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30 Easy Recorder Songs for Beginners (With Videos)

November 27, 2022
Easy Recorder Songs

While learning an instrument and choosing which type to learn can be overwhelming, the recorder is a great place to start!

Recorders are one of the easiest instruments to play. 

They’re also a lot of fun! There’s a whole world of songs out there, but I picked thirty easy recorder songs to get you started.

Enjoy and happy learning!

Table of Contents

1. “Happy Birthday” by Patty & Mildred Hill

The “Happy Birthday to You” song is one of the most popular and well-known songs in the world. 

The song was written by Patty & Mildred Hill in 1893, and it has been sung at birthday parties for over a century. 

The melody is simple and easy to remember, making it a perfect song for beginners to play on the recorder.

2. “Baby Shark” by Pinkfong

Since its release in 2016, “Baby Shark” by Pinkfong has taken the world by storm. 

The catchy tune and easy-to-follow dance moves have made it a favourite among kids and adults alike. 

Best of all, it’s easy to play on the recorder!

3. “Hot Cross Buns” by Unknown

This song is perfect for beginners because it only uses the notes B, A, and G.  

Hot Cross Buns” is a simple and fun song to play on the recorder. 

This nursery rhyme dates back to the 18th century and is still a popular choice for young children today. 

The lyrics are easy to follow, and the melody is cheerful and catchy.

4. “Soft Kitty/Warm Kitty” by Edith Newlin

“Soft Kitty/Warm Kitty” is a simple, yet catchy song that is perfect for beginners to play on the recorder. 

The lyrics are easy to follow and the melody is very straightforward. 

This song is also great for young children, as it is short and sweet.

5. “Amazing Grace” by John Newton

John Newton’s “Amazing Grace” is one of the most popular and well-known songs in the world. 

The song has been covered by countless artists and has been used in movies, television shows, and commercials. 

The song is simple to play on the recorder and only requires a few notes.

6. “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” by Thomas d’Urfey

“Old MacDonald had a Farm” is a classic children’s song that is perfect for beginners to learn on the recorder. 

This simple song only uses a few notes, making it easy to learn and play. 

Plus, its appealing tune is sure to get stuck in your head!

7. “Mary Had a Little Lamb” by Sarah Josepha Hale

Sarah Josepha Hale was an American writer and editor who is best known for her children’s poem “Mary Had a Little Lamb”. 

The poem was first published in 1830 and quickly became a nursery rhyme favourite. 

“Mary Had a Little Lamb” is a simple song that can be easily learned by young children. 

The tune is also easy to play on the recorder.

8. “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” by Eliphalet Oram Lyte

“Row, Row, Row Your Boat” is a classic nursery rhyme that is perfect for beginning recorder players. 

This simple song only uses a few notes, making it easy to learn and play. 

Plus, the catchy tune is sure to please young kids (and adults!) alike.

9. “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” by Jane Taylor

The classic children’s song “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” is a favourite among many recorder players.

The simple melody and lyrics make it a perfect choice for beginners. 

10. “Bingo Was His Name-O” by Unknown

“Bingo Was His Name-O” is a traditional children’s song that is perfect for the recorder. 

This tune is easy to follow and has a melody that will keep kids engaged. 

The lyrics are also simple, making this an ideal choice for younger kids or those just learning to play the recorder.

11. “Frère Jacques” by Jean-Philippe Rameau

“Frère Jacques” by Jean-Philippe Rameau is a popular French folk song that is often sung by children. 

The song is about a brother who is called upon to wake up and ring the bell. 

The lyrics are simple and repetitive, making it an ideal song for beginners to play on the recorder. 

12. “When the Saints Go Marching In” by Unknown

Today, “When the Saints Go Marching In” is one of the most recognizable and beloved songs in America, and it continues to be played at funerals, parades, and other special occasions all over the country.

13. “Gently Sleep” by Johannes Brahms

The recorder is a delightful musical instrument that’s easy to learn and play. 

“Gently Sleep” by Johannes Brahms is a beautiful, simple song that’s perfect for beginners.

14. “The Twelve Days of Christmas” by Frederic Austin

The Twelve Days of Christmas is a traditional English carol that was first published in 1780. 

The carol tells the story of a young boy who receives twelve gifts from his true love on the twelve days of Christmas. 

“The Twelve Days of Christmas” is one of the most popular Christmas songs & carols and is often sung by children around the world. 

The tune is easy to learn, making it an ideal song to play on the recorder.

15. “Silent Night” by Franz Xaver Gruber & Josef Mohr

“Silent Night” is a Christmas carol composed by Franz Xaver Gruber and Josef Mohr in 1818. 

The carol was first performed on Christmas Eve of that year in the little Austrian village of Oberndorf bei Salzburg. 

It has been translated into many languages and is one of the most popular Christmas carols in the world.

16. “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” by Arthur Warrell

One of the most popular songs during Christmas is “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”. 

This song is often heard played on the recorder. 

If you are looking for an easy song to play on the recorder, then this is the perfect choice.

17. “Jingle Bells” by James Pierpoint

“Jingle Bells” is a popular Christmas song that’s easy to play on the recorder. 

The melody is simple and catchy, making it a great choice for beginners.

And since it’s such a well-known tune, everyone will be able to sing along while you play.

18. “Las Mañanitas” by lfonso Esparza Oteo

“Las Mañanitas” is a traditional Mexican song typically sung to celebrate a person’s birthday. 

The song is also sometimes sung at other special occasions, such as weddings or baptisms.

The lyrics of “Las Mañanitas” are very simple and repetitive, making it an ideal song for beginners to learn.

19. “Cielito Lindo” by Quirino Mendoza y Cortés

“Cielito Lindo” is a Mexican folk song written by Quirino Mendoza y Cortés. 

The song is about a beautiful woman who is compared to the stars and the moon. 

The lyrics are written in Spanish, but the melody is simple and easy to play on the recorder.

20. “Rain, Rain Go Away” by John Carter, Ken Lewis and Perry Ford 

“The rain, rain go away” song is a children’s song that is perfect for beginners to play on the recorder. 

This song only uses four notes (B, A, G, and E), so it’s perfect for those just starting out. 

Plus, the lyrics are easy to remember.

21. “Rock-a-Bye Baby” by James Hook

“Rock-a-Bye Baby” is a popular nursery rhyme by James Hook. 

It is often sung to infants as a lullaby. 

The lyrics tell the story of a baby being rocked to sleep in a cradle. 

Rock-a-Bye Baby is a perfect song to teach young children about melodies and rhythm.

22. “Morning Mood” by Edvard Grieg

“Morning Mood” by Edvard Grieg is a famous song that is often played on the recorder. 

The song is easy to play and has a captivating melody that will keep you entertained.

23. “Pop Goes the Weasel” by Miller and Beacham

The nursery rhyme “Pop Goes the Weasel” is a popular choice for recorder players of all levels.

This arrangement by Miller and Beacham is perfect for beginners, as it uses only simple notes and rhythms.

The melody is easy to follow, making it a great piece for those just starting out on the instrument.

24. “Oh My Darling, Clementine” by Percy Montross

“Oh My Darling, Clementine” is a classic American folk song that is perfect for beginning recorder players. 

The melody and lyrics make it easy to learn, and the attractive tune will stick in your head for days!

25. “This Little Light of Mine” by Harry Dixon Loes

“This Little Light of Mine” is a traditional song that has been passed down for generations.

It is a basic song to play on the recorder and only requires a few notes. 

This makes it perfect for beginners who are just learning how to play the instrument.

26. “London Bridge is Falling Down” by Unknown

Whether you’re looking to teach your child the recorder or simply want to add a new song to your repertoire, “London Bridge is Falling Down” is a great option. 

To help you get started, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to play this tune on the recorder.

27. “Yankee Doodle” by Unknown

The song has a long history, and it has been performed by many different artists over the years. 

The tune of “Yankee Doodle” is thought to be derived from a British marching tune called “Theadelphia.” 

The lyrics of “Yankee Doodle” are believed to have been written by an American doctor during the Revolutionary War.

28. “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” by Albert Von Tilzer

As the unofficial anthem of baseball, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” is a song that is known and loved by many. 

Written in 1908 by Albert Von Tilzer, the song has become a staple at baseball games across the country. 

Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or just looking for an easy song to play on your recorder, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” is a great choice.

29. “Pomp & Circumstance” by Sir Edward Elgar

“Pomp & Circumstance” by Sir Edward Elgar is a well-known piece of classical music that is often associated with graduation. 

The piece was originally written for a military march but has since been adapted for use in many different settings. 

The pomp and circumstance of the title refer to the grandiose and formal nature of the music, which makes it an ideal choice for a graduation ceremony.

30. “The Wedding March” by Felix Mendelssohn

“The Wedding March” by Felix Mendelssohn is one of the most popular and well-known pieces of classical music. 

The piece was composed in 1842 and is often played at wedding ceremonies. 

The piece is in 3/4 time and has a moderate tempo. It is written in the key of C major.

Easy Recorder Songs – Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed our list of easy songs to play on the recorder. 

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been playing for a while, these songs are sure to get your toes tapping. 

If you’re looking for more challenge, try moving up to intermediate or advanced level recorder songs. 

Whatever your skill level, keep practising and enjoy making music!

Will Fenton

Will, the founder of MIDDER, is a multifaceted individual with a deep passion for music and personal finance. As a self-proclaimed music and personal finance geek, he has a keen eye for futuristic technologies, especially those that empower creators and the public.

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