Email the Author
You can use this page to email Helen Winter about 36 Traditional Native American Songs for Recorder.
About the Book
Flutes are a part of the Native American tradition.
Original instruments have from zero to 7 finger holes, and each flute master designs their own instrument in order to find their own unique sound.
Flutes, along with percussion instruments, were used for ceremonial and healing purposes.
These songs were adapted here for Recorder musical instrument. The most difficult thing about playing Native American songs is their irregular rhythms. It might change several times during a song because rhythm is generally more important than melody. Songs for American tribes are traditionally a method of communicating with their ancestors and supernatural powers. Music is used to help grow a harvest, bring rain, bring victory in battle or cure the sick.
Music is seldom performed for its own sake and as a rule, the tribes tried to repeat sounds which were heard in nature (whispering winds, rain sounds, etc). That is why the rhythm prevailed and words were not so important. Some songs such as ceremonial or medicinal ones often were inspired by dreams. Here you can find traditional songs, handed down from generation to generation
We wrote the note numbers above the notes because our sheet music is aimed at absolute beginners. Just follow numbers and enjoy.
Also, we added a QR code to each song. Follow the link and find this song on YouTube, so that you can listen to the rhythm before beginning to play.
For which recorders are these songs suitable?
These traditional American folk songs can possibly be played on a Soprano recorder, and several songs can be played on an Alto model.
About the Author
I'm an early child development therapist and an early development kids center owner. Additionally, I have authored a comprehensive program that utilizes music, activities, and games to promote early childhood development. I develop teaching materials for early solfeggio designed for various musical instruments, with a specific focus on children or beginner adults. Furthermore, I am keenly interested in exploring folk and ethnic music.