; American Recorder Society, What is the ARS?; American Recorder Society, What are the main ARS groups?; American Recorder Society, Membership levels; Road Scholar, National Recorder/Early Music Workshop. Opened 10 November 2026.
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