Not sure how to play from the notes below? Check out our TUTORIAL
About song and recorder playing
Diving into the world of music with the recorder is an enchanting journey, especially when starting with timeless pieces like “Summertime”. Composed by George Gershwin for the 1935 opera “Porgy and Bess”, “Summertime” has become a beloved standard, transcending genres from jazz to pop. Its lyrics, penned by DuBose Heyward, evoke the warmth and ease of the season, painting a picture of a lullaby sung by a mother to her child. The song’s soothing melody and evocative lyrics (“Summertime, and the livin’ is easy / Fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high”) have made it an iconic piece that resonates with audiences of all ages. Its universal appeal and simple, yet profound message of relaxation and happiness make it an ideal starting point for those learning to play the recorder.
For beginners eager to delve into the art of playing the recorder, tackling “Summertime” through our recorder learning book for adults and kids can be a rewarding experience. With picture notes and picture notation for the recorder, our recorder book for beginners demystifies the process of learning to play this classic song. Whether you’re a child embarking on your musical journey or an adult rediscovering your passion for music, the illustrated guides in our easy recorder songbook make it possible to play “Summertime” without prior knowledge of traditional musical notation. This approach not only simplifies the learning curve but also enriches the player’s connection to the music, making it a memorable piece in your repertoire. Engaging with this masterpiece through our recorder songbook with pictures offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the beauty of “Summertime” while mastering the recorder—one note at a time.
Some of the notes on our website contain the full version of the song, and some are excerpts, or for example the very beginning, chorus or verse, etc. Full versions of all the notes can be found in our books and e-books: SHOP.
