Hi, my names Darren and i’m from the UK. Just got myself my first ever penny whistle, a Generation D.
When it comes to musical ability i don’t really have much, but i’m keen to learn and plan to do so.
Not quite sure why i chose a whistle. It just appealed to me, and, having already got a 6 hole Ocarina, i thought a whistle would be a good choice.
I’ve so far managed the basic notes, although when i go for covering all the holes it tends to sound quite screechy, but i’m not sure if this is down to the instrument or me not getting my blowing right .. i guess time will tell on that one.
So hopefully i’m not too old at 34 to be a complete beginner
One last thing, which i’m sure people on here will be able to answer. When i play i have my right hand fingers covering the first 3 notes and my left hand fingers covering the bottom three. Is this the normal way, as all the books / info i’ve read say to do it the other way round - left top, right bottom. My wifes thinks i’m strange for playing it that way, especially as i’m right handed.
You’re definitely not too old. I know people who’ve started at 50 plus, and got to a stage reasonably quickly where they were getting a lot of satisfaction from whistling.
My own personal recommendation would be, if you are just learning, try and learn with the left hand on top. If you ever want to play flute - and you never know, you might - and then, if you ever get a hankering for a keyed flute, it would probably make it easier if you learn from the start with the left hand on top, which is the conventional way. Some people do play the other way round, mind, and manage it very well.
Hi there,
just bought my first whistle last week, a Generation as well, and am 44 so imagine how good you will be when you hit my age!
Having the right hand on top felt proper to me as well but i switched to the left hand and don’t notice it being any different now.
I know what you mean about sounding screechy, i’m a little embarrassed after practicing about what my wife and son think when they hear the awful sounds i am producing. They have been nice enough not to say anything though.
I started bagpipes at 39, so 35 for whistle is definitely not too late.
It takes a lot of regular practice to get good at a musical instrument.
If you’ve never played any musical instrument, rhythm will probably be the most difficult aspect. In particular, holding long notes long enough. A metronome can help you a lot with rhythm. There are people who will say that a metronome is a bad thing. These people fall into two camps. Those who, for whatever reason, have strong rhythmic skills (probably learned as children) and those who have poor rhythmic skills, but don’t know it.
My wife doesn’t mind too much .. until i start screeching a bit
I’m actually not to bad at keeping a rhythm. I always say to my wife that i’m no good at music ( my grandad, mum, dad, sister were the musical ones ) but she always says that i’ve actually got quite a good ear for it. My son whose 8 has been playing guitar for a couple of years and is getting quite good, and it kind of inspired me to start playing something properly.
Good! And not only for the possible future sake of flute. Also pipes, and any orchestral woodwind - flute, clarinet, sax, etc. Especially if you’re right handed, unless there’s a compelling reason, LH on top will save you grief.
Welcome Miniwhistler!
You will have SO much fun whistling all the time and everywhere!
The only one in our house that doesn’t like my whistling is the cat! And she’s surly anyway!
Welcome-- you have no idea how much fun you’re in for. Ocarinas are great instruments and can make some beautiful music, but you’ll find the whistle much more versatile.
Wow, reading the posts from all you kids makes me chuckle a bit, it does. I just started the whistle a short while ago and I’ll be 74 next month. I was told in the 1950’s by family friend, don’t ever give up on your music, it’ll stay with you the rest of your life..So true, so true.
So true, Jude! It hurts my heart to hear people say, “I used to play the clarinet.” Or, “My guitar just sits in the corner now.”
Music is a gift from God. It soothes us, takes away stress. Never quit!!
I agree. Except, and pardon me if you think this is over-poetic. It’s not something I do because I enjoy it. I do enjoy it, but that’s not why I do it. To me, it’s like air. I don’t get a choice whether I want it or not.
If you screech when you have all holes covered (assuming they are truly covered) then you are blowing too hard. I am 72 and started about 9 years ago after having a heart attack to help develop my breathing. I love it. But I do have more than one whistle. I still play the first one I bought a Feadan. They are not made any more. Learn and Enjoy.
It’s surprising the different sound you get depending on how you breathe, but i’m still enjoying learning it
I might get another one or two ( the plus side of learning a pretty cheap instrument ) and see if a different make suits me better.
