I have been playing for almost a month now. I am having fun and progressing slow but sure.
I recorded a couple of tunes this weekend and decided to upload them. I still have issues with my breathing, I need to focus on using all of my breath by the time I take a new breath. I can hear it effecting the notes staying in tune when I run out of air or need to take a breath with half a lung still full of air.
I recorded some guitar and acoustic bass for the heck of it. It may be a little painful for some of you to hear so listen with caution if you have newbie sensitive ears.
I still have issues with my breathing, I need to focus on using all of my breath by the time I take a new breath. I can hear it effecting the notes staying in tune when I run out of air or need to take a breath with half a lung still full of air.
I’d say the latter. Don’t wait until you have to to take a breath.
Ryan Duns has a very informative video instruction on YouTube of just this subject, which I think will be helpful for you: http://youtu.be/7Au5wcmhjOI
Mr. Ed, thanks for posting that link, that is just the type of stuff I need to learn (that and about a 1000 other things). I will take a look tonight (can’t view youtube at work).
This forum has been inspiring and helpful, you guys and gals are a great bunch.
Thanks for the compliment NikkiBlue! I played Saxophone about 35 years ago and I play guitar in a rock band, so the musical experience helps when learning a new instrument.
I did not record the first tune all in one go. I wanted to see how different the the Susato Kildare and Oriole sounded, so the first half is the Kildare and the second half is the Oriole.
Yes, Max, not bad at all for < 1 month. Nice breath and finger control. Good job.
Here are a couple of suggestions:
Watch your intonation carefully. In your first clip, your playing sharp overall. In the second clip, you’re sharp in the 1st octave, and flat in the 2nd octave. Try pulling the whistle out a hair, then adjusting your breath pressure as you go - nice and easy in the 1st octave, and pushing a little harder in the 2nd. Playing with the backing track should help you to hear the tuning issues.
Now would be a good time for you to start learning the basic ornaments - cut, tap, and roll. Check Brother Steve’s site and Ryan Duns’ YouTube tutorials for a good start with those.
Thanks MtGuru, I have a lot to learn and having somoene who is experienced to give me advice and keep me from learning terrible habits early on is very much appreciated.
I think my breathing issues are contributing to my intonation issues, a lot of times I find myself with too little breath or in need of emptying my lungs so I can get a fresh breath of air.
I have been out to Brother Steve’s site. I am working on cuts and taps now. There is so much to learn, but the whistle is real fun to play.
I am also looking into English country dance music to play besides the obligitory ITM.
