Recorder31 Day 29 | 60-Second Lessons in Review

Last year we introduced a new feature for Recorder31 – our 60-Second Lessons. With top names sharing expert advice in a minute or less, these brief videos proved very popular so we brought back the feature for 2026. We've been sharing them throughout the month on our social media channels, but today we're rounding them up into one place – plus sharing the last of this year's series.

Today's new 60-Second Lesson features Daniel Swani demonstrating a technique for adding dynamic contrast by leaking air with your fingers.

Earlier in the month...

Alana Blackburn demonstrated the hard tongue technique known as 'sputato' which is commonly used in contemporary music:

Ian Wilson showed a variety of alternative fingerings for the note G, allowing us to expand the range of dynamics in our playing:

Mathis Wolfer introduced a rare articulation technique involving side-to-side double tonguing:

Meng-Heng Chen offered a simple tip for a relaxed right hand position to avoid tension:

Rebecca Austen-Brown talked about freeing up fingers and posture using the right thumb and lip to support the instrument:

Sarah Jeffery discovered the similarities between recorder and crumhorn fingering, meaning we can expand our technique into other wind instruments:

Heidi Fardell also discussed tension, and releasing it from all areas of the body, alongside tips for articulation and long notes:

Matija Chlupacek offered a metronome exercise with a difference, improvising rhythmic patterns on top of a song with a strong beat:

Did you learn something new from this year's 60-Second Lessons?! We'd love you to share your favourite moments – and perhaps you have a little tip you'd like to share with your fellow recorder players too! Join the conversation in the comments below.

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REMINDER! Our Big Recorder31 Finale continues until the end of the month, with great prices on over 200 instruments representing a true cross-section of our recorder range. If you've been inspired by this year's Recorder31, now's the time to explore the collection. Click here to discover all the instruments and start your journey towards a new recorder!

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Today’s spotlight is on a favourite from a Swiss maker: the Küng Studio "Unique" Soprano in Maple/Pearwood.

Küng’s Studio series is famous for its warm, dark, and forgiving sound, but the "Unique" edition adds a wonderful personal touch. Each instrument features a distinctive, hand-selected stain and grain pattern, meaning no two instruments look quite the same. It brings an artisan feel to one of the most reliable soprano models on the market.

Listen to how full and rounded the tone is for a soprano. Unlike brighter, laser-focused models, the Küng Studio offers a dark, cozy warmth in the lower register and a sweet, unforced upper octave. Notice the easy, comfortable speech on articulation—it’s an exceptionally balanced voice that blends effortlessly in ensemble play while holding a lovely solo presence.

This instrument is one of our Star Buys during our Big Recorder31 Finale!

Listen to this recorder!

Sammartini Allegro: