NUVO creates instruments designed to minimize the “hurdles” that can keep students from learning when they first start an instrument, so they have a positive experience and want to upgrade to a traditional band instrument when the time comes to join the band.
NOTE: these instruments are not designed to replace band instruments, but to bridge the gap between elementary music and band, or simply keep kids playing music after they learn recorder or other elementary instruments.
Some of the hurdles NUVO has addressed:
Not having fingers big enough to cover open tone holes
If open tone holes aren’t covered, the notes don’t come out and students get frustrated and might stop playing. So NUVO designed some of their basic instruments (Recorder +, DooD, TooT 2.0) with key “flaps” that allow students to push down on the “flap” and cover the entire hole for a better chance at success.
Creating a complicated flute embouchure
If the student can’t make the flute embouchure correctly, they won’t be able to make a sound, and could also get discouraged before even learning a single note. To address this hurdle they designed a Firstnote lip plate for their flute products (TooT, jFlute, Student Flute) that allows a student to just blow into the mouthpiece like a recorder to get initial success as they learn fingerings. Once the fingerings are solid, they can swap out the Firstnote lip plate for the traditional flute lip plate.
How to Change the Lip Plate
NUVO has also added key extensions for smaller hands that can’t reach certain keys (jFlute, Student Flute), and optional key plugs for instruments with open tone holes and no key flaps (jSax and Clarineo).
Student Size Accessibility
Finally, NUVO instruments are lighter and more durable than traditional instruments, so they are easier to hold, and can handle being dropped. Bonus – they are also made of a rubber/silicone material that allows them to be washed in warm soapy water! No joke.
The NUVO Line
Recorder+
Plays in the key of C over two octaves. Contains key flaps for smaller fingers, larger tone holes for a more mellow sound, an adjustable thumb rest, and three removable rings for incentives. Available in Baroque or German fingering.
DooD*
Key of C using recorder fingerings with a clarinet-style mouthpiece. Fully chromatic over 1 octave (plus a few notes in the second register). Contains key flaps to cover tone holes.
TooT 2.0*
Key of C using recorder fingerings with a flute mouthpiece (with Firstnote and traditional lip plate). Fully chromatic over 1.5 octaves, and contains key flaps to cover tone holes
jSax*
In the key of C with standard saxophone fingerings. Fully chromatic over 1.5 octaves, with key plugs for smaller fingers. “Straighten Your jSax” kit available to transform the jSax into a soprano saxophone style.
jFlute*
Key of C with standard flute fingerings. Contains a curved head joint and left hand key extensions for smaller hands. Includes Firstnote and traditional lip plates. Can be converted to a Student Flute with the upgrade kit.
Clarineo*
Key of C with standard clarinet fingerings. Lighter and smaller than a Bb clarinet, and fully chromatic over 3.5 octaves.
Student Flute
Key of C with standard flute fingerings. Three-octave range: middle C to C4, and half the weight of a traditional flute. Comes with the Firstnote and traditional lip plates, G key extension, and spare key caps.
NUVO adds to the fun by offering a variety of options to customize your instruments, including extra mouthpieces in various colors and key caps in pink, blue, or green.
NUVO in the Classroom
NUVO instruments can be used in a variety of ways with general music students. Here are a few ideas:
- Offer a NUVO instrument to a recorder student who needs a challenge!
- Create a NUVO ensemble with a few students (all NUVO instruments are in C)
- Introduce NUVO after teaching recorder to keep instrumental skills fresh before band starts
- Try the NUVO Recorder + as an alternative to traditional recorders
- Create a NUVO ensemble with your faculty
- And much more! Be creative! For example – here’s “Uptown Funk” with NUVO instruments:
What’s Next for NUVO?
Nuvo is constantly innovating, so watch for the “2.0” line of instruments coming soon (the TooT 2.0 is already here), showcasing even more innovation in design. In addition, NUVO is releasing a new Windstars curriculum in three levels to make it even easier to bring NUVO to your classroom! Watch for level one later this summer, and levels two and three this next school year.
Andrea Pelloquin is the Education Consultant specializing in print materials, recorders, Nuvo instruments, and puppets at West Music. She is a former public school music teacher and has spent the last 15 years in the world of music publishing and retail. She has also maintained a private flute and piano studio for over 20 years. She welcomes suggestions and recommendations from our community of teachers.
