I was wondering what would be some good songs for a beginner to learn.
My first songs were from Whistle Book and CD. In UK I bought the Folkworks session music at a very reasonable price and each tune is played slowly the first time through. Later on in the CD it goes to full speed. Mind you hubby hates Winster Gallop after hearing it so many times before I could play it.
I say learn “the butterfly”. It’s a slip jig, and it’s not that fast or complicated. It’s fun and once you can play the melody you can build on it or speed up and do whatever ornamentation you like. They have it at http://www.sessioneer.com
Welcome to whistleing..I can’t advise specific tunes, but a couple of resources come to mind. Mel Bay puts out a book called “Deluxe Tinwhistle Songbook” by Patrick Conway, that is loaded with simple arraingements of popular Irish tunes. What is handy about his book is that it doesn’t include ornamentaion,just the tune. For online tunes, try: http://www.blackflute.com/music/tunes.html
I found lots of good stuff there as well, again without complicated ornamentation. Again,welcome.
On 2002-05-20 23:06, gemm84 wrote:
I say learn “the butterfly”. It’s a slip jig, and it’s not that fast or complicated. It’s fun and once you can play the melody you can build on it or speed up and do whatever ornamentation you like. They have it at > http://www.sessioneer.com >
Oh this is a great site! Perfect for a beginner like me! My husband has already begun to grumble about my sitting around playing the whistle when I ought to be waving a great big fan over his head or something…maybe if I get some variety into my music, he won’t grouch around so much?
I’m just waiting to order my two kids their megs…that oughta thrill him to death.
Kim
One thing you might try is to long on to the Virtual Session and listen to the tunes there…if you find one you like, you can print the music and work on the tune. And when you get good enough at it, you can play along with the music on the site.
theres a link to the site at:
http://www.geocities.com/whistleannex/Sessions.html
Dazed
The Chiffboard Matrix
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[ This Message was edited by: DazedinLA on 2002-05-21 00:18 ]
Hey Kim,
Maybe you should accompany yourself on whistle while belly-dancing for your husband…
Lisa
The web sites mentioned are great! I’m also looking for a book/CD combo, so I can play in my living room instead of sitting in front of the computer. I’ve seen lots of good remarks about Cotter’s Traditional Irish Tinwhistle Tutor, and about McCullough’s 121 Favorite Irish Session Tunes. Does anyone have an idea how they would be for beginners?
Jade
(note: I posted a similar question under slow tunes, but decided it was probably in the wrong place . . . )
My first tune was Star of the County Down. It’s simple but pretty. Others that are simple but sound good are Greensleeves and Scarborough Faire, although these last two aren’t Irish. Still, they’ll help you get a feel for whistling.
If you happen to know a few tunes by ear, go on JC’s ABC tunefinder and download the music…voila! You’re already on the road! My newby faves…
When Sick Is It Tea You Want?
The Foxhunter
SeanBui
Inisheer
have fun, and welcome!
Dave
Are you aiming towards Irish Music, or any other style?
If you are a complete beginner, try playing anything you already know, even “Happy Birthday To You” will get your fingers used to the notes, or play hymn tunes, christmas carols etc.
There are many good books, CDs and video tutors available, my main advice, if you’re trying to play Irish music, would be to be sure to hear a tune before you try to play it straight from sheet music, until you are pamiliar with the particular tune type, sound & rhythm. The sheet music juts can’t convey all the expressions in the music, but which are comparatively easy to pick up aurally.
Good whistling, and welcome to the board!!
If you want an inexpensive tune collection, Mel Bay’s Pocketbook for tinwhistle is only 99 cents at music stores.
On 2002-05-21 00:58, ysgwd wrote:
Hey Kim,
Maybe you should accompany yourself on whistle while belly-dancing for your husband…>
Lisa
Oh yeah, that should get rid of him! Ha ha ha!
Kim
Thanks to all that posted