Hi everybody
I just bought a whistle today, something I’ve been wanting to do for a while now and finally went for it. I know this will be fun. There certainly seems to be lots of enthusiasm on this site. I guess the big question now is, should I try to learn through books, tapes, cds etc or is it just better to find a teacher? Anyone know of any teachers in Calgary, AB? Thanks!
Hi Brenna, welcome!
My opinion is it’s best to learn from a teacher. Books and cds will help depending on how you learn. I can’t read music, so books don’t help much, and I mostly use recorded clips to learn from. Some people can’t play by ear, so they prefer to use books. Experiment and see what you like. The people here can suggest many different books and CDs for you, and you can ask Thom at http://www.thewhistleshop.com for recommendations too.
–Beth
[ This Message was edited by: avanutria on 2002-02-01 22:42 ]
Greeting and welcome aboard.
I’m a few months new too. You’ve come to a good place as this site is filled with great information on the web site itself and in the postings you can read. Importantly, there are some good and experienced people here too.
From one newbie to another, the reference to the whistle stopweb site is top notch. I don’t have the benfit of a in-person teacher and my resourse have been with the “Learn the Penny Whistle” CD and book. I’ve liked it and it allows me to proceed at my own pace. Together with the info on this web site, I have no complaints on my progress.
Enjoy and immerse yourself in it. Again, welcome aboard.
Hi. I worked in Calgary for two years in
the late 60s. Brrrr! There was a lot
of Scottish influence and I bet if you
look you may find some celtic music
being played and even teachers.
There must be some bagpipers.
Certainly you can learn from books
and tapes, and I’ve found that an
occasional lesson can be quite
helful. Also I would suppose there
are celtic festivals in Canada,
maybe in Alberta, maybe in
Vancouver, with inexpensive workshops
where whistle is taught. Good luck
with it, and glad you’re aboard!
Welcome to the Board. Everybody does it differently. Have fun and learn what you like in whatever way is easiest for you. I happened to pick up a Clarke with tape and book by Bill Ochs when my daughter was born years ago. I taught myself how to read, listened to music and learned to play what I loved to hear. At some point, I bogged down and was fortunate enough to find the author of the book and attend classes with Bill Ochs for several years. At whatever point you’re ready for a teacher, that’s a step that is immeasurably important to your playing. Enjoy and good luck. Philo
Thanks everyone for all your advice. I checked out the chat room on this site and met a group of wonderfully friendly folk! Everyone has been so helpful.
Still screeching away.
Brenna
Welcome to C&F and Irish Whistling.
Here’s some stuff I found on the web regarding whistles, sessions, and Irish music in Calgary. They might be worth taking a look at.
- Irish Cultural Society, ICS](http://www.ucalgary.ca/~bmccombs/irish/music/default.htm%3EICS) Music which includes some links to a Slow session: Celtic](http://www.ucalgary.ca/~bmccombs/comhaltas/Calgary/turtles.htm%3ECeltic) Turtles and whistle classes with Gregg Hooper.
- Also web links for and from The](http://www.nucleus.com/~xpc/music/wvfestival/wvmainf.html%3EThe) Water Valley Traditional Celtic Folk Festival
Hope these leads give you some helpfull info in your area,
Enjoy Your Music,
Lee Marsh
[ This Message was edited by: LeeMarsh on 2002-02-04 11:43 ]
Welcome, Brenna!