I have come across a Free program that slowly teaches you to read sheet music. I love it, and am finding it very helpfull. Feel free to try it out.
http://www.download.com/NoteCard/3000-2133-1509909.html?tag=lst-0-6
It’s pretty good. But, wouldn’t you think it would have audio output. It doesn’t. Does it?
How about a free program that weans you off of sheet music?
(like a nicotine patch…you paste a pair of semi-quavers to your upper-arm, or you chew on a small wadded up bit of the Ochs Tutor while trying to play by ear.)
It does not have an audio output that I know. But there are many out there that do have audio output. They just cost money if you want the full versions. http://www.noteablesoftware.us/ is the progam that I am using. The trial lasts a good long time.
A bit OT, I found this on sight singing:
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Neil_Hawes/sitesing.htm
Sight reading is a useful skill, and critical for many applications. However, it is not the best way to learn Irish Traditional Music. The subtle rhythms, accents and ornaments of ITM can only be approximated on sheet music. Listening, especially in person, but if that is not possible, CDs and MP3s from accomplished musicians are the way to go. Slowing down the performances with something such as Audacity freeware, helps.
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
Edited to add this, an ear training program for beginners who want to get better at listening. Disclaimers: It is not whistle specific and I have not tried it. It is $60 for the full version, with a demo version for free download:
http://www.trailcreeksystems.com/
Features:
High, Middle, and Low Sounds
Melodic Movement: Up and Down, Step and Skip
Major and Minor Triads (Root Position)
Intervals: Perfect, Major and Minor
Scale Structure: Major and Minor Scales
Colorful Theory Lessons in Every Level
- Bill