Learn the fingering. The soprano or C recorder has seven holes for notes at the top, while the last hole is actually a double hole.On the recorder's bottom, cover the hole with your left thumb. You should keep this key (known as the octave key) covered for all notes played until you want to play a higher note than B. Hold the recorder with the right thumb for balance.
Cover the first hole on the front with the left pointer finger, and this makes the note B. Keep the first hole covered and cover the second hole with the second finger on the left hand to make an A, one complete note down the scale. The third finger on the left hand covers the third hole on the recorder and along with the first two fingers in place, makes the G sound. Hold the little finger on the left hand away from the instrument.
Place the pointer finger of the right hand on the next hole with the left hand in place over the first three holes to make an F sound. The next note is an E, going down the scale and down the instrument with the second finger on the right hand. The third finger on the right hand in conjunction with all the others in place makes a D. Use the little finger on the right hand for middle C. Most recorders have two holes for this low note. Cover both holes with the little finger and keep all the other fingers in place to make this low note.
Blow gently into the mouthpiece while holding the fingers over the holes. The lower notes require gentler blowing than the higher notes. Tongue the notes with a “tu” sound. Play down the scale by starting at the pointer finger on the left hand with the octave hole closed. B-A-G are the left-hand notes. F-E-D-C are the right-hand notes.
Play up the scale. With all fingers over the holes, start with middle C. Remove a finger at the bottom and then the next one. C-D-E-F are the notes on the right hand going up the scale. G-A-B are the left hand notes, and you have removed all the fingers. The left thumb remains over the octave hole and the right thumb remains for support.