Lesson 1: Getting Started on the Tin Whistle
Introduction
These tin whistle lessons will provide you with the opportunity to learn the tin whistle at your own pace, and when ever it's easiest for you from your own home. The Lessons are divided up into beginner, novice, advanced lessons and of course a tune section. The tin whistle lessons are all step-by-step and are meant to be done in order so please do so. All essential techniques of tin whistle playing such as ornamentation, phrasing and breath control will be covered in these lessons with all music and exercises are written out with accompanying audio and in most cases video.
Many people think that playing the tin whistle will be easy, "its such a simple instrument and even looks like it could be a children's toy so it can't be that hard to play." The tin whistle is a musical instrument, as valid as any other. Learning to play the tin whistle will be challenging just like any other instrument.
If you take your time and follow my instructions you should be whistle player in no time. Good Luck!
Many people think that playing the tin whistle will be easy, "its such a simple instrument and even looks like it could be a children's toy so it can't be that hard to play." The tin whistle is a musical instrument, as valid as any other. Learning to play the tin whistle will be challenging just like any other instrument.
If you take your time and follow my instructions you should be whistle player in no time. Good Luck!
History
The tin whistle has many names including the Irish Whistle, Penny Whistle, Feadóg Stáin, and English Flageolet. Almost all primitive cultures had a type of fipple flute and is most likely the first pitched flute-type instrument in existence. A possible Neanderthal fipple flute from Slovenia dates from approx 60,0000 B.C. In the early Middle Ages people from northern Europe were playing the instruments very similar to the whistle we know today. In the 17th century whistles were called flageolets; a term to describe a whistle with a French-made fipple and such instruments are linked to the development of the English flageolet, French flageolet and recorders of the renaissance and baroque period. It later gainied popularity as a folk instrument in the early 19th century, the Tin Whistle is now an integral part of several folk traditions.
The tin whistle became popular in Ireland during the industrial revolution when tinplate was becoming readily available. The earliest literary reference to the instrument is from 1825. It is probably a little older than this but nobody knows for sure. There are many similar instruments made of bone that date back much further but the instrument we know and love today didn't get its start until the early 1800s.
Flageolets and eight-holed recorders were very popular all throughout Europe starting in the 15th century. They were made of wood and tuneed on a lathe. At some point someone realized that an inexpensive substitute could be made for the wooden flageolet by rolling a sheet of tinplate around a mandrel. The instrument was called the tin flageolet and was later called the tin whistle.
Whistles can be and are made out of many different materials come in many shapes and sizes and both cheaply massed produced products and meticulously hand hand expensive products. It makes sense when your first begininng to start with a cheap tin whistle. However, if you continue to progress you owe it to yourself to a hand made whistle that plays well.
Most people only associate the tin whistle with Irish music. However, evidence shows that the instrument was popular throughout England, Scotland, America and Canada.
The tin whistle has njoyed a resurgance over the last couple years thanks to riverdance, and many movies that feature the instrument such as Braveheart and Titanic. The tin whistle is most popular in Irish Traditional Music. Whistlers such as Mary Bergin, Paddy Moloney, Micho Russell, Joanie Madden, Brian Finnegan and Michael McGoldrick have played an important role in establishing the tin whistle as an important main-stream Irish Traditional Music instrument. Watch some of these people listed above on youtube and will be able to see and hear the difference in styles among tin whistle players.
Whistles can be and are made out of many different materials come in many shapes and sizes and both cheaply massed produced products and meticulously hand hand expensive products. It makes sense when your first begininng to start with a cheap tin whistle. However, if you continue to progress you owe it to yourself to a hand made whistle that plays well.
Most people only associate the tin whistle with Irish music. However, evidence shows that the instrument was popular throughout England, Scotland, America and Canada.
The tin whistle has njoyed a resurgance over the last couple years thanks to riverdance, and many movies that feature the instrument such as Braveheart and Titanic. The tin whistle is most popular in Irish Traditional Music. Whistlers such as Mary Bergin, Paddy Moloney, Micho Russell, Joanie Madden, Brian Finnegan and Michael McGoldrick have played an important role in establishing the tin whistle as an important main-stream Irish Traditional Music instrument. Watch some of these people listed above on youtube and will be able to see and hear the difference in styles among tin whistle players.
Parts of the Tin Whistle
Buying a Tin Whistle
Most of you will probably already have a tin whistle to start these lessons. If you don't here are my recommendations based on your budget. Tin whistles are made from many materials including aluminum, brass, plastic and wood and come in a variety of different keys. The only requirement in whichever tin whistle you choose is that it be in the key of D, as I will be using a D whistle for all these lessons.
Begginner
The Clark Sweetone is one of the best whistles for a beginner. If you want an inexpensive tin whistle to get started on to make sure you enjoy playing the whistle before making a big investment, this is it. It has a happy, round sound, and is played quite easily in both octaves.You can get one HERE for $9.99.
Brand: Clark Sweetone
Cost: $9.99
Novice
The Susato tin whistle is a great tin whistle for a novice player or a beginner who wants a head start. Designed and made in the USA, Susato whistles offer exceptional tone, precise pitch, and an extremely stable two octave range. These are great whistles, perfect for all level of player. If you want to start with a quality instrument and don't mind spending $50, then the Kildare Susato S-Series tin whistle is what you should get. You can get it HERE for $50.
Brand: Susato
Cost: $50
Professional
The Burke DASBT- D Aluminum Session Black Tipped tin whistle in my opinion is the best tin whistle on the market. It's bright and has a clear tone with good overall volume. It also has excellent tuning and intonation. The Aluminum alloy makes this model light in weight and polished to a bright finish. I use this whistle with Gaelic Storm and for all my videos and audio recordings on this website. You can get it HERE for $240.
Brand: Burke
Cost: $240
Brand: Burke
Cost: $240