I’d like to be able to teach a very basic beginner whistle workshop (not necessarily Irish), maybe through my church, a homeschool group, or some other community connection. It would probably be just a 1-or 2-session class that would get everyone playing a couple of simple tunes (like “Amazing Grace”) and having the ability to learn more on their own and point them toward resources to help them go further if they want.
The thing is, I have no idea how to start. I didn’t have a teacher or even a tutorial book; I was already an experienced musician (piano) so I just bought a whistle and took off with it. I know that doesn’t mean I had the technique down, but I didn’t have to learn basic musical stuff. Once I learned how to make the notes (“ok, this is a D, this is an E,” etc.), I could start playing any tune I wanted. But I’d want to cater to people who have no musical background, and I wouldn’t want reading music to be a requirement, since you’re supposed to learn by ear anyway.
I’ve read a couple of old threads that include tips and suggestions for teaching, but I need to get even more basic than that. I need a curriculum of sorts. Should I just buy a couple of tutorial books and base my content off of those? Should I divide into two groups–those that have some musical background and those that don’t–to better meet people where they are? I think I could teach whistle if someone taught me how to teach it. Where do I start?
You have a great opportunity to show new players how much can be done with absolutely no musical knowledge, but just a good ear. As you said, picking a simple song they all know, and playing as a group one note at a time is the way to go. If they’ve never played an instrument, they’ll be excited and energized at the possibilities.
FWIW, the first tune I learned by ear was ‘Joy To the World’, (the carol, not the rock song). It starts on a high D, and then just follows a downward scale in the first passage. Couldn’t be easier! Best of luck!
With that, you can start them getting the feel of closing the tone holes in the left hand, trying to keep a steady pitch, and trying to keep a steady tempo.
With new tunes, try adding fingers from the right hand, but if they are having any trouble sealing the tone holes, I’d put off trying to hit a D at first.
That would be my approach. Your mileage may vary.
You’ve certainly become an outstanding whistler! I bet you would be very good at teaching.
I think Ryan Duns does a good job of starting someone from the very basics and then teaches some simple tunes then later teaches some ornaments. You can of course teach your own tunes but this might give you some ideas.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the right hand side where it says Older posts and keep going till you get to the first lesson and you will see how he starts someone out who has never played the whistle before!
But I’m ready to think about whistling a little more now, and I need some help.