I am a newbie. Just started practicing in earnest this summer. There are a few tunes that I have sort of mastered.
What I would like to know is could i get some recommendations of some popular but relatively easy to play tunes that most pipers would know. So I have at least one tune in my head that I could play with others if I find myself in a tionol or other setting with other pipers. Tunes that I know so far are:
Dawning of the day
Ailiu Eanai
Buachaill on Eirne
Song of the Chanter
Taimse im Chodladh (working on it)
Yougall Waltz (working on it)
Hornpipes are a great way to learn and apply timing, phrasing and ornamentation. Playing hornpipes has done more for my technique than anything else. I suggest having a go at hornpipes like:
PJ, I agree with you there, 2 of my favorite tunes and a few Polka’s help as well. Egan’s Polka is a nice one, and Britches full of Stitches. Good luck with your endeavor, one tune at a time. Cheers
Those are slow airs (and a waltz), no? Which would be typically performed as solo pieces. But if your goal is to play with others, then you should also be focusing on adding some dance tunes (reels, jigs, etc.) to your repertoire. I posted a few suggested lists here: