I look forward to the time I can “contribute” to the forum, although I don’t think I could ever give back a fraction of what I am learning. I can always dream:)
I come from a piano background (and a wee bit rusty at that of late). But as I learn my D, G and A scales on my D whistle, I see definite progress on learning the fingering:), but it’s not so easy to “see” the notes in my head. I can read sheet music, but I like to play by ear. I know this probably sounds silly, but when I read sheet music, I can look at a note and unless it’s way above or below the treble or bass staff, I usually know exactly where the note is on the piano. However, as I am learning “new” notes on the whistle I am wondering if it would be better to have diagrams for fingering above the notes on sheet music? I would like to avoid bad habits. I know some of the websites mentioned on this forum have CD tutorials with sheet music. Is that the best way to go? And if so, can anyone offer up some advice on some of the better ones?
Note: I did go to Sean’s site: www.whistletutor.com . . . great stuff Sean—thanks! And Wombat’s postings on scales were great too.
If I were you, I would develope the your ability to play by ear. It is a true gift, whereby you’ll be more natural in your playing. But, I would also learn to play by note, because that is a very simple way to learn a whole lot of songs in the shortest amount of time. Also, practicing for an hour daily, non-stop, can’t hurt 'niether.
Hi alespa-sounds like you have perfect pitch. Perfect pitch or not, go with learning to play by ear (check the archives if you are curious as to why-there have been numerous discussions on this topic on the forum).
I have always found it difficult to play to fingering diagrams. It is much easier to learn the fingering positions by reading the notes just as you have on the piano. Once you learn how a tune sounds, it is better to play by ear where you can add variations and articulation rather than stick strickly to the written music.
My advice would be not to develop this visualization skill (seeing the note as fingers on and off the whistle). I know if feels like being adrift in a small boat on the see at first, but all you need is your fingers to know where the note is, your mind doesn’t have to be conscious of it. So learn by ear (good on you), and just associate sound with fingerings in an unconscious way. It’s much more powerful in the long run.
OK enough of the funny. I am just curious where your breathing question is? I would like to know about this myself and I thank you for helping me realize that.
Just run scales and chords until your fingers and brain figure it out.
It might be that being too analytical will just slow the process!
There aren’t any new notes… There isn’t even that many of them.
You’re right, somewhere there was a disconnect in my brain (uh-oh). Actually, I am really encouraged by the replies of everyone. Many thanks!!
Now, here’s where my breathing question is . . . I have noticed that the second and third octaves are not a problem for me, in regard to the speed of moving air. I find that I have to concentrate and “slow” my breathing down, more than feels natural, to get the first octave. I am wondering if this is something most everyone goes through, or if this is an indication that when I am ready for a low whistle, that it might feel more natural, considering my windage
If this doesn’t make sense, let me know and I’ll try to figure a better way to explain it.
Put your hand about 3-4 inches in front of your mouth. Blow slow, warm, air in a wide stream. This is the kind of air you will use to make your lower octave speak correctly. Conversely- blow cold fast air in a small stream and your upper octaves will speak. Now translate the same air speed onto your whistle and your problem should be solved. Hope this helps.
