The best way to learn any instrument is to have lessons from a good, experienced teacher. Although, happily, the number of such teachers is constantly growing, the recorder is still frequently taught by enthusiastic but inexperienced teachers and many players start by teaching themselves. This series of books sets out to help learners of all ages in all three situations. Experienced teachers, who may choose to disregard much of the text as personal demonstration is always clearer than the written word, will find exercises and fine tunes a-plenty to support their own method at each stage. The less experienced will benefit from many valuable teaching hints culled from long experience and may rely on the books to lead to a sound playing technique and a mastery of simple notation. Those learning by themselves - and I started in this way - are urged to work carefully and systematically through the books, taking plenty of time to assimilate each point before moving on. For them, without the personal model provided by a live teacher, it is vitally important to listen as often as possible to fine players, in person or on record, so that they have in their mind's ear a clear notion of the kind of sound they would like to produce. But however they start, I can only wish that all who use these books will derive as much pleasure and musical satisfaction and gain as many lasting and valued friendships as I have through this most subtle, delightful and sociable of instruments. (Brian Bonsor) "...this work is likely to become a standard work very quickly and is to be recommended to all schools where recorder studies are undertaken" (Oliver James, Contact Magazine) Descant Tutors provide a sound-playing technique, a mastery of simple notation and contain 570 tunes including concert pieces by Bonsor, carols, attractive rounds, and melodies by 'early music' composers. Clear line drawings greatly assist the pupil, making them especially suitable for self-instruction.

Ska/pop band Madness recorded this song in 1981 and it has become a firm favourite, especially at weddings and anniversary parties. This arrangement avoids the obvious piano chords in the vocal parts, focusing more on melodic polyphony. It is not too difficult to put together and has exciting parts for all singers.

I've also done optional parts for the sax/guitar solo in the middle; these are provided in C (treble and bass clefs), B flat and E flat to cater for almost any solo instrument you have available to play it (possibly a choir member?). This solo should be loud and raucous! The piece still works perfectly well without, however. It is great to perform and to listen to for the audience. Enjoy!