An EXTREME newbee here, with a question on tutor books. I bought a copy of Bill Ochs’ “The Clarke Tin Whistle” for my wife a couple of years ago, and she never used it. She said I could have it but, in the meantime, I found a copy of L.E. McCullough’s “The Complete Irish Timwhistle Tutor” at Half Price Books. Of course, I snatched it up, but now that leaves me with a dilemma: Which tutor is best? I’ve seen good reviews on C&F for both of them, but no comparisons, per se.
McCullough’s book is fine if you’re only interested in Irish music … nothing wrong with that, but Och’s book shows the instrument in a wider context. I’ve got both, I preferred Och’s book, but as you’ve got both, give both a try, you really can’t lose
I like both. They use slightly different notation to show ornamentation. Pick one and get started, and once you’re well into it and feeling comfortable, check out the other. I’d also suggest reading the introductory parts of both books right from the start.
I learned the whistle from scratch using the Ochs book, I’m actually just getting back into whistle & flute playing after a long break and have been using it today to brush up. I remember owning a bunch of beginner books as a kid and Ochs blew the rest out of the water.
Since this is a tutor book thread, maybe someone can recommend an intermediate/advanced tutor? I have my eye on Grey Larsen’s stuff, as far as I know he wrote two - The Essential Guide To Irish Flute And Tin Whistle and The Essential Tin Whistle Toolbox.. do they complement each other?
Edit - A little birdie told me about Blayne Chastain’s online lessons and I’m now subscribed to him. I’m also going to rebuy the Ochs book just for the CD, it came with a tape which I lost over the years.
