ANNA PYNE grew up in East Anglia, and started learning an instrument very early. Like many other instrumentalists the first instrument she learnt was the recorder, which in one way is a good instrument to start on as you can get a good sound very soon and also play pieces to an acceptable standard (particularly to parents and friends who have to listen!) quite early on. The only disadvantage is that this tends to colour one’s perception of the recorder for ever.
Another good reason for learning the recorder is that one is seldom alone, and groups of recorder players are encouraged to get together and play ensembles. This means from an early age one acquires the ability to listen to others and play in time and in tune - hopefully!
