Last night I dug out a tape recording from a few years ago of a traditional local whistler (who looked in disdain at my Susato) who laid down some tunes for me, first going slowly then building speed. I learned it a couple of bars at a time, then played along with him. It was amazing how I just got it–not just the notes but the Irish traditional sound I’d been trying to get. I learned it, then taped myself playing it.
I’m a music-reader from way back and will probably use it to learn basic tunes, but I will now tape myself while working on the ornamentation and interpretation, as I did when I took voice lessons.
So the by-ear folks have a point. They recommend finding a traditional whistler, or at least getting an instructional CD if the local whistler is not an option, and learning some strictly by ear. This also helps me in the other instruments I play, and in voice. I will use music reading at times, but I know where the limitations are.
I’m not a total Irish traditionalist, but want to do some playing of Irish tunes “in the style,” as some call it. It can only help my playing, whatever style I choose. Who knows, maybe after I learn some more traditional stuff, I might want to immerse myself in it more? In the meantime, I think I’ll see if that whistler is still around and see if he can lay some more tunes down for me. . . .