[u]Dusty Strings Acoustic Music Shop[/u] (in Seattle’s Fremont district) just published their Fall workshop schedule. It includes two whistle workshops (beginning and intermediate) taught by Stuart Esson. Are any of you Chiffers familiar with Mr Esson? Have you ever taken a class he’s taught? If so, what were your impressions of his teaching style?
Thanks!
John
From what Google revealed -
Excerpts:
Stewart Esson is a 47 year old scot who plays whistle
and occasionally sings down at the Pike Place Market.
a quote: “The more varied the ornamentation, the better the
whistler. To make the whistle sound as weird and
twisted and strange as possible is really the true
Irish style.”
Esson has been playing for three years. He is largely
self taught but he did get some instruction from Susan
Mclain the proprietor of Greensleeves Music Academy
and the president of the local business union. He met
her playing at a gas station where she was doing the
job as a raffle prize.
Personally, I wouldn’t take a class from him based on that info.
Uh… I think I’ll skip that workshop. Thanks Teri!
Cheers,
John
You’re welcome. Although, we could just go down to the Market and hear him for free (maybe for a buck) with the other buskers 
Yeah, I’d like to hear him play this “weird and twisted and strange” Irish music…
While he could very well be a gifted player, I have to wonder whether anyone is truly qualified to teach an instrument after playing it for only three years, even a so-called “simple” instrument like the whistle. I’ve always preferred teachers (of any subject) with many years of experience in their field. Three years seems like such a short amount of time…
Well at least he’s not teaching advanced, now that would have been funny. You guys grab some clips and post here, I’m curious to listen to the “weird and twisted” style ITM is supposed to have.
Don’t you get enough of that here as it is? 
Sorry, couldn’t let that one go
Heh.
Weird and Twisted and Strange Irish Whistle Music
Hard rock whistle band: Twisted Fipple
Jazz whistle trio: The Triplets of Blarney
I would like to find some good instruction here in the Seattle area at some point. What does something like that cost? And how far along do you need to be for it not be a waste of time for the instructor?
The cost varies considerably from teacher to teacher; check the instructor book at Dusty Strings. I wanted to take lessons, but all the teachers seem to live in Fremont or Ballard, and my job makes it hard for me to get up to Seattle on a routine basis. If you have no problem getting into town, you should be able to find a good teacher. (I know Hanz Araki is listed in the book at Dusty Strings, for instance.)
As for how far along you need to be… Ask the teacher. Some take beginners, while others might only take more advanced students.
John
thanks John
You’re welcome. And if you should happen to discover a good whistle teacher in south King County, let me know! 
I’d imagine the price would vary. Some people wouldn’t charge, some would ask for $10-20/hr. The problem is finding a good instructor, and one that will teach the style you’re looking for. There are quite a number of “players”, few instructors.
Hopefully, an instructor wouldn’t look at someone’s starting ability as a waste of time, whether it be complete beginner, novice, or intermediate. A good instructor would want to make sure a student has the basics and should be willing to teach them.
When you’re ready, a good place to start checking would be the Irish Piper’s Club in Seattle. http://www.irishpipersclub.org/
Thanks Teri!
You’re welcome.
John - have you been by the Thursday session at The Giant’s Causeway in Renton? I’ve not spoken with anyone that’s been to it, but have heard good things about the pub and the owners (ex-pats).
No, I haven’t been there for the session. Unfortunately, I can’t make a Thursday session. I’m in a group that hikes after work every Thursday from April through September. I might try to check it out later this Fall, though.
We did stop by the pub for lunch shortly after it opened a few years ago. The food was horrible, and the place was filled with cigarette smoke. I’m guessing that the food, at least, has improved, since they’re still in business. If it’s still really smoky, I’ll have to think twice about attending the session. Cigarette smoke gives me a headache faster than slamming my head into a brick wall.
John