Learning a new instrument can be a daunting task, especially when you're committed to your primary instrument. However, as a pianist, I found that learning the recorder helped me expand my musical knowledge and improve my piano skills in unexpected ways.
It all started in 2016 when I was in Mumbai for my teacher's training program. Evenings were free, but there was no piano in my hotel room. So, I decided to explore a new instrument and bought a recorder. It wasn't easy, especially for the people around me, as my descant recorder sounded shrill and my intonation on the instrument was.. let's say- microtonal at best. But I kept playing, and over time, I found that my skills on the recorder were improving.
I also had access to a treble recorder, which has a mellower sound. I began learning through YouTube tutorials and using books, and I even asked Sonam, my teacher, to accompany me on the piano.
In 2016, a recorder flute piano trio was coming to Pune to perform, and I met them. I kept in touch with the recordist, Mr. Antonio Carrilo, who helped me out with some materials and techniques. We had another masterclass in 2018 when he came back to perform from Portugal, and then I gave my grade 4 recorder exam.
After that, I continued to play the recorder on and off. Recently, I had a very enthusiastic student for the recorder, which reignited my interest in the instrument.
So, how did learning the recorder help me become a better pianist? For one, it helped me understand phrasing better and think beyond only the piano. My teacher Aman always talks about emulating an instrument at the piano because the piano is a mini-orchestra. I sometimes visualize string instruments, woodwinds, percussion instruments, and even choirs as I play the piano.
Additionally, learning the recorder gave me a better understanding of how other instruments function, which helped me understand music better. I learned about writing saxophone notation when I arranged a band performance for a recital in 2018 (Studio Meraki's recital). I also learned how to accompany a singer, how to play as a guitar-piano duo, how to play in a trio setting, how to use music notation software, and how to use MIDI controllers as a live musician. I am still learning and actively trying to meet musicians and become a better musician myself.
In conclusion, I would recommend that you be creative, have a growth mindset, and have fun when learning a new instrument. Who knows, it might even improve your skills on your primary instrument!
Here's a link to a recent recorder piece I played. It's on Instagram:
Nicely explained with illustrations!