Hmmm, learning more about the seemingly simple recorder every day. The are a number of videos on YouTube which are very insightful. A guy who goes by "gorebagg" has a series of youtube videos on the recorder stating at Z1 - Wood or Plastic? It seems I should not have started with a wood recorder, plastic requires much less maintenance and they are nearly indestructible. According to the manufacture's website, the alto recorder I have is stabilized maple, so probably not as delicate as the $3000 wood recorder gorebagg reveres and plays on youtube, but not as maintenance free as the $5.50 toy recorder he also demonstrates. The issue I have is probably not finger placement as much as it is breath control.