Recorder Karate is a series of songs that help students improve their recorder skills. It resembles the stages in karate and identifies different "belts" that the students work towards. As students move through the levels they are taught different recorder skills, techniques and improves music reading ability.
The levels are as follows: 1. Hot Cross Buns - White Belt 2. Gently Sleep - Yellow Belt 3. Merrily We Roll Along - Orange Belt 4. It's Raining - Green Belt 5. Old MacDonald Had A Farm - Purple Belt 6, When The Saints Go Marching In - Blue Belt 7. Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star - Red Belt 8. Amazing Grace - Brown Belt 9. Ode To Joy - Black Belt
This is a great way for students to work at their own pace. Students come and practice their music and have a one-on-one test with the teacher to receive the belt. This gives the teacher an opportunity to work with individual students and assess their individual growth.
Philipak, B., & Jennings, P. (2002). Recorder Karate: A Highly Motivational Method For Young Players. Wauwatosa, WI: Plank Road Pub.