I will be in Ireland for a little over 2 months this summer… primary purpose is to study the whistle (and flute). I will be attending Willy Clancy school.
I am a new player, have been practicing more on whistle than flute, and I feel that I am doing pretty well.
I can say that I am very determined and absolutely LOVE playing. I can’t get enough of it and would play every waking moment of my day if I were able.
I am looking for a teacher, or two, or three (I know it’s best to stay with just one, but I will not have that liberty as I will be travelling as well) that might be willing to work with me. I would gladly travel to them, stay in a hostel and work with them for a short while before moving on.
I would love the experience of learning from different teachers and gathering information along the way.
I am not sure if this philosophy will work, but I am hoping it will!
I could use, from you, advice on this theory AND suggestions of your favorite teachers in Ireland. Again, I will gladly go to them as I will be there to experience and see the country as well.
About me: I appreciate patience with question asking (I like to), understanding that I am an artist and am VERY left brained… it’s hard for me to process right brain issues regarding music… lamens terms are best for me… I practice A LOT. I am a teacher and feel that I know how to learn well… take criticism and actually enjoy it… So, that’s about me…
Suggestions will be really appreciated.
Thank you again, everyone.
Smiles, Jess
I went to Ireland for several months in 2003, though I was seeking concertina lessons rather than whistle/flute. Willie Clancy week is a good one to attend. You might also look into the Feakle Festival in east Clare - http://www.feaklefestival.ie/ - but it was extremely difficult for me to get to/from with public transport.
(To get there was pure chance, I met a friend of mine in Galway who was headed there and had arranged a lift from a farmer, and to get back to Ennis I had to join the East Clare Active Transport Society or something, which helped local residents get aroudn rural areas.)
I had three different concertina teachers while I was there, for a few days of workshops each time, and it was very useful to be able to compare styles and see what I liked and disliked.
What a great opportunity! If I were to go, two teachers I would check in with would be Brid O’Donohue (in Miltown Malbay) and Carmel Gunning (in Sligotown). Both have schools and classes and will take drop-ins from out-of-towners, I believe. But realize that in whistle classes in Ireland, including Willie Clancy week, you’ll be with a bunch of 8 year olds who already know 50 tunes and can roll you under the table It’s like taking beginning piano lessons in the US. I would try to get private lessons. Check out their websites:
These are two of the more obvious choices, because they have CDs out. Brid and Carmel may also have suggestions for lesser known but great teachers. I would look into it asap as most schedules for the summer are booked because of summer schools, festivals, touring, etc.
Another teacher in the area is Peadar Reilly. He plays at McDermotts Pub in Doolin a lot and mainly teaches flute but I heard he’ll also give whistle lessons. If I would have had more time, I would have tried to get an hour with him. You apparently can inquire about lessons at McDermotts.
It’s like taking beginning piano lessons in the US. I would try to get private lessons. Check out their websites: