Alto Recorder Method, Volume 1

Helmut Monkemeyer's 1960 classic alto method from Moeck Verlag is almost unique in having the player play both "Up" and "Down" from the first lesson - an indispensable skill for the alto recorder player, since solo music is written at pitch ("Up") and a good deal of ensemble music is written in the alto voice range ("Down"), an octave lower than it sounds.

The book moves quickly and requires music-reading ability. It can be used by adults or dedicated younger students, who may benefit from having a teacher guiding them. It includes many purposefully tricky technical passages and may be used as a supplement for other methods, or as an intermediate level after an easier beginner method.

Like Monkemeyer's Soprano Recorder Method, it introduces and explores standard alternate fingerings, as well as options for tuning-based alternate fingerings. No regular fingering chart is included, as each note gets its own fingering diagram as it is introduced, but there is a trill fingering chart. Trills, mordents, and appogiatura are introduced briefly. There are many duets and a few trios, all for alto recorders.

The book may of course be used with sopranino recorders, and it may also be used with the bass recorder reading in treble clef. There is also a separate bass recorder method by Mr. Monkemeyer available (EM2038.)

The Alto Recorder Method Volume 2 is also available - see EM2001MOECK.