How to play sound directly into software recorder?

I recently purchased a tenor recorder and I am having problems playing it. Can anyone be of help to me?

• I had a little cheap soprano recorder I was playing and I wanted to play something that was not so high pitched. So I bought a tenor recorder. But I was supprised how big it was. It is a little larger than a clarinet. I played the clarinet for four years before I decided I could not stand the sound. The holes are spaced far apart, so it is a bit awkward. This is a C tenor. When I play the low C, the sound is very unstable and sounds like I am pinching the back thumb hole. I can get the low sound if I play slow and easy, but if I give it any breath at all it changes to the higher registry. I have that problem on the D also, anything higher than a D and I seem to be able to play just fine. The mouth position on the clarinet and recorder I understand are different, so I will have to get use to that. On the clarinet your top theeth touch the mouth piece. But on the recorder, they do not. Is that correct?

• Answer:

  I play tenor recorder - I am a professional flutist. Yes, it is a bear - large and temperamental. The lowest notes, as you have found, are the stinkers - they require that perfect blend of air direction without overblowing. And ANY leaks in the fingers ( as your hands are going OUCH!) will throw those notes off. So - concentrate on the middle and higher register - maybe G to G. Or get yourself an alto, and work your way into the larger size. It might not happen - your hands are not going to grow anymore (I assume you are an adult, because you are LITERATE!) Even the BASS is more comfortable - it has keys! That big soft embouchure will work better than the firmness of clarinet - you are right. If you can find a REAL recorder teacher near you (try a college?) then maybe even one or two lessons will give you some hints. Is there any ind of recorder society or group where you can help each other? It's a beautiful instrument - I hope that you stick with it!