Co-Published: BeYourArt.com and The North Shoreian Magazine, The Romantic North Shore Issue, Volume 2, Issue 1, Practicalities of the Surviving Artist, January/February 2009. Written by Joseph Shortsle.

Photo by Irwin Bedell

I’m writing this for everyone who wants to play music, and especially for those who used to play but gave it up to focus on other things.  Making music is fun and satisfying, but it can be a daunting prospect starting out.  Assuming you can already read music at a basic level, major concerns are usually the cost of buying an instrument, deciding whether or not to take lessons, and finding opportunities to play the music that you enjoy.  If these concerns are what are stopping you from pursuing music, either as a hobby or more seriously, I suggest you consider learning to play the recorder.

I understand that the recorder carries with it a certain stigma – most of us recall the terrible screeching and whistling that was part of our elementary school musical education.  The recorder is ideal as a beginning instrument because the fundamentals of the instrument are easy to grasp.  That’s not to say that the recorder is a “simple” instrument.  It is just as nuanced and faceted as many of our modern instruments and an expansive repertoire of both solo and ensemble works has been written for the instrument.  Recorders are far more affordable that most student instruments, as well.  You can pick up a good set of plastic Yamaha recorders (called a consort and comprised of a soprano, alto, tenor, and bass recorder) for what you might expect to pay for a decent trumpet or clarinet.

There’s another reason for my suggesting the recorder, too.  Long Island is home to many local and amateur ensembles, including a chapter of the American Recorder Society.  RSLI, the Recorder Society of Long Island, “consists of a group of music-loving recorder players of all ages and levels, ranging from beginner to advanced,” according to Margaret Brown, former President of RSLI.  The musical director is Rachel Begley, but each month features a different guest conductor.  Ms. Begley is a professional recorder artist who holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in recorder and early music from SUNY, Stony Brook.  RSLI has been in existence since the 1970′s and currently counts around 30 full-time members that, “represent a broad spectrum of careers and professions … includ[ing] teachers, physicians, scientists, homemakers, lawyers, information technology people, college professors, and artists.”

Music does not have to be a full-time profession.  You can add a little music to your life with a modest financial investment and a little practice at home.  Dues for the American Recorder Society are $40 per year and RSLI charges $10 per session as a playing fee (which compensates the guest conductors for their time).  Visitors and new-comers are invited to play “for free” on their first visit.  The RSLI meets once a month and is invaluable both for guidance (ask to be paired with a mentor if you’re feeling unsure of yourself) and for being able to play with a full ensemble.  I can speak from experience that RSLI‘s members are welcoming, generous, and genuinely want you to succeed.

Exploring music is a worthwhile and fulfilling activity.  Don’t be afraid to test the waters!  Inquire about affordable lessons at your local music store or college campus, check online for affordable instruments, and check the bulletin boards at libraries and community centers for beginner’s courses.  If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to play music casually, or if you’ve been looking for opportunities to play early music repertoire, I urge to you to go www.rsli.info and contact RSLI.  You’ll find that Long Island is home to a wonderful and supportive group of musicians who “just like to have fun playing together.”

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