Crossword Genius

It makes music and tapes it (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

recorder

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'it makes music and tapes it' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'it makes music' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'it' could be 'e' ('e' can mean 'electronic' which is similar to 'IT') and 'e' is present in the answer.
'music' could be 'e' and 'e' is located in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for recorder that I've seen before include "sound device" , "Renaissance flute" , "One taking down notes" , "Woodwind instrument; official" , "found on the bench" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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