Recorder31 2026 | Preview

The Early Music Shop presents...

Coming soon • 1-31 August 2026

Returning for its seventh annual edition, Recorder31 is the place to be for recorder fans throughout August. We'll have an exclusive treat for you every day of the month and whether you are looking to further your knowledge, discover new music, or purchase your next recorder, you're invited to join us for the ride.

Top Promotions – if you're looking to purchase a recorder, this is the ideal time! Every weekend during Recorder31, we'll have exclusive offers on instruments from across our catalogue. This year, we're grouping instruments slightly differently, so keep your eyes peeled for our Handmade, Bestsellers, Entry-Level and Modern Recorders – and of course, our famous Recorder31 Finale will offer best-ever prices on selected instruments!

Competitions – your chance to win some fantastic instruments as donated by our suppliers (Mollenhauer, Kunath, Moeck and more!). Get your recorders ready to take part in competitions with themes on Dowland, Van Eyck, Ensembles and Beginners – check back every Monday for the week's theme and rules!

Side-By-SIde Interviews – returning for its third series, our podcast series pairs two players to chat about their lives as professional recorder players. Taking part in 2026: Erik Bosgraaf, Chris Orton, Heidi Fardell and more to be announced!

60-Second Lessons – a popular addition to Recorder31 last year, watch out on social media as more top players will be sharing their wisdom in a minute or less.

Featured Makers – we speak to top makers and manufacturers to find out more about the instruments they craft.

Exclusive Features – we'll be introducing you to our Featured Album for the month, profiling top players of the UK and international recorder scenes, offering top tips for new players and recorder teachers, and reviewing some of the newest additions to The Early Music Shop's range.

& much more! Check back every day during August to discover the latest Recorder31 content. See you at the weekend!

Plus! Live Music at The Early Music Shop

We have two wonderful performances at our Snape Maltings showroom during Recorder31 – The Delightful Recorder Companions join us on 14 August at 5pm for consort music including Dowland, Mattheson and Britten. Then on 26 August at 5pm, Loom (featuring recorder player Olivia Petryszak with percussionist Jonno Gaze) perform their eclectic mix of music inspired by experimental, improvised and folk traditions.

Admission for both events is free with no need to book tickets – all welcome!