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
Well, I did something similar three years ago, although only for one month. It seemed that to some extent at least it is possible to get the input from multiple teachers. I was only in Ireland for a month then and was based in Dublin, and it took me a while to realise that the player that was supposed to give me a few lessons was not going to have time that after all.
So in the end I had about three lessons during the month, which did give me quite a bit to chew on in the stage I was in then. I found the teachers by just going to sessions and asking around. I suppose this would work for you as well, if you stay in one place for more than a day or two. Lessons are likely to cost around 20 to 25 euro each.
Attending the summer school part of the Willie Clancy week sounds like a good idea. Three yreas ago, I was around for a couple of days in Miltown but couldn’t afford the tuition especially as I wasn’t there for the whole time.
Have you had the chance to check out the woodenflute.com website?
If you join you can have access to the list of teachers that they have compiled from all over Ireland. I am often contacted by people needing help from that particular site. They have found it useful, it might be worth your while logging on to it.
I’d reccommend a trip to Achill Island when Scoil Acla is on (July 24th -30th) The teachers are Maureen McGrattan, Hammy Hamilton & Harry Bradley. I’ve been going the past few years. Achill is totally magic! There are also a number of hostels & guest houses to choose from but book in advance. You really would need to hire a car too, but there are regular bus journeys from Dublin & Belfast to Achill Sound.