I have played the classical, silver flute for more than twenty years. But I wanted to expand and try some new things. At first I actually debated over the ocarina or a whistle. I decided ocarina, which was fun to learn and play. Then last Christmas I got a Woodi whistle for a present. I have absolutely fallen in love with the instrument, and though I like the ocarina, I wish I had tried this years ago. Thanks for all your videos, you've been great to learn from. Keep them coming!
Hi! Congratulations, your comment was picked to win the giveaway :) I'll need to get a good shipping address for you, so when you have a minute please reach out on Instagram (or TikTok or Twitter or pretty much anything @Whistletutor) or through my contact at whistletutor.com, either way - cheers!
Had to check I didn't write this comment myself :) Played classical flute 40 years ago in the school orchestra, so adding vibrato from the diaphragm on a low D is simple and easy. But the high D is a whole different animal, where I can't do so much to each note and there's just simple more notes in there. Strangely, after a few years playing Howards Low D and Low C, I briefly considered the ocarina, before picking up a brass high D session whistle from Michael Burke.
I got into playing the whistle about 15 years ago with my daughter , she was 10 yrs old at the time, I loved the irish music and I wanted something to do with her that would be bonding time, we enjoyed it for many years until she grew up and moved away 🥹. I still play today for myself , with friends and in sessions….and it’s my little passion. I cherish the memories with my daughter when we use to play at home, at the beach , on a hike, we always took our whistles with us ! ….and I have a constant remembrance of my sweet daughter every time I play my whistle 😊 it’s actually really beautiful ☀️ ☘️
I realize this feed is a year old, but since you are interested to know...When I was a teenager, I participated in my church's pioneer trek. Knowing I was a flute player, my accompanist lent me her wooden irish whistle and invited me to play on the trail. So, for three days, while my peers pulled a handcart, I played whistle Western style. I learned to play marches, square dances, and all the American yank favorites. While I can play a mean Yankee Doodle, I never learned to play Irish style. So that is what I'm doing now. Thank you for the tutorials.
I tried out for band when I was in Jr. High. The teacher refused to have me in her class. She said she couldn't teach me because I had a learning disability when I was younger. So I lost out on that opportunity. I taught myself how to play tin whistle instead. I have been playing ever since. 💞
As a broke student I walked in a music store for the first time, and found a tin whistle as the only instrument I could afford. After a month of only looping over 'the Hobbit' tune, I checked some videos to learn folk songs and traditional tunes. Then I found your channel and learn (and liked) more and more tunes! After watching your video on the matter, I joined an Irish session in my city, and now I'm learning with the old masters there too ! Thanks again for the sparkle!
My tin whistle has been chilling on my shelf for a couple years. Thank you for reigniting my hope for learning to play well. I love Irish tunes, the way they are often a relatable combo of sad subjects and happy tunes, or just about having a good time, or about historical events. They’re all really fascinating to me, and the tin whistle is the instrument that always gets me excited. Gonna try to work on these ornaments and scales. Thanks for such a clear explanation.
I'm from a place that almost no people know what Irish whistle is, Hong Kong. The music store here only sells mainstream instruments like guitar, violin, piano, etc. One day, I went to a music store and asked the salesmens whether they had "that instrument" for sale. He said "Sorry. No!" but right after that he said "Wait! wait! Do you mean a very short tube like this with a few holes on it?". Eventually, he found me a feadog Brass D (with a little red tutorial book) from the bottom of their glass showcase. Only one, and it was there for years. Then I'm very happy to go home and play this thing all day long~~~ I discovered I love celtic music since I got a concert DVD of The Corrs in 2002 (Or 2003). I remember I was thrilled when I first time listened to the last track of that DVD, "Toss the Feathers"~ After that, I kept finding Irish music to listen to and self-learning to play the whistle.
I found a Feadog tin whistle in a junk shop in Sonoma County, CA back in February of this year. It was in brand new condition and only few bucks, so I grabbed it. I'd never played before. I fell in love right away and have been playing literally every day since. It's awesome to have an instrument that makes such beautiful music and that can be taken literally anywhere in your pocket or backpack. I play when I hike, in the stairwell at work first thing in the morning (excellent acoustics!), and everywhere else. Thanks for making these wonderful tutorials and reviews!
Being Irish I’ve been exposed to Irish music throughout my life. Always wanted to play a musical instrument but lacked formal training. Was told the whistle was the easiest instrument to play, only six holes after all. Not sure if they were pulling my leg or had to much Guinness that day. I quickly discovered there’s a lot more to playing the whistle than tapping six holes. Thank God for whistletutor and other online tutorials. It’s now been 4 years and I enjoy playing more than ever. Thanks for keeping me going Sean.
I, too, have played silver concert flute for all of my 78 years. Over the years, I've tried many, many other instruments - just for the enjoyment of making music on various "transducers" changing that which is my heart into sound waves. I'm certainly not a master of any of these instruments, but, still, I enjoy the playing at whatever level I happen to be at. Penny whistle came along years ago. It's incredibly portable, so that I always have one with me for spontaneous outbreaks of music (usually just making stuff up, though I do have a repertoire of Irish tunes (including a love of O'Carolan). Mainly, though, I love the whistle because it is just so much fun. Thanks for your videos ; you explain things so clearly and you continually stress that we should always play around to find what works best for ourselves. Take care...
I got into whistle playing as I was an outdoorsman that wanted an instrument that would fit easily in my bushcraft kit and would blend well with my love of living history. The Irish music is because of my heritage and love of Appalachian folk music which is the mountain child of the Irish and Scottish musical tradition.
I stumbled upon a live session in a pub in Ireland when i was visiting a few years back and immediately fell in love. I'm a long-time bagpiper, but have been growing increasingly passionate about the whistle.
I got interested in the whistle after watching the opening to Riverdance back in the 90's. It took me a long time to get into it. Recently I watched it again and man that song still haunts me. Now I try to play every day.
I think for me it was listening to Mad Dog Mcrea years ago at a Calstock bike rally. And I just wanted to dance! I’ve always had a connection for Irish music but never explored it as much as I am now. I played recorder as a child in school. And so I decided after watching them to get a cheap whistle, and wrote out some basic sheet music. And I tried to learn bits on my own, I’d ride my bike out on the moors and play the whistle there. I loved it :) Then I didn’t play for a long time … until the last Christmas my partner bought me a new whistle as I had been pining after one and being sad that I hadn’t been playing. I was so moved I cried. And now I’m blown away by the online community there is for it all! I’m so enjoying it and it’s fab!! Thank you for the lesson on ornaments :) and I’m enjoying listening to others experiences in the comments too :) Awesome :)
I always enjoyed the sound of the whistle so classicly Celtic... my beloved fella died 4 months ago and I have been so lost . I was listening to some sad Irish ballads , perhaps to feel more sad , I don't know . But it was like I caught on fire about the the prospect playing and have been playing for one month now and loving it. I enjoy your u tubes been working my way threw them .
My dad bought me my first tin whistle in Gettysburg back in 2016, a simple clarke style whistle, and I couldn't play it until about two years ago, when I wanted to actually play music, tunes like the Narnia Lullaby and Concerning Hobbits, and I learned my first two tunes from Nixxiom and moved forward from there. Now I play with some level of ease with my Tony Dixon whistle, and am also transitioning into low whistle, and I prominently play the Irish tunes now, and I am unashamed of it.
My grandfather sung cousins and myself many traditional and rebel songs growing up... I'm Australian born but family life in a nutshell was still very Irish (mum and the family just couldn't let go of the old country) When I was younger he found out I was learning guitar (which I still play) he was in awh and overjoyed by that news (I was young and kinda didn't really care) many years later and he has passed on, I stumbled across a friend's tin whistle and decided to give it ago, then I was instantly thrown back to that memory of my grandfather, I haven't been playing long but I know grandpa would be looking down with a huge grin on his face
I started playing in 2001. I was already plying Thai traditional music. I started to join medieval larp games and wanted to play something cool while at the tavern :) then I just fell in love with Irish music and kept learning :)
Went to a local pub in town and there was a group of Celtic musicians playing. When I heard this fellow with a low d whistle jump into the mix I knew I had to learn to play that instrument. Ordered a Tony Dixon low D and am really digging your tutorials! Thanks!
I was riding the Empire Builder from Portland to Milwaukee and I fell in love with this Irish guy in the observation car. He had a penny whistle. Knowing I would probably never see him again I bought one and started to learn how to play.
I’ve been playing recorder forever and even play a few Irish tunes during gigs. I figured it was about time I picked up the whistle and play the tunes properly. Been playing for about a year now. Thanks for the tutorials.
I fell in love with the way that this simple instrument gives amazing melodies in the right hands !! Such a huge power in this little thing 💚 easy to play basics, but a journey to discover all about it !!
I got into playing as a kid, but never really took it seriously until I unlocked the beauty of the low whistle. I then decided to explore tin whistle again properly and signed up to the Online Academy of Irish Music and found this channel around the same time. My Killarney nickel whistle arrived in the post a few weeks ago, and now I'm addicted 🤩
I just got into the Penny Whistle as a I wanted to play an instrument I could stick in my pocket. Then I discovered it was just great for tootling and learning tunes by ear and making up tunes. It helps me chill out.
Bought a cheap whistle about ten years ago in Dublin as a souvenir. Took it out of the case during the pandemic and went on the internet looking for channels like this that thought something about playing the thing. Now I take the whistle with me everywhere!
Found a tin whistle at a Disney shop. At the time I was disappointed that it wasn't a recorder. Little did I know it was an Irish whistle After a TH-cam rabbit-hole and some time learning on my own, I ended up writing one of my Master's theses on Irish traditional music!
I got into playing the tin whistle just on a whim at the Dublin Airport. I picked up a Feadog whistle for a few euros just because I wanted something "Irish" from my trip. I got hooked and been learning how to play it since that day :) Also, my 6 year old daughter is getting curious about it and "playing" with me with another whistle of her own.
I got onto the tin whistle fairly recently, I've watched a good amount of your videos and I've managed to memorise Vinnie Kilduff's Sailor's Farewell and The Musical Priest by the Dubliners with varying levels of success. I've always loved music, in particular celtic and classical. Professionally I'm a clarinetist and a bagpiper and decided why not learn tin whistle. I've actually set a goal that if I can memorise and play 5 tunes accurately I will purchase Tony Dixon's nickle traditional whistle in D. I find that setting goals can be a great way to want to achieve great things. That whistle has an amazing tone and a nice strong sound while also still having that nice metallic timbre which is iconic for the tin whistle. I also love the fipple on it, it speaks so freely! I probably speak for all of your subscribers here but a huge thank you for putting these videos out there to make starting off a bit easier. Cheers!
I was simply watching different youTube videos and came across the Irish Whistle for the first time a few months ago and was enamored with the tunes I was hearing and after coming across your TH-cam channel that convinced and inspired me to get started.. and that's where I'm at.. a newbe learning how to play with your videos and a used book "the clarke tin whistle"... Thanks for all you do in promoting the Tin Whistle!
I bought a bodhran drum first and while finding youtube lessons for the bodhran i came across tutorials for tin whistle yours included and ordered a cheap and cheerful clarkes sweettone straight away, i absolutely love messing about trying to learn to play it, it is so much fun.
Nice tutorial as usual Sean. I started messing around with the tin whistle after my grandfather died and my gran gave me an old Clarke's original whistle ( which was in C ) that belonged to him. I still often play that whistle to this day and it's still in tune.
I was playing guitar. Than I got a dog and he is pretty fearless, not afraid of anything... except the guitar... So we're training him to get used to that, but that takes time. So I was complaining to my better half that I missed making music in the evening, and she presented me with a tin whistle she had bought years and years ago but that she never used. It was an awful sounding Waltons D (not the mellow, the regular) that was only really playable in the first octave. But I started playing on it anyway. After a couple days my wife ordered me a better whistle because she couldn't stand the sound any more. Long story short. The dog is still afraid of the guitar, and I'm still playing the tin whistle today. And still having fun with it. Mostly playing sea-shanties and some Irish songs, mainly the songs done by the Pogues and the Dubliners.
I would say it was out of pure love for the irish music. As a child in Spain I could only catch small fragments of music here and there (Mike Oldfield, Braveheart, Titanic...) that always kept my attention. There was something that made that music stocked in my head and resonated deep inside me. As I grew up, I found about the instruments used but never got my parents into buying me a set of pipes. When I was 26, randomly I found myself at a session and as I was a bit drunk so I started chatting with the pipper at a break. He would let me try the thing and at that moment something in my head clicked. "I'm an adult and I have the money now, I should take on this shit". And there began my path into irish/folk music
During one of the first Covid lockdowns I sumbled upon a talented teacher who issues a "self-paced-self-trained" videos with the whistle included ... I found it super fun and never left it ever since. brilliant little instrument !
never really found an instrument that suited me until last year, round a friends house someone started playing a mouth harp, it was the first time that i really appreciated it as a real instrument as i found myself toe tapping to the whistle like melody beneath the twanging! at that moment i had flash back to meeting a backpacker who travelled with his whistle, and remebered how at the time i love the sound of it and have been a longtime folk music listner. the day i got back from my friends house i bought a faedog and i basically havent put it down since! thanks for all the vids man, appreciate it!
I'm a classical flutist and was asked to play the whistle in an orchestral piece many years ago. I dabbled with it after that, but wasn't too serious. When an injury prevented me from picking up my flute, I tested the penny whistle to see if I could play it without pain. I could! I'm now attempting to learn ornaments to add to my playing. I've loved Irish music for many years and enjoy listening to various artists. I appreciate your channel and the tips!
I began my tin whistle journey halfway through the pandemic for a number of reasons, I suppose. Chiefly wasy father. He suffered with dementia as his father before him did. Sometimes I feel like I'm looking down the barrel of a shotgun. Knowing that brain exercises are good for staving off deleterious effects, and not built to learn a new language, I decided that I would learn a new instrument (I've been playing guitar for decades) to help with my mental acuity. Secondly, my lady and I spent part of a summer in Ireland a few years back and the music we encountered in the 'Wilds' (western Ireland) touched something deep in me. My father (back to him) was a Newfoundlander and the traditional music of Newfoundland is steeped in Irish phrases and rhythms. This brought my childhood experiences back to me. Finally, thank Spotify. Driving taxi for a living affords a lot of garbage radio music. So, I bought an account and started testing playlists of many different types of music. Enter Celtic folk. The strains of the whisltes in the music made me sit up and listen and again something stirred within. All these things, simultaneously and independently, brought me to the first tentative, cat scaring sounds which are now (thankfully) behind me and I continue to pipe along the merry path, alone in my city but surrounded by so many likeminded and supportive thousands online Thanks, Sean. Love the channel and the lessons. Sainté!
I first got into tin whistle because that's what we were taught to play in elementary school. Then when I picked up a fife at a gift shop in Washington DC and learned to play it, I decided maybe it was worth going back to the whistle and ordered a little brass Tony Dixon. The first song I learned was Galway Girl (nOT the Sheeran version) and went from there. I've always been drawn to folk music in general because you don't face the confines of classical music. I can't read music, and I probably can't play that well, but whenever I pick up one of my instruments I'm able to express my feelings in a way that words don't do justice. That was pretty cheesy but y'all get the vibe.
I always liked Irish music. But it was when I saw The Cores on a TH-cam video playing, Toss the Feathers, that I decided to order one and learn how to play. I love your channel
I’m teaching homeschool kids (26 of them) in 3 different classes. I already play piano, a bit of guitar and flute, but your video got me interested in actually playing some Irish music myself. Thanks!
I grew up listening to Irish music being played and sung at family gatherings, and loved the lively sound of the Tin whistle. My first whistle was a Clarke which I purchased for under $10.00. Over the years I've added some more expensive ones, but my first one has always been a favorite. Whistles are so much fun to play, sound great and best of all no tedious lessons to learn, and portable. You can carry them anywhere.
I got into Irish music by trying to connect with my heritage. It always seems to connect me to a happy place and why wouldn't someone want to be happy. 👍 Played on and off for several years. Picking up the whistle again commiting to it.
I took up the penny whistle because my partner who is Scottish suggested the bagpipes😂!! I’m in my 60’s and always look for the next challenge. I’m really enjoying the learning and appreciate you passing you skill & knowledge to others. Great work, keep it going.
Got a bad penny whistle as a kid and played around on it a lot. Recently got into more obscure wind instruments, and found tabor pipes. I'm not about to learn tabor but it made me take another look at tin whistles. The medieval kind of sound is very cool to me, along with the traditional Irish stuff.
Mine is a long and random journey, but the main timeline is this: loved Irish and celtic music as a child, started Irish dance at 19, bought a whistle at one of our performances. 15 years later I'm still dancing, but past couple years self-learning on the whistle and loving it. I've started daring to play it at performances, and it's so FUN. Bonus, it makes my dog howl which is both hilarious and annoying.
I grew up with music but mostly classical vocal music. I played organ for a while but it's not a very portable instrument. I ended up marrying an Irish Dance teacher and fell in love with traditional Irish music. So 10 years ago I decided to learn the penny whistle and in doing so, I found a wealth of good lessons on the Internet. I live in a rural area so there are no local tutors, so sites like yours have been a Godsend. I play an old fashion Clarke which still gets the job done but I would love to upgrade to a Dixon. Thank you for all the content on your site!
I got into the whistle around this time last year as a consequence of having knowingly heard the Uilleann pipes for the first time. I spoke to a highland piper I know and he explained the difference and said whistle was a good way into learning the pipes
I was watching Star Trek the Capt. was playing a whistle and the song The Inner Light. I also like Irish music. So I purchased one but didn't know how to play the Ornaments. Thank you.
I got into the Whistle when I was in high school. I was at a summer camp, and another student had one, and as soon as I heard it, I had to have one, so I went to a local music store and bought my first whistle, a clark original and started teaching myself to play. I am just now learning about Traditional Irish music as I usually play hymns and other folk tunes.
Never liked flutes, whistles or most wind instruments (played mostly rock music forever)until I found the shakuhachi. Always loved the Japanese culture and Zen.Made one then bought one and i still totally suck. Can barely make consistent sound from my bamboo shaku. I also I love my Scandinavian heritage and music so i was building my second Talharpa. Went to the music shop to pick up some cello tuners and supplies for my build and seen a cheap waltons whistle and said what the heck. I wanted to have a bunch of instruments around anyways. Drums, horns, harps, etc. Didn't touch the whistle for atleast two weeks. I was bored one day so I learned a few basic songs and seemed to pick it up pretty quick. Now I'm looking at upgrading and have done tons of research on low whistles. I feel like this one is so quirky and cheap. I am hooked and ready to move forward. 😂 Probably one of the most fun instruments to play plus i can take them anywhere. Im not even crazy on irish music but I really enjoy playing.
I got into playing within just the past few months actually. I’ve always wanted to learn to play an instrument but could never really find one that really spoke to me or fit my life style. Then I discovered the tin whistle in an ad on facebook and knew that it was the perfect instrument to try and learn. It’s cheap, it’s easy enough to learn while still being a fun challenge, I can take it with me any where, and it just simply makes beautiful music. So I’ve been slowly working on getting better. I’ve been primarily watching your videos to help teach myself.
Now you’ve done it! Now I have to sit down with this and parse what I’ve been doing since playing along with Chieftains albums since the 70s. Friends turned me on to the O’Riada live album and that led to the Chieftains. Can’t remember if I bought my first whistle before I went to Ireland in 76, but I got at least one there (Still have them. Jerry Freeman fixed one for me). I set it aside for a few decades (trumpet), but about four years ago my fiddle friends caught me playing and so I became the whistle guy. There’s two new apprentices on the scene and they keep asking how I do ornaments and I don’t know how to answer. So I’m sending them this link.
Always wanted to learn how to play now at eighty l am learning and absolutely loved it 🥰🎶🥰 also play it in a Ukulele group on some of our songs and I have learned so much from you! Thank you 🙏🎶
Oddly, I saw a Facebook ad for someone teaching a tin whistle course and decided to grab one (but not the course). I'd already been a big fan of some Irish music like The High Kings and Seamus Kennedy, so it seemed like a good match. I thought having a small instrument like that to take with me on mountain bike rides and play while out in the woods might be kind of fun. Thanks for this new breakdown on ornaments. I'm getting to where I can kind of play them, but they never sound right when I try to work them into music. Guess I just need to listen to more people play and see what works for them.
Back in the day I listened to a radio show called Thistle and Shamrock and fell in love with Irish music. A friend of mine went to Ireland and came back with a Feadog whistle and gave it to me. That started me on a " I want to learn how to play this instrument" journey. Now I have several whistles including an Alba Low D. I'm not the greatest player but I'm slowly improving and can play nearly thirty songs.
Sean dear, I started tin whistle because I fell in love with the sound of it. I have been listening to Irish music, and I always wanted to play music, not just humming it. I liked the fact I can take it with me easily, anywhere I go. It keeps my lungs working, and as a disabled person, this is also a good part of my rehabilitation program.
I got into tin whistle (and low whistle) by listening to Dryante Zan's game music covers. I fell in love with the haunting tone of low whistles. I could definitely use another high D whistle since I mainly have low whistles.
Usual excellent content and straightforward no nonsense instruction. Got into whistle to give me something else to play when it wasnt practical to take a flute.
I have wanted to learn the tin whistle for about 6 years. I loved the sound of it in traditional irish music ( which I love) but didn't know what instrument it was. I learned the classical flute for about 4 years, and eventually found out it was the irish whistle I wanted to learn. But I didn't really have any inspiration to learn it yet. Then I learnt about the Willis Clan and was listening to a ton of there music which really inspired me to learn it. Now I am learning off of Sean and I am loving playing the tin whistle so much! There is so much you can do with the traditional irish music and how you can make it your own style with different ornaments.
I got into whistle playing after a friend of my dad gave me The Wide World Over by The Chieftains for my birthday, about 16 years ago. From that moment, I knew I wanted to play the whistle and the Uilleann pipes.
I played French horn in my school days but never owned one. When the pandemic hit, I bought whistles for my son and me to learn together. And we found your channel 🙂. Thank you for the clear instruction and quality content.
I've only recently found out about your channel and I wish I'd found it sooner! I'm a flutist and I've been in love with tin whistles, Irish flutes and traditional Irish music since I was super young. My mum, who's a guitar player, has always loved playing folk music, she wrote her own songs as well...so that's where my passion for it comes from. I've basically grown up listening to Irish and Celtic music my entire life, even though I'm Italian! I've only had a couple of cheaper tin whistles in my life and I was looking for advice on how to choose a new one. Your videos are all super useful for that and so much more. Thank you so much for what you do!!
Your teaching method is so approachable. It makes me want to practice. Exacting rhythm is so important in irish music for the dance, and you made that point.
I really wanted a portable instrument I could play on the go and love the energy of Irish music. My daughter and I began practicing together a few months back and have a great time!
I started on the Highland pipes as a child. My parents bought a whistle (I think maybe for my sister) that just sort of laid around the house for years. One summer we were driving to bagpipe camp and I grabbed the whistle on a whim and tried playing GHB tunes on it. It actually sounded okay (although a little too squeaky for some of the grace note combos) so I kept at it, learning how to add tonguing and take away extra grace notes that weren’t helpful. I eventually stopped playing the pipes but kept at it with the whistle, and after grabbing a few more in different keys started jamming with some of my exchange student friends in college. That was almost a decade ago and I’ve been gigging on the whistle ever since. I’m now at the point where I’m starting to teach friends how to play, and having a decent whistle I can loan to people until they decide to purchase their own would be swell.
Hi got into whistling after listening to kwela music as a kid. Kwela is an African off beat style (Spokes Mashiyane was the master of kwela tin whistle playing). Have been following your tutoring videos for few months now. Thanks
I mostly play bagpipes and Scottish music, but recently, after listening some of bands just wanted to broaden the music and my abilities and started to learn whistle as well :)
I've never played an instrument before and had no musical knowledge or experience, so during quarantine I made it a goal to start playing an instrument. I found out about the tin whistle through curiosity and hearing Irish music. I ordered a whistle and began watching your channel. Slowly but surely I can now play a few songs confidently. Your lessons have been a great help
I’ve got at this point 20 minutes of total playing time…ever. Bought a whistle because I love how simple and down to earth it feels. Can’t wait to belt out some traditional tunes!
I first heard the whistle when I joined the folk group that I currently play with and I instantly fell in love with the sound, after awhile I finally decided to get one of my own and have loved playing it ever since. I’m still learning and getting better but your videos have made it a lot easier to learn!
I've been listening to Irish trad for twenty years, during which I did a little messing about with the whistle after finishing a degree in classical music (since the whistle was something I could afford to experiment with), but lately I've decided to take it more seriously and am studying it up and trying to play it properly, not just tunes in straight rhythm from sheet music. I love your videos and really appreciate all that you teach in them!
I was looking for an instrument to learn to play to vent some emotions. Tin whistle is kind of the golden combination for me: 1) I love to keep it always with me 2) it's easy to start but difficult to master, so it's always interesting 3) i can play that occasional slow air / lament when I feel like it. I think you're the most competent guide on YT to master this instrument. Thanks!
I grew up playing and listening to bluegrass music, and got the urge to explore its roots and influences. My Scots/Irish heritage also pulled me in the trad Irish direction. The tin whistle seemed like a great first step into that world! Especially when it comes to learning about what makes Irish music sound Irish (ornaments, the lilting 3-feel, etc). Love your content!
Home schooling with Classical Conversations is the way I heard about the Tin Whistle "D". I have two little ones trying to learn as well. I'm also working on some Christian songs. Thanks for the great videos!
I got into playing the whistle after seeing Lee Forshner play with the Dropkick Murphys during their live stream at Fenway Park. I then started listening to Flogging Molly, and then into traditional Irish music. It looked fairly simple and I had never tried a wind instrument before, so I got a Clarke Original as my first whistle. I now have a collection, but I haven’t yet acquired a Dixon, which I have been curious about.
I play the Native American flute, but my middle name is O’Neil so I had to try the Tin Whistle. It was in my blood. When traveling a whistle is easer than a NAF. And it is fun to transpose a tune I know from the flute to the whistle and Vice-a-versa. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.
I got into the whistle when I started as a Living Historian. We portray Irish immigrants during the US Civil War and wanted some Irish traditional music in the camp.
I love you style of teaching. Makes you want to tune in for more I want to expand my bagpipe tune repertoire and a whistle seems to be a natural progression. Bummer I wasnt here last year to take advantage of the giveaways. Cheers
11:13 I wanted to start playing music but really wanted to stand out rather than going with the average guitar or flute. when i discovered the tin whistle and irish music i instantly fell in love
I've played music all my life going up (piano, violin, guitar, drums), and first encountered the tin whistle because my daughter was learning it in the Classical Conversations homeschooling program. I started to watch some TH-cam videos (and found your channel) to learn some proper techniques so I can teach her correctly, and got hooked myself :)
I’m a music teacher in the states. I play mainly woodwinds and I’ve been a huge lover of Irish music. A local bar at Uni had a weekly group playing and I always found my self there! I’d love to learn to play myself, And create a group!
![Crooked Road to Dublin [reel] Tin Whistle Lesson](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kBSf8dHo9Wo/mqdefault.jpg)
![Crooked Road to Dublin [reel] Tin Whistle Lesson](/img/tr.png)
![2 Advanced Ornaments (Triplets & Double Taps) on Tin Whistle [and GIVEAWAY DRAWING!]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/JPNKeyqivIU/mqdefault.jpg)
I have played the classical, silver flute for more than twenty years. But I wanted to expand and try some new things. At first I actually debated over the ocarina or a whistle. I decided ocarina, which was fun to learn and play. Then last Christmas I got a Woodi whistle for a present. I have absolutely fallen in love with the instrument, and though I like the ocarina, I wish I had tried this years ago.
Thanks for all your videos, you've been great to learn from. Keep them coming!
Hi! Congratulations, your comment was picked to win the giveaway :) I'll need to get a good shipping address for you, so when you have a minute please reach out on Instagram (or TikTok or Twitter or pretty much anything @Whistletutor) or through my contact at whistletutor.com, either way - cheers!
@@whistletutor I'll send it through the link you provided. Thank you so much!
Had to check I didn't write this comment myself :) Played classical flute 40 years ago in the school orchestra, so adding vibrato from the diaphragm on a low D is simple and easy. But the high D is a whole different animal, where I can't do so much to each note and there's just simple more notes in there. Strangely, after a few years playing Howards Low D and Low C, I briefly considered the ocarina, before picking up a brass high D session whistle from Michael Burke.
I got into playing the whistle about 15 years ago with my daughter , she was 10 yrs old at the time, I loved the irish music and I wanted something to do with her that would be bonding time, we enjoyed it for many years until she grew up and moved away 🥹. I still play today for myself , with friends and in sessions….and it’s my little passion. I cherish the memories with my daughter when we use to play at home, at the beach , on a hike, we always took our whistles with us ! ….and I have a constant remembrance of my sweet daughter every time I play my whistle 😊 it’s actually really beautiful ☀️ ☘️
I realize this feed is a year old, but since you are interested to know...When I was a teenager, I participated in my church's pioneer trek. Knowing I was a flute player, my accompanist lent me her wooden irish whistle and invited me to play on the trail. So, for three days, while my peers pulled a handcart, I played whistle Western style. I learned to play marches, square dances, and all the American yank favorites. While I can play a mean Yankee Doodle, I never learned to play Irish style. So that is what I'm doing now. Thank you for the tutorials.
I tried out for band when I was in Jr. High. The teacher refused to have me in her class. She said she couldn't teach me because I had a learning disability when I was younger. So I lost out on that opportunity. I taught myself how to play tin whistle instead. I have been playing ever since. 💞
I got into playing because it’s a small and fun instrument to have on rock climbing trips.
My friend went to Ireland and knew I liked random instruments, bringing me here
As a broke student I walked in a music store for the first time, and found a tin whistle as the only instrument I could afford. After a month of only looping over 'the Hobbit' tune, I checked some videos to learn folk songs and traditional tunes. Then I found your channel and learn (and liked) more and more tunes! After watching your video on the matter, I joined an Irish session in my city, and now I'm learning with the old masters there too !
Thanks again for the sparkle!
My tin whistle has been chilling on my shelf for a couple years. Thank you for reigniting my hope for learning to play well. I love Irish tunes, the way they are often a relatable combo of sad subjects and happy tunes, or just about having a good time, or about historical events. They’re all really fascinating to me, and the tin whistle is the instrument that always gets me excited. Gonna try to work on these ornaments and scales. Thanks for such a clear explanation.
I'm from a place that almost no people know what Irish whistle is, Hong Kong. The music store here only sells mainstream instruments like guitar, violin, piano, etc. One day, I went to a music store and asked the salesmens whether they had "that instrument" for sale. He said "Sorry. No!" but right after that he said "Wait! wait! Do you mean a very short tube like this with a few holes on it?". Eventually, he found me a feadog Brass D (with a little red tutorial book) from the bottom of their glass showcase. Only one, and it was there for years. Then I'm very happy to go home and play this thing all day long~~~
I discovered I love celtic music since I got a concert DVD of The Corrs in 2002 (Or 2003). I remember I was thrilled when I first time listened to the last track of that DVD, "Toss the Feathers"~ After that, I kept finding Irish music to listen to and self-learning to play the whistle.
Spider Stacey and Mary Bergin got me into the whistle. Each in their own way of course.
I found a Feadog tin whistle in a junk shop in Sonoma County, CA back in February of this year. It was in brand new condition and only few bucks, so I grabbed it. I'd never played before. I fell in love right away and have been playing literally every day since. It's awesome to have an instrument that makes such beautiful music and that can be taken literally anywhere in your pocket or backpack. I play when I hike, in the stairwell at work first thing in the morning (excellent acoustics!), and everywhere else. Thanks for making these wonderful tutorials and reviews!
Being Irish I’ve been exposed to Irish music throughout my life. Always wanted to play a musical instrument but lacked formal training. Was told the whistle was the easiest instrument to play, only six holes after all. Not sure if they were pulling my leg or had to much Guinness that day. I quickly discovered there’s a lot more to playing the whistle than tapping six holes. Thank God for whistletutor and other online tutorials. It’s now been 4 years and I enjoy playing more than ever. Thanks for keeping me going Sean.
I, too, have played silver concert flute for all of my 78 years. Over the years, I've tried many, many other instruments - just for the enjoyment of making music on various "transducers" changing that which is my heart into sound waves. I'm certainly not a master of any of these instruments, but, still, I enjoy the playing at whatever level I happen to be at.
Penny whistle came along years ago. It's incredibly portable, so that I always have one with me for spontaneous outbreaks of music (usually just making stuff up, though I do have a repertoire of Irish tunes (including a love of O'Carolan).
Mainly, though, I love the whistle because it is just so much fun.
Thanks for your videos ; you explain things so clearly and you continually stress that we should always play around to find what works best for ourselves. Take care...
I got into whistle playing as I was an outdoorsman that wanted an instrument that would fit easily in my bushcraft kit and would blend well with my love of living history. The Irish music is because of my heritage and love of Appalachian folk music which is the mountain child of the Irish and Scottish musical tradition.
I stumbled upon a live session in a pub in Ireland when i was visiting a few years back and immediately fell in love. I'm a long-time bagpiper, but have been growing increasingly passionate about the whistle.
I got interested in the whistle after watching the opening to Riverdance back in the 90's. It took me a long time to get into it. Recently I watched it again and man that song still haunts me. Now I try to play every day.
I think for me it was listening to Mad Dog Mcrea years ago at a Calstock bike rally. And I just wanted to dance! I’ve always had a connection for Irish music but never explored it as much as I am now. I played recorder as a child in school. And so I decided after watching them to get a cheap whistle, and wrote out some basic sheet music. And I tried to learn bits on my own, I’d ride my bike out on the moors and play the whistle there. I loved it :) Then I didn’t play for a long time … until the last Christmas my partner bought me a new whistle as I had been pining after one and being sad that I hadn’t been playing. I was so moved I cried. And now I’m blown away by the online community there is for it all! I’m so enjoying it and it’s fab!! Thank you for the lesson on ornaments :) and I’m enjoying listening to others experiences in the comments too :) Awesome :)
I always enjoyed the sound of the whistle so classicly Celtic... my beloved fella died 4 months ago and I have been so lost . I was listening to some sad Irish ballads , perhaps to feel more sad , I don't know . But it was like I caught on fire about the the prospect playing and have been playing for one month now and loving it.
I enjoy your u tubes been working my way threw them .
I always like Irish music and the sound of the tin whistle. It’s something I would like to learn.
My dad bought me my first tin whistle in Gettysburg back in 2016, a simple clarke style whistle, and I couldn't play it until about two years ago, when I wanted to actually play music, tunes like the Narnia Lullaby and Concerning Hobbits, and I learned my first two tunes from Nixxiom and moved forward from there. Now I play with some level of ease with my Tony Dixon whistle, and am also transitioning into low whistle, and I prominently play the Irish tunes now, and I am unashamed of it.
I got into whistling when I first was looking for a good traveling instrument that I could take anywhere.
My grandfather sung cousins and myself many traditional and rebel songs growing up... I'm Australian born but family life in a nutshell was still very Irish (mum and the family just couldn't let go of the old country) When I was younger he found out I was learning guitar (which I still play) he was in awh and overjoyed by that news (I was young and kinda didn't really care) many years later and he has passed on, I stumbled across a friend's tin whistle and decided to give it ago, then I was instantly thrown back to that memory of my grandfather, I haven't been playing long but I know grandpa would be looking down with a huge grin on his face
I started playing in 2001. I was already plying Thai traditional music. I started to join medieval larp games and wanted to play something cool while at the tavern :) then I just fell in love with Irish music and kept learning :)
Went to a local pub in town and there was a group of Celtic musicians playing. When I heard this fellow with a low d whistle jump into the mix I knew I had to learn to play that instrument. Ordered a Tony Dixon low D and am really digging your tutorials! Thanks!
I was riding the Empire Builder from Portland to Milwaukee and I fell in love with this Irish guy in the observation car. He had a penny whistle. Knowing I would probably never see him again I bought one and started to learn how to play.
I’ve been playing recorder forever and even play a few Irish tunes during gigs. I figured it was about time I picked up the whistle and play the tunes properly. Been playing for about a year now. Thanks for the tutorials.
I fell in love with the way that this simple instrument gives amazing melodies in the right hands !! Such a huge power in this little thing 💚 easy to play basics, but a journey to discover all about it !!
I got into playing as a kid, but never really took it seriously until I unlocked the beauty of the low whistle. I then decided to explore tin whistle again properly and signed up to the Online Academy of Irish Music and found this channel around the same time. My Killarney nickel whistle arrived in the post a few weeks ago, and now I'm addicted 🤩
Thank you very much for sharing your talent and expertise, and most of all for sharing your time.
I just got into the Penny Whistle as a I wanted to play an instrument I could stick in my pocket. Then I discovered it was just great for tootling and learning tunes by ear and making up tunes. It helps me chill out.
Bought a cheap whistle about ten years ago in Dublin as a souvenir. Took it out of the case during the pandemic and went on the internet looking for channels like this that thought something about playing the thing. Now I take the whistle with me everywhere!
You’ve completely demystified ornamentation for me! I was so perplexed and overwhelmed haha. Thank you so much!!
Found a tin whistle at a Disney shop. At the time I was disappointed that it wasn't a recorder. Little did I know it was an Irish whistle After a TH-cam rabbit-hole and some time learning on my own, I ended up writing one of my Master's theses on Irish traditional music!
I got into playing the tin whistle just on a whim at the Dublin Airport. I picked up a Feadog whistle for a few euros just because I wanted something "Irish" from my trip. I got hooked and been learning how to play it since that day :)
Also, my 6 year old daughter is getting curious about it and "playing" with me with another whistle of her own.
I got onto the tin whistle fairly recently, I've watched a good amount of your videos and I've managed to memorise Vinnie Kilduff's Sailor's Farewell and The Musical Priest by the Dubliners with varying levels of success. I've always loved music, in particular celtic and classical. Professionally I'm a clarinetist and a bagpiper and decided why not learn tin whistle. I've actually set a goal that if I can memorise and play 5 tunes accurately I will purchase Tony Dixon's nickle traditional whistle in D. I find that setting goals can be a great way to want to achieve great things. That whistle has an amazing tone and a nice strong sound while also still having that nice metallic timbre which is iconic for the tin whistle. I also love the fipple on it, it speaks so freely! I probably speak for all of your subscribers here but a huge thank you for putting these videos out there to make starting off a bit easier. Cheers!
Always liked the traditional Irish tunes, but Braveheart did it for me
I was simply watching different youTube videos and came across the Irish Whistle for the first time a few months ago and was enamored with the tunes I was hearing and after coming across your TH-cam channel that convinced and inspired me to get started.. and that's where I'm at.. a newbe learning how to play with your videos and a used book "the clarke tin whistle"... Thanks for all you do in promoting the Tin Whistle!
I bought a bodhran drum first and while finding youtube lessons for the bodhran i came across tutorials for tin whistle yours included and ordered a cheap and cheerful clarkes sweettone straight away, i absolutely love messing about trying to learn to play it, it is so much fun.
Nice tutorial as usual Sean. I started messing around with the tin whistle after my grandfather died and my gran gave me an old Clarke's original whistle ( which was in C ) that belonged to him. I still often play that whistle to this day and it's still in tune.
I was playing guitar. Than I got a dog and he is pretty fearless, not afraid of anything... except the guitar... So we're training him to get used to that, but that takes time. So I was complaining to my better half that I missed making music in the evening, and she presented me with a tin whistle she had bought years and years ago but that she never used. It was an awful sounding Waltons D (not the mellow, the regular) that was only really playable in the first octave. But I started playing on it anyway. After a couple days my wife ordered me a better whistle because she couldn't stand the sound any more. Long story short. The dog is still afraid of the guitar, and I'm still playing the tin whistle today. And still having fun with it. Mostly playing sea-shanties and some Irish songs, mainly the songs done by the Pogues and the Dubliners.
I would say it was out of pure love for the irish music. As a child in Spain I could only catch small fragments of music here and there (Mike Oldfield, Braveheart, Titanic...) that always kept my attention. There was something that made that music stocked in my head and resonated deep inside me. As I grew up, I found about the instruments used but never got my parents into buying me a set of pipes. When I was 26, randomly I found myself at a session and as I was a bit drunk so I started chatting with the pipper at a break. He would let me try the thing and at that moment something in my head clicked. "I'm an adult and I have the money now, I should take on this shit".
And there began my path into irish/folk music
My son stayed playing in a Celtic band (fiddle). I heard them play. They had no whistle! I felt inspired to learn.
During one of the first Covid lockdowns I sumbled upon a talented teacher who issues a "self-paced-self-trained" videos with the whistle included ... I found it super fun and never left it ever since. brilliant little instrument !
never really found an instrument that suited me until last year, round a friends house someone started playing a mouth harp, it was the first time that i really appreciated it as a real instrument as i found myself toe tapping to the whistle like melody beneath the twanging! at that moment i had flash back to meeting a backpacker who travelled with his whistle, and remebered how at the time i love the sound of it and have been a longtime folk music listner. the day i got back from my friends house i bought a faedog and i basically havent put it down since! thanks for all the vids man, appreciate it!
I'm a classical flutist and was asked to play the whistle in an orchestral piece many years ago. I dabbled with it after that, but wasn't too serious. When an injury prevented me from picking up my flute, I tested the penny whistle to see if I could play it without pain. I could! I'm now attempting to learn ornaments to add to my playing. I've loved Irish music for many years and enjoy listening to various artists. I appreciate your channel and the tips!
Started playing with a whistle just because it was on the table. Found your channel much later and started actually playing the whistle.
I began my tin whistle journey halfway through the pandemic for a number of reasons, I suppose. Chiefly wasy father. He suffered with dementia as his father before him did. Sometimes I feel like I'm looking down the barrel of a shotgun. Knowing that brain exercises are good for staving off deleterious effects, and not built to learn a new language, I decided that I would learn a new instrument (I've been playing guitar for decades) to help with my mental acuity.
Secondly, my lady and I spent part of a summer in Ireland a few years back and the music we encountered in the 'Wilds' (western Ireland) touched something deep in me. My father (back to him) was a Newfoundlander and the traditional music of Newfoundland is steeped in Irish phrases and rhythms. This brought my childhood experiences back to me.
Finally, thank Spotify. Driving taxi for a living affords a lot of garbage radio music. So, I bought an account and started testing playlists of many different types of music. Enter Celtic folk. The strains of the whisltes in the music made me sit up and listen and again something stirred within.
All these things, simultaneously and independently, brought me to the first tentative, cat scaring sounds which are now (thankfully) behind me and I continue to pipe along the merry path, alone in my city but surrounded by so many likeminded and supportive thousands online
Thanks, Sean. Love the channel and the lessons.
Sainté!
I first got into tin whistle because that's what we were taught to play in elementary school. Then when I picked up a fife at a gift shop in Washington DC and learned to play it, I decided maybe it was worth going back to the whistle and ordered a little brass Tony Dixon. The first song I learned was Galway Girl (nOT the Sheeran version) and went from there. I've always been drawn to folk music in general because you don't face the confines of classical music. I can't read music, and I probably can't play that well, but whenever I pick up one of my instruments I'm able to express my feelings in a way that words don't do justice.
That was pretty cheesy but y'all get the vibe.
I always liked Irish music. But it was when I saw The Cores on a TH-cam video playing, Toss the Feathers, that I decided to order one and learn how to play. I love your channel
I’m teaching homeschool kids (26 of them) in 3 different classes. I already play piano, a bit of guitar and flute, but your video got me interested in actually playing some Irish music myself. Thanks!
I grew up listening to Irish music being played and sung at family gatherings, and loved the lively sound of the Tin whistle. My first whistle was a Clarke which I purchased for under $10.00. Over the years I've added some more expensive ones, but my first one has always been a favorite. Whistles are so much fun to play, sound great and best of all no tedious lessons to learn, and portable. You can carry them anywhere.
I got into Irish music by trying to connect with my heritage. It always seems to connect me to a happy place and why wouldn't someone want to be happy. 👍
Played on and off for several years. Picking up the whistle again commiting to it.
I took up the penny whistle because my partner who is Scottish suggested the bagpipes😂!! I’m in my 60’s and always look for the next challenge. I’m really enjoying the learning and appreciate you passing you skill & knowledge to others. Great work, keep it going.
Got a bad penny whistle as a kid and played around on it a lot. Recently got into more obscure wind instruments, and found tabor pipes. I'm not about to learn tabor but it made me take another look at tin whistles. The medieval kind of sound is very cool to me, along with the traditional Irish stuff.
The Dixon Trad is one of my favorite whistles. Good luck for those trying to win it.
Mine is a long and random journey, but the main timeline is this: loved Irish and celtic music as a child, started Irish dance at 19, bought a whistle at one of our performances. 15 years later I'm still dancing, but past couple years self-learning on the whistle and loving it. I've started daring to play it at performances, and it's so FUN. Bonus, it makes my dog howl which is both hilarious and annoying.
I grew up with music but mostly classical vocal music. I played organ for a while but it's not a very portable instrument. I ended up marrying an Irish Dance teacher and fell in love with traditional Irish music. So 10 years ago I decided to learn the penny whistle and in doing so, I found a wealth of good lessons on the Internet. I live in a rural area so there are no local tutors, so sites like yours have been a Godsend. I play an old fashion Clarke which still gets the job done but I would love to upgrade to a Dixon. Thank you for all the content on your site!
I got into the whistle around this time last year as a consequence of having knowingly heard the Uilleann pipes for the first time. I spoke to a highland piper I know and he explained the difference and said whistle was a good way into learning the pipes
I was watching Star Trek the Capt. was playing a whistle and the song The Inner Light. I also like Irish music. So I purchased one but didn't know how to play the Ornaments. Thank you.
I got into the Whistle when I was in high school. I was at a summer camp, and another student had one, and as soon as I heard it, I had to have one, so I went to a local music store and bought my first whistle, a clark original and started teaching myself to play. I am just now learning about Traditional Irish music as I usually play hymns and other folk tunes.
Never liked flutes, whistles or most wind instruments (played mostly rock music forever)until I found the shakuhachi. Always loved the Japanese culture and Zen.Made one then bought one and i still totally suck. Can barely make consistent sound from my bamboo shaku. I also I love my Scandinavian heritage and music so i was building my second Talharpa. Went to the music shop to pick up some cello tuners and supplies for my build and seen a cheap waltons whistle and said what the heck. I wanted to have a bunch of instruments around anyways. Drums, horns, harps, etc. Didn't touch the whistle for atleast two weeks. I was bored one day so I learned a few basic songs and seemed to pick it up pretty quick. Now I'm looking at upgrading and have done tons of research on low whistles. I feel like this one is so quirky and cheap. I am hooked and ready to move forward. 😂 Probably one of the most fun instruments to play plus i can take them anywhere. Im not even crazy on irish music but I really enjoy playing.
I got into playing within just the past few months actually. I’ve always wanted to learn to play an instrument but could never really find one that really spoke to me or fit my life style.
Then I discovered the tin whistle in an ad on facebook and knew that it was the perfect instrument to try and learn. It’s cheap, it’s easy enough to learn while still being a fun challenge, I can take it with me any where, and it just simply makes beautiful music. So I’ve been slowly working on getting better. I’ve been primarily watching your videos to help teach myself.
Now you’ve done it! Now I have to sit down with this and parse what I’ve been doing since playing along with Chieftains albums since the 70s. Friends turned me on to the O’Riada live album and that led to the Chieftains. Can’t remember if I bought my first whistle before I went to Ireland in 76, but I got at least one there (Still have them. Jerry Freeman fixed one for me). I set it aside for a few decades (trumpet), but about four years ago my fiddle friends caught me playing and so I became the whistle guy. There’s two new apprentices on the scene and they keep asking how I do ornaments and I don’t know how to answer. So I’m sending them this link.
Nice bit of The Mountain Top at the beginning there! Been on my list of tunes to learn for a while. Cracking tune!
Always wanted to learn how to play now at eighty l am learning and absolutely loved it 🥰🎶🥰 also play it in a Ukulele group on some of our songs and I have learned so much from you! Thank you 🙏🎶
Oddly, I saw a Facebook ad for someone teaching a tin whistle course and decided to grab one (but not the course). I'd already been a big fan of some Irish music like The High Kings and Seamus Kennedy, so it seemed like a good match. I thought having a small instrument like that to take with me on mountain bike rides and play while out in the woods might be kind of fun.
Thanks for this new breakdown on ornaments. I'm getting to where I can kind of play them, but they never sound right when I try to work them into music. Guess I just need to listen to more people play and see what works for them.
Back in the day I listened to a radio show called Thistle and Shamrock and fell in love with Irish music. A friend of mine went to Ireland and came back with a Feadog whistle and gave it to me. That started me on a " I want to learn how to play this instrument" journey. Now I have several whistles including an Alba Low D. I'm not the greatest player but I'm slowly improving and can play nearly thirty songs.
I taught recorder to students and I also became very interested in Irish music and whistles
Sean dear, I started tin whistle because I fell in love with the sound of it. I have been listening to Irish music, and I always wanted to play music, not just humming it. I liked the fact I can take it with me easily, anywhere I go. It keeps my lungs working, and as a disabled person, this is also a good part of my rehabilitation program.
Thank you very much, very helpful for Thin Wistlers Beginners.
I got into tin whistle (and low whistle) by listening to Dryante Zan's game music covers. I fell in love with the haunting tone of low whistles. I could definitely use another high D whistle since I mainly have low whistles.
Usual excellent content and straightforward no nonsense instruction. Got into whistle to give me something else to play when it wasnt practical to take a flute.
Though I’ve never played a tin whistle I really would like to learn. Such a small simple instrument but it sounds amazing
I have wanted to learn the tin whistle for about 6 years. I loved the sound of it in traditional irish music ( which I love) but didn't know what instrument it was. I learned the classical flute for about 4 years, and eventually found out it was the irish whistle I wanted to learn. But I didn't really have any inspiration to learn it yet. Then I learnt about the Willis Clan and was listening to a ton of there music which really inspired me to learn it. Now I am learning off of Sean and I am loving playing the tin whistle so much!
There is so much you can do with the traditional irish music and how you can make it your own style with different ornaments.
I got into whistle playing after a friend of my dad gave me The Wide World Over by The Chieftains for my birthday, about 16 years ago. From that moment, I knew I wanted to play the whistle and the Uilleann pipes.
I played French horn in my school days but never owned one. When the pandemic hit, I bought whistles for my son and me to learn together. And we found your channel 🙂.
Thank you for the clear instruction and quality content.
I've only recently found out about your channel and I wish I'd found it sooner! I'm a flutist and I've been in love with tin whistles, Irish flutes and traditional Irish music since I was super young. My mum, who's a guitar player, has always loved playing folk music, she wrote her own songs as well...so that's where my passion for it comes from. I've basically grown up listening to Irish and Celtic music my entire life, even though I'm Italian!
I've only had a couple of cheaper tin whistles in my life and I was looking for advice on how to choose a new one. Your videos are all super useful for that and so much more. Thank you so much for what you do!!
Your teaching method is so approachable. It makes me want to practice. Exacting rhythm is so important in irish music for the dance, and you made that point.
I really wanted a portable instrument I could play on the go and love the energy of Irish music. My daughter and I began practicing together a few months back and have a great time!
I started on the Highland pipes as a child. My parents bought a whistle (I think maybe for my sister) that just sort of laid around the house for years. One summer we were driving to bagpipe camp and I grabbed the whistle on a whim and tried playing GHB tunes on it. It actually sounded okay (although a little too squeaky for some of the grace note combos) so I kept at it, learning how to add tonguing and take away extra grace notes that weren’t helpful.
I eventually stopped playing the pipes but kept at it with the whistle, and after grabbing a few more in different keys started jamming with some of my exchange student friends in college. That was almost a decade ago and I’ve been gigging on the whistle ever since.
I’m now at the point where I’m starting to teach friends how to play, and having a decent whistle I can loan to people until they decide to purchase their own would be swell.
Hi got into whistling after listening to kwela music as a kid. Kwela is an African off beat style (Spokes Mashiyane was the master of kwela tin whistle playing). Have been following your tutoring videos for few months now. Thanks
I mostly play bagpipes and Scottish music, but recently, after listening some of bands just wanted to broaden the music and my abilities and started to learn whistle as well :)
I've never played an instrument before and had no musical knowledge or experience, so during quarantine I made it a goal to start playing an instrument. I found out about the tin whistle through curiosity and hearing Irish music. I ordered a whistle and began watching your channel. Slowly but surely I can now play a few songs confidently. Your lessons have been a great help
Thanks, this was a very good and informative video breaking these ornaments down into easy to follow and understand techniques!
I’ve got at this point 20 minutes of total playing time…ever. Bought a whistle because I love how simple and down to earth it feels. Can’t wait to belt out some traditional tunes!
I first heard the whistle when I joined the folk group that I currently play with and I instantly fell in love with the sound, after awhile I finally decided to get one of my own and have loved playing it ever since. I’m still learning and getting better but your videos have made it a lot easier to learn!
I've been listening to Irish trad for twenty years, during which I did a little messing about with the whistle after finishing a degree in classical music (since the whistle was something I could afford to experiment with), but lately I've decided to take it more seriously and am studying it up and trying to play it properly, not just tunes in straight rhythm from sheet music. I love your videos and really appreciate all that you teach in them!
I was looking for an instrument to learn to play to vent some emotions. Tin whistle is kind of the golden combination for me: 1) I love to keep it always with me 2) it's easy to start but difficult to master, so it's always interesting 3) i can play that occasional slow air / lament when I feel like it. I think you're the most competent guide on YT to master this instrument. Thanks!
I grew up playing and listening to bluegrass music, and got the urge to explore its roots and influences. My Scots/Irish heritage also pulled me in the trad Irish direction. The tin whistle seemed like a great first step into that world! Especially when it comes to learning about what makes Irish music sound Irish (ornaments, the lilting 3-feel, etc). Love your content!
Home schooling with Classical Conversations is the way I heard about the Tin Whistle "D". I have two little ones trying to learn as well.
I'm also working on some Christian songs.
Thanks for the great videos!
I saw the Chieftains many years ago and was taken with Irish music and history.
I got into playing the whistle after seeing Lee Forshner play with the Dropkick Murphys during their live stream at Fenway Park. I then started listening to Flogging Molly, and then into traditional Irish music. It looked fairly simple and I had never tried a wind instrument before, so I got a Clarke Original as my first whistle. I now have a collection, but I haven’t yet acquired a Dixon, which I have been curious about.
I play the Native American flute, but my middle name is O’Neil so I had to try the Tin Whistle. It was in my blood. When traveling a whistle is easer than a NAF. And it is fun to transpose a tune I know from the flute to the whistle and Vice-a-versa. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.
I got into the whistle when I started as a Living Historian. We portray Irish immigrants during the US Civil War and wanted some Irish traditional music in the camp.
I love you style of teaching. Makes you want to tune in for more
I want to expand my bagpipe tune repertoire and a whistle seems to be a natural progression.
Bummer I wasnt here last year to take advantage of the giveaways.
Cheers
Thanks for the kind words! And no doubt there'll be more giveaways to follow this year!
11:13 I wanted to start playing music but really wanted to stand out rather than going with the average guitar or flute. when i discovered the tin whistle and irish music i instantly fell in love
Watching these videos got me in to the whsitle. il look forward to trying out the new whsitle lol..
Thanks for the lesson!
I've played music all my life going up (piano, violin, guitar, drums), and first encountered the tin whistle because my daughter was learning it in the Classical Conversations homeschooling program. I started to watch some TH-cam videos (and found your channel) to learn some proper techniques so I can teach her correctly, and got hooked myself :)
I’m a music teacher in the states. I play mainly woodwinds and I’ve been a huge lover of Irish music. A local bar at Uni had a weekly group playing and I always found my self there!
I’d love to learn to play myself, And create a group!