“I am impressed with the improvements in your revised [2nd edition] NEW Nine-Note Recorder Method . As you may recall from my review of the 1998 edition, the only real concern I had was in the limited cultural background of the music represented. You have done a terrific job of widening the scope, and making the book more multicultural. It is now an excellent resource for classroom teachers to use in many parts of North America.

I think the built-in music stand is a brilliant idea for a book such as this. It will definitely make life easier for students, and reduce the number of strained necks they encounter.

This is certainly the most student-friendly recorder tutor I have come across. It is an excellent resource for classroom teachers or private instruction for children. I can tell that this is a labour of love for you, and your efforts have paid off in a high quality resource. I will definitely recommend it to the recorder teachers I know.” –Geoffrey Allen, President of Toronto Early Music Players Org. and music reviewer for American Recorder magazine 

"I have used The Nine-Note Method successfully. Then I switched to a different method (Recorder Karate) at the recommendation of a friend. Now I'm switching back to your method for good! I teach small groups at a community school and find that your book works well even for the youngest beginners." --Debra Gombert

I’ve been using Penny Gardner’s Nine-Note Recorder Method with my child for a few months now. I’m a recorder player myself but trying to consolidate what I know into manageable parts for a young child was daunting. After trying a few other recorder methods, I settled on The Nine-Note Recorder Method. It is clear and easy with a satisfying sense of progression and mastery for the student. Recorder is one of our favorite subjects. On another note, Penny is wonderful to do business with. Her customer service is stellar and she does business the old-fashioned way, with heart. --Rose M..    

“I teach recorder in a public K - 5 elementary school. Our 4th and 5th graders use the book. The way the class starts is to work as a group on a new concept and play through a few songs in the book using the concept. Then the students work independently on the book. While they are practicing (I try to get them outside to practice so it is not quite so loud) I call them up to hear individuals or I wander around checking their progress. Students are encouraged to work ahead and to find me in the morning or at the end of the day for a "mini" lesson. I have incorporated the "belt" system to help encourage them. They get a different colored belt for every two sections they complete in the book. The students who have worked through the book play at the 5th grade awards ceremony at the end of the year or in the case of my extremely motivated 4th graders from last year they played duets in our Christmas concert this year.
          “I really like the book because it is laid out in a sequence that makes sense and the students can work ahead of the class if they want. I really like that there are so many duets for the kids to play. The book has worked very well for my students and the ones that go onto band in middle school feel very prepared. The students tell me that they are well ahead of some of the other kids when it comes to reading music. I really think that the book has helped them with their music reading skills.” --Christine O’Neill, VA (using this method since 2005)

The students are just thrilled with the recorder music textbooks! They are taking their recorders home excitedly to practice. ...The tips are wonderful for me. Thank you so much for the way you've so thoughtfully put together your book! -- Lisa Fenderson, CA

I am nearly through the Nine Note Recorder book and I have loved it! I'm recommending your materials to absolutely anyone who will listen. I cannot begin to tell you how wonderful it is to have something to use with my kids that makes sense and doesn't throw so much stuff at them all at once. After three failed attempts to teach recorder to my sons, I have finally found something that works. Thank you! --Debra Brinkman

“I just purchased ‘The New Nine-Note Recorder Method’ and I am extremely impressed. The teaching techniques, songs, and publication format are very good. I especially like the way the book serves as its own stand. A family asked me to give recorder lessons to their children. I am going to have them purchase your book.”
 --Terry L. Baldridge, Ph.D.; Professor of Music at MidAmerican Nazarene University

"What a wonderful job you have done with these books! A great method, and a terrific selection of music! I've e-mailed a number of Waldorf teacher friends to alert them to your work, and told them to pass on the word." --Ted Curtin, elementary educator

“The e-books are superb. I have been looking and comparing method books for the recorder and find that yours is the most attractive, easy to read and understand. I am particularly impressed with the diversity of the music you have chosen.  Thank you for providing this method and the related books.” --Joan Weber

We have thoroughly enjoyed your Nine-Note Recorder Method book. I had purchased a recorder for my eldest daughter and some other book; it just sat there unused. When I purchased two more recorders for her younger sisters and your book with its duets and trios, they TOOK OFF! We have all had great fun playing and listening to the beautiful music. Thank you. --Emmelia Fassett, WA

“I finished the first book and am looking forward to learning additional notes [in the Beyond the Nine-Notes book]. Thank you for a great program that moves at a friendly pace. I can't believe I'm playing a musical instrument!” --Nancy Bagdano

My copy of Nine-Note Recorder Method arrived this morning. I hated to put it down long enough to send you a quick thank-you. It’s exceptionally well-written in a world of quickie how-to’s, and formatted perfectly for the student or casual player (like me!). I enjoy the tunes you included... You should be proud of your work. Thanks for a job well done. --Timothy S. Sykes, Forager Publications, www.foragerpub.com

I want to thank you again for helping me get started with the soprano recorder. I began with your Nine-Note Recorder Method 4 months ago, then advanced to your Beyond the Nine-Note Recorder Method. You are a talented teacher and your materials have been uniformly excellent. --Steve Berman

Your book is very good! I was especially pleased at seeing so many native American songs…as well as songs from other countries. I can recommend it to my students. You did such a nice job of including the theory they will need to learn. Your tunes are short and playable. Thank you for arranging so many duets! They love to play duets. Congratulations on a fine as well as enjoyable book! --S. Christine Manderfeld, College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University

Utah State Textbook Commission (regarding the 1st edition, 11/2004):
          “...Provides an excellent resource for supporting quality recorder instruction, with an emphasis on skill development. ...The repertoire emphasizes folk songs, yet includes music from a range of musical eras and styles, within the limits of beginning recorder skills. Many duets included to facilitate musicianship and collaboration with fellow students. Pitches are introduced sequentially and in logical order. Rhythms are also introduced sequentially.
          Physical Qualities: A solidly bound, self-standing book that serves as its own music stand. The fold-out fingering chart that can be seen to the side of any page that is being played is a nice feature. It is a child-friendly format.
          Assessment: This method relies on student performance as the assessment tool, which is the most appropriate method for the objectives and format of the publication.”

Reviews about earlier editions.