Mary Had a Little Lamb is a classic nursery rhyme that is simple to play and fun to perform. This song is a great song for beginners to learn because it is short, easy and quick to memorize. See Step 1 below to get started!
Step
Part 1 of 2: Playing Tones
Step 1. Learn the notes
You only need to learn three notes to play "Mary Had a Little Lamb". The notes are B, A and G. Practice playing these notes separately before you start playing the song.
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Play notes B:
B is the first note most people learn on the flute, as it is one of the easiest notes to play. To play a B note, use your left thumb to close the hole on the back of the flute and use your left index finger to cover the first or topmost hole on the front of the flute. Make sure you completely cover both holes with your fingers.
'Play "Mary Had a Little Lamb" on the Recorder Step 2 -
Play notes A:
To play an A note, use your left thumb to cover the hole on the back of the flute, your left index finger to cover the first hole on the front of the flute and your left middle finger to cover the second hole. Playing this note is basically the same as playing the B note, but with one extra finger.
'Play "Mary Had a Little Lamb" on the Recorder Step 3 -
Play the G notes:
To play a G note, use your left thumb to cover the hole on the back of the flute, your left index finger to cover the first hole on the front of the flute, your left middle finger to cover the second hole and your left ring finger to cover the third hole. Playing this note is basically the same as playing the A note, but with one extra finger.
'Play "Mary Had a Little Lamb" on the Recorder Step 5
Step 2. Play the notes together
After you practice playing the notes B, A and G and you can play it perfectly, you can play the notes together to play "Mary Had a Little Lamb". Here are the notes:
- B A G A
- B B B -
- A A A -
- B B B -
- B A G A
- B B B
- A A B A
- G - - -
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Notes:
A dash (-) is used to indicate that the note should be held for additional counts/beats.
Step 3. Practice
Now that you know which notes to play, all you have to do is practice!
- Practice this song slowly first - playing the notes right is more important than playing the song fast. You will gain speed over time.
- Once you've mastered the song "Mary Had a Little Lamb," you can practice playing other easy songs, such as "Hot Cross Buns" or "Gently Sleep."
Part 2 of 2: Improve Your Game
Step 1. Make sure you hold the flute properly
Place the flute between your lips and balance the flute well between your thumb and fingers.
- Your left hand should be at the end closest to your mouth and your right hand should be at the other end.
- Do not bite the mouthpiece of the flute or allow the mouthpiece of the flute to touch your teeth.
Step 2. Practice the correct blowing technique
How strong or soft you blow on the flute will affect the type of sound produced.
- If you blow too hard, the flute will produce an unpleasant high-pitched sound, so you should try to avoid this.
- Instead, try to blow gently - as if you were blowing bubbles. This will result in a more musical sound.
- Breathe using your diaphragm for an even and steady flow of air. This will help you hold the notes you play longer. Sitting up straight, with your shoulders pulled back will help you maintain good posture as you play.
Step 3. Learn the correct tongue (tonguing) technique
When you play a note on the flute, you should imagine saying the word "doot" or "dud" as you blow it.
- This causes your tongue to move to the roof of your mouth. This technique is known as "tonguing" and provides a clear start and end sound for each note.
- Be careful not to actually say the words as you play, you should only use them as a guide to help you learn the tonguing technique.
Step 4. Take good care of your flute
Taking good care of your flute will keep it in top condition when played.
- Wash your flute with a little warm soapy water, then scrub the mouth of the flute with an old toothbrush. Allow the flute to dry completely before playing it again.
- Store your flute in its box when it is not being played, to protect it from scratches or other damage.
- Do not leave the flute in places where it is exposed to very warm or very cold temperatures, such as in a warm car or next to a radiator.
Tips
- Blow gently.
- Always keep your flute straight and pointing down.
- For more information on how to play the flute, read this article.
- Always take your time, because playing it in a hurry will mess up your game. Never give up or get frustrated by this, just stop, take a deep breath, and keep practicing.
- Your blow is too soft if your flute sounds like a teapot and your blow is too loud if your flute is very high pitched.
Warning
- Always clean your musical instrument.
- The lower the note the softer your blowing, so blow carefully.
