Just got a copy of Grey Larsen’s “Essential Guide to Irish Flute and Tin Whistle”. What a fantastic book! I think if I play 'till I’m 90, I’ll never need another tutor book.
He certainly goes into depth, but in an easily understandable way…if you get my drift.
For anyone learning flute or whistle, if you haven’t got it…you should get it!
I can’t put it down, and it’s stopping me from getting on with my work!
Cass.
Edit:…I have the same post on the flute forum, where conversation has gone in a slightly different direction! I’ve ended up with the same post going on in two different places at the same time! Oops! Won’t do that again!
I recently got the book too. A piece of advice. Take it down to Kinkos or whatever similar shop you have and have it spiral bound. Now you’ll be able to keep it open while you play. It cost me about $7 but it was worth it.
I find that some of it is kind of complicated, though. I easily learned to do cuts from Ryan’s tutorials but I now struggle trying to learn them the way Grey suggests. But I can see the wisdom of his methods. I just can’t get my fingers to do it!
I loaded the CDs into iTunes and tried to set it up so that I wouldn’t import the tracks into my iPod. But a few of them slipped in. It’s a good reminder though of what to practice. I intend to pull out the boring repetitive practice ones and play along, setting playback to loop. Maybe that’ll drill it into my fingers.
Think that’s a really useful tip. I live in the UK, but my husband has got a machine that spiral binds documents and books etc. If I ask him nicely…he’ll do it for free (and a big plate of my spag bol!)
Cass.
PS. (it’s short for spaghetti bolognese! just incase you were puzzled! )
Kinkos is more expensive for just about everything now. Try Office Max, if you have one. About a third cheaper when I had something collated/wirebound about a year ago.
I’ve got that book, too. It makes for great reading, however, I really think that Mr. Larsen really tends to over think and over analyze a lot of fairly simple concepts. It occurs to me that all a whistler needs to be “taught” is how to finger the notes and execute a few ornaments. Other than that is simply a matter of years of practice,practice and more practice. Along with listening to accomplished players every chance you get. I call it the “L.E. McCullough” approach. Anyone who started out with his “Tin Whistle Tutor” knows what I mean. Just my humble opinion.
Diane, What a great suggestion! I have such trouble with the size of the book it tends to keep me away from it. But I totally agree with HW having started on the McCollough book. I do appreciate all the information in the Larsen book too.
I know this is an old thread, but I figured it was better than starting a new one. I was just wondering if I should get this book or the Essential Tin Whistle Toolbox.
Hi,I got the Irish flute & tin whistle book first then got the Toolbox because its easier to use(size I mean, its also just whistle). I’ve been playing for 4 months now and just getting to the short roll section,so pretty close to the end of the Toolbox so to progress with his tutor I’ll have to use the bigger book.
BTW I’ve found it a great tutor, coming from classical guitar the detailed exercises were a great way for me to learn whistle technique etc.
I also use Ryan Dunns videos they have helped a lot.
Hope this helps
Getting it spiral bound sounds a great idea I’m going to look into that
