Sopranino Recorders

The sopranino recorder sounds higher than the soprano and is pitched in F. Its small holes require delicate fingerwork, its narrow windway requires sensitive breath control and its high register demands accurate intonation. It is not automatically more suitable for a small child simply because it has a shorter body.

The fingering is based on F

If you play the alto recorder, you will recognise the same logic in the basic fingerings, but you cannot transfer soprano fingering in C without changes. Check the Baroque fingering system and your ensemble's tuning standard. You can find an overview of sizes among recorders.

A high note does not mean stronger breath

Excessive pressure causes sharp intonation and squeaking. Keep your airstream narrow and steady, and use your tongue gently. When testing, play quiet notes in the lower part of the range, where the seal of your fingers becomes apparent.

Break in a wooden instrument in short sessions

A small wooden body warms up and becomes damp quickly. Give it a break after a few minutes, dry the windway and protect it from draughts. If you are looking for a traditional instrument made from several separate pipes, see panpipes.

Hearing protection matters even with a small instrument

The sopranino sounds close to your ears, and high frequencies quickly build up in a small room. Take breaks during longer rehearsals and, in a loud ensemble, consider musicians' earplugs that preserve your perception of intonation.

Choose a sopranino for a specific high part and check its fingering, intonation and sensitive response to gentle breath.