I’m new to the penny whistle, and so far, this little piece of black metal and plastic is kicking my booty! I can’t seem to get the pitch right. It sounds flat unless I’m blowing really hard, and therefore, really loud! I also can’t seem to get my fingers to move like I think they should be moving! Are there any breathing and fingering exercises and scales I could do to increase my coordination? I can read music, though a tad rusty. I played piano and clarinet when I was in middle school and high school.
It takes time and practise, the fingering as well as the breath control. Sometimes you think it’ll never happen until suddenly…it happens. I was practising a piece for 3 months and didn’t get satisfied, but practised on. All of a sudden I played it right. Not giving up always pays off. Also keep in mind that you practise slowly but get the notes right. Fast playing comes in time, don’t bother about it. And the sites mentioned will are a good advise.
In high school I played French horn, which requires a lot of air and a good embouchure. Yet, I hide a hard time when I first tried the whistle. The breath control requirements are quite different. I suspect the same is true when compared to clarinet. Keep trying. You’ll get it.
I can usually hit the notes if I’m just playing that note, its when I try to put everything together I struggle. I can’t seem to get a steady stream that is slow enough to hit the first octave, and strong enough to hit the second octave and then go back down to the first octave without sounding like a dying goose. I think I have faulty breath control because the clarinet required more air, so I take so long trying to get the note right, I run out of air! I also can’t really practice as often as I want. I have two other roomates, and the last thing they want to hear after class and work is their roommate squeaking like a goose on helium! I ordered a book for an absolute beginner, so hopefully, that will have some scales and exercises to practice fingering and breath control.
Rachel…
We’ve ALL had our booties kicked by the mighty whistle! Welcome.
One thing I’ll tell you from experience…best to find a place or places to practice your whistling, where you won’t be piercing the ears and nervous systems of others! Heed this! (Unless you crave a lot of interpersonal drama…) And carry on…there’s a lotta joy in these “simple” instruments.
PS If you practice in a confined space…consider earplugs!
One thing I find with beginning whistlers (myself included) is to make sure the fingers cover the holes. I know it sounds too silly to mention but it has bitten me again and again when I first started. To learn this I used the following method:
Start with no fingers on the holes. Start GENTLY breathing into the whistle, just enough to hear a note.
Place the first finger of the left hand on the hole closest to the mouthpiece. The pitch should go down. If not adjust your finger until it does.
Add another finger and adjust it until you get the next note.
Continue adding fingers until you can put down all 6 fingers cleanly.
Do the whole process over until it becomes easy.
This will give you an idea of what most of the first octave should sound like. Hope this helps. Welcome to the group!
happy whistling 