is a recorder a real instrument? i have never heard of a famous person who plays recorder before

It isnt really but its meant to be good for going on to flute which is what i did but found it no help what so ever. there are no famous people that play because its not played in orchsetras anymore but years ago it used to be the principle instrument of woodwind but they were always maed of wood then.

Anything that can be used to make music is an instrument of music, so yes it is a `real` instrument. Sadly, it is often looked down upon by other musicians and often the general public because of it`s simple composition. Despite what some people may say, it does take some talent and/or practice to play this instrument well- It was after all, one of the principle woodwinds of the baroque era, and Bach composed several pieces for recorders specifically. But the recorder was around for a long time before Bach and has an important place in Medieval, Renaissance and folk traditions. If you want to learn to play recorder for the sake of recorder, go for it, and there is a lot of sheet music out there for it. However, I do agree that it is useless with regards to learning how to play flute- the breathing, embouchure, and often the fingerings are completely different.