A good recorder method for kids often decides whether the school start brings joy or frustration. The right book meets the child at their age, matches the fingering system of their recorder and keeps motivation high.
In this guide we compare common beginner books – from a playful start for the youngest to a structured book for group lessons. A method book doesn't replace lessons; it supports them and gives both child and teacher a clear thread to follow.
A playful start for the youngest
Ideal for: Children around 5–6 who can't read yet – lots of pictures, songs and a story
See all Blockflöten - Noten →Structured – available in both fingering systems
Ideal for: Children around 6–7, individual or group lessons, clear progression
See all Blockflöten - Noten →01Which age suits which book?
For pre-school children from about five who can't read confidently yet, books with plenty of pictures, short songs and a framing story work well. Der Blockflötenspatz Band 1 (+CD) für Sopranblockflöte - Schuh, Karin does exactly that – playful, with a CD to play along.
For school children from six or seven, the structure can be tighter: a few notes first, then step by step more, with small pieces to practise. Books like Jede Menge Flötentöne Band 1 (+Online Audio) - Ertl, Barbara or the Blockflötenbox Band 1 (+QR-Code) für Sopranblockflöte - Hellbach, Daniel guide children through the first year at this pace.
02Baroque or German fingering – the key point
This is the point most often overlooked at purchase: the method must match the fingering system of the child's recorder. There are two systems – German fingering (often marked "D") and baroque fingering (English, often "B"). They differ mainly in the fingering for f.
A book in the wrong fingering shows finger charts that don't match the recorder – which confuses child and parents alike. So first check which fingering the recorder uses (usually printed on the recorder or its packaging), then choose the matching book. Some works come in both versions: Von Ton zu Ton Band 1 Sopranblockflöte (deutsches System) - Zahner, Eva-Maria and Von Ton zu Ton Band 1 Sopranblockflöte (barocke Griffweise) - Zahner, Eva-Maria are the same method, one in German and one in baroque fingering.
03Individual or group lessons?
In individual lessons the pace can be tailored to the child – almost any well-built method works. For group or class lessons, a book with a steady pace and many songs to play together is more practical, so everyone keeps up.
Many teachers set a specific book – ask before buying which method and which fingering they use. That way you avoid buying a second book.
| Book | Age | Highlight | Fingering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Der Blockflötenspatz Band 1 | from ~5–6 | playful, with story and CD | baroque |
| Von Ton zu Ton Band 1 | from ~6–7 | clearly structured, solo & group | German or baroque |
| Jede Menge Flötentöne Band 1 | from ~6–7 | many songs, online audio | baroque |
| Blockflötenbox Band 1 | from ~6–7 | modern, QR-code audio | baroque |
04Our recommendation by learning situation
For a young child who can't read yet and should simply enjoy the recorder, Der Blockflötenspatz Band 1 (+CD) für Sopranblockflöte - Schuh, Karin is the natural choice – playful and without pressure.
For a school child in structured lessons we recommend Von Ton zu Ton Band 1 Sopranblockflöte (deutsches System) - Zahner, Eva-Maria (German fingering) or the baroque version Von Ton zu Ton Band 1 Sopranblockflöte (barocke Griffweise) - Zahner, Eva-Maria – depending on the recorder. For a more modern approach, Jede Menge Flötentöne Band 1 (+Online Audio) - Ertl, Barbara and the Blockflötenbox Band 1 (+QR-Code) für Sopranblockflöte - Hellbach, Daniel are well-structured alternatives. You'll find all the books in the Blockflöten - Noten.
For the right timing and choosing the recorder itself, see the article on starting recorder at school.
The right recorder method depends on age, learning situation and above all the recorder's fingering. Check the fingering first, then pick the book that matches your child's pace, and briefly align with the teacher.
Frequently asked questions
From what age does a recorder method make sense?
Baroque or German fingering – which do I need?
Is a method book enough without lessons?
Which method suits group lessons?
Find the right recorder method
Browse our selection of beginner books – sorted by fingering and age.
See all recorder sheet musicDer Blockflötenspatz Band 1Passende Produkte
The Recorder Sparrow Volume 1 (+CD) for soprano recorder - Schuh, Karin
Lots of flute tones Volume 1 (+ online audio) - Ertl, Barbara
Recorder Box Volume 1 (+QR code) for soprano recorder - Hellbach, Daniel
From Note to Note Volume 1 Soprano Recorder (German System) - Zahner, Eva-Maria
From Note to Note Volume 1 Soprano Recorder (Baroque Fingering) - Zahner, Eva-Maria