When we picture recorders in the music classroom, most of us imagine students playing in unison on soprano recorder. But the moment you introduce alto, tenor, or bass recorders, the entire room shifts—students sit up, gasp, and whisper a collective “WOW!” This is often where a simple recorder unit transforms into a true recorder ensemble experience.

After students learn soprano recorder, many teachers expand into alto recorder or introduce mixed-voice recorder consorts. While hand size matters, you’ll occasionally have students who can manage left-hand notes on a tenor recorder—and of course, you can model on tenor or bass yourself. When students see and hear these larger instruments, their curiosity skyrockets.

Recorder consorts aren’t limited to classrooms, either. You might even spark interest in forming an adult recorder ensemble at your school, church, or local music educator chapter.

One great example comes from my Cleveland Orff chapter colleague, Deb Suthard, who taught for 36 years. In her middle school elective, each student received their own recorder consort (sopranino, soprano, alto, and tenor). “Playing, performing, touring with the Consort gave these young players an insight into a unique frame of history and how music can mark magical moments and celebrations,” Deb shared.

Why I Love the MIE Consort Recorders

What I love about the MIE Consort Series is how solid and beautifully made they feel in your hands. The matte black finish is really nice, but the real magic is in the way they play. the arched windway (very much like my favorite MIE 205 soprano!) gives you a clear, warm tone that stays consistent from low notes to high. The soprano model has noticeably improved intonation, and every instrument in the line blends well, which is so important when you’re building a true consort sound.  

For teachers wanting to introduce students (or adults!) to the full recorder family, this line offers impressive quality without the high-end price tag.

Why Teach Recorder Consorts?

Recorder consorts offer meaningful musical growth for elementary and middle school students:

Harmonic Awareness

Part-playing helps students internalize harmony, chord structure, and bass support.

Ensemble Skills

Learners practice balance, blend, phrasing, and following a conductor—or each other.

Instrument Exploration

Larger recorders introduce new challenges: breath control, embouchure, and fingering differences.

Historical & Cultural Context

Recorder consorts date back to Renaissance and Baroque traditions, providing a window into early music.

How to Get Started With Recorder Consorts

Introduce Larger Recorders Gradually

• • Alto recorder is in F—fingerings differ from soprano. You can teach new fingerings or notate “what they play” instead of the concert pitch.
  • Tenor recorder is in C and shares basic fingerings with soprano, though hand-span may limit low notes. Some students can still play B-A-G successfully.

Select Repertoire Wisely

Start with simple two-part pieces, then expand to three and four part arrangements. Renaissance dances, rounds, and folk tunes are excellent early choices. 

Try pieces like:

• • Allemande (Susato)
  • Packington’s Pound

Encourage Listening, Balance & Awareness

Model how to identify melody, harmony, and bass lines. This clarity builds true ensemble thinking.

Ask questions:

• • Who has the main theme?
  • Who supports with harmony?
  • Who carries rhythmic structure?

Make It Engaging

 These creative touches build ownership and excitement.

• • Rotate instruments so students try different roles.
  • Add movement or percussion for phrasing.
  • Share historical context—maybe even stage a “Renaissance court” performance day.

Final Thoughts

Introducing recorder consorts elevates the recorder from a beginning instrument to a rich ensemble experience. With thoughtful repertoire, clear listening goals, and the right instruments, your students will discover the warm, full sound of a recorder ensemble—and the joy of making music together.

Are you using recorder consorts in your classroom? Share your favorite pieces, teaching strategies, or challenges in the comments!