How do you know when you've made strides?

Whistle
1

I’ve been playing whistle now for something just over 5 years. For the first few years I picked up what I could, and practiced in my own fashion. For the past few years I’ve gotten a bit more focused and serious about the process by taking lessons from someone whose music I admire, taking advice from some people on the board that I trust, and practicing some habits that I had an idea would be useful.

I know my repetoire has expanded; I know I’m more likely to hit the notes I intend to hit than I was earlier in my playing. But last night I had a sweet experience. There was a gathering of friends for a BBQ, and it included three professional musicians who played melody lines (whistle, dulcimer, fiddle), three other backup musicians (guitar, percussion and a bass) and me. There were about fifteen people listening. In the past this would be a nervous situation for me because the people listening were ‘actively’ listening, there were only a few instruments and I wouldn’t be lost in the mix, and I was playing with people whose opinions I valued.

And it was a beautiful night. I had fun and wasn’t self conscious. I played duets with PV and Aodh Og. I backed up Ox singing The Band Played Waltzing Matilda. We played with the June bugs settling on our hands and moths against the light. I wasn’t totally note perfect, but I was happy with the sound all night.

Just being able to play decently under those circumstances and come away feeling as if I added to the night is a grand feeling.

2

That’s great!

Large stepping stones - like the one you just accomplished, being able to
sound decent while having fun in a performance setting! - are an
accumulation of a whole load of little things. So you’ve got to hand it to
yourself there!

Sometimes I aim to achieve a particular technique with ease. That
becomes a notch on my own personal “measuring stick”. I’ve a “big” goal
of being able to make any whistle I play sound sweet. I now have one
little Feadog which does that for me, but it didn’t always sound that way.
Yesterday I discovered my Burke d has gotten there too, during a 2 hr
gig. Of course I ain’t no Mary Bergin or LE McCullough, but a notch is a
notch!

3

And THAT, is the reason we play.

4

Sounds really terrific Ty. :slight_smile:

Philo

5

Yup, Tyg-- that’s what it’s all about!

6

When those around you actually say sincerely good things like being glad you brought your whistles!

I usually play bass, mostly because I’m the only one there who does, so when mine recently had to have surgery (reconstruction is complete, now it’s waiting for the cosmetic stuff), and the store model sold, I suddenly got to play whistle a whole lot more, and guitar and sometimes even my lovely new ancient banjo. I’m not the only whistler, and by no means the best, but I do get serious compliments, and that feels good. I figure that when I play and don’t come out feeling embarrassed, I’ve done pretty well.