Whistle exams in London (UK)

Whistle
1

Hi

I started learning the whistle (on a high D) earlier this year. I’m working my way (slowly) through Grey Larsen’s book.

I’d like to have a bit more structure to my practice and was wondering of anyone knows of a grading/exam system I could submit to?

Looking on the web, the closest I’ve come is in finding the website for The University of West London (http://www.uwl.ac.uk/lcmexams/Welcome.jsp). They run the LCM Exam system (as far as I can make out this is the standard music grading system) - which has a particular syllabus for Irish and Scots Trad Music.

Does anyone have experience of this? Would I need to find a tutor to help me with these? Are there other alternatives?

Thanks

Ewan

2

Anyone?

3

I only know of the RSMAD in Glasgow where you could make a degree on the whistle http://www.rcs.ac.uk/undergraduate/scottishmusic_NEW/overview/index.html
but maybe this route is something to think when you play a little longer and also had some lessons from a good player or attending a good workshop/summer school…

I like to suggest to go to http://www.thesession.org and ask in the discussion forum if anyone in the London area might be teaching, there are people on there from the area.

There is the Irish Centre in London as well http://www.londonirishcentre.org/index.php/social-cultural/music-2/ who offer music teaching, not sure what kind though… http://www.londonirishcentre.org/index.php/social-cultural/music-lessons/

also the Irish Cultural Centre http://www.irishculturalcentre.co.uk/?q=event/music
http://www.irishculturalcentre.co.uk/?q=adult/instruments
Their website has some errors (at least on my laptop) but contacting is always the best option and ask what is going on… maybe even going to the ceili they have there where a band is playing, maybe a whistler amongst them. Dervish is playing tonight a benefiz concert, could always go around, see them play and while there see if there are whistle lessons available.

Greetings
Brigitte

4

Hi ebgt

What part of the UK are you in? then we could suggest something more appropriate.

The RSAMD course requires you to be pretty good on the whistle (or whatever instrument you play) and you have to pass an audition.

If you are in the North of England there is the Newcastle University BMus course.

If you live near a CCE (Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann) branch then you could get instruction there.

David

5

Maybe it’s just me, but whistle exams sound like TOTALLY not fun. I mean, we call it PLAYING the whistle for a reason…

6

http://www.oaim.ie/

found this on the session.org today in a thread, maybe this is an option or one of the other good online tutors you can find like Mike Eskin’s which comes straight to mind. Could be a good alternative until you find a personal teacher or a course to attend to.

Greetings
Brigitte

7

Many thanks for the responses and ideas. I’ll definitely have a look at the various links Bridgette. I appreciate your time.

Glasgow not an option as I live and work (and have my family) in London. I’ve picked this up as a hobby rather than a vocation.

re - “not being fun”. Perhaps. But for someone starting and trying to teach themself having goals and some kind of structure can help.

Cheers

8

hi ebgt

As you are in London, you have a selection of CCE branches near you.

London region CCE branches

You will likely be able to get instruction there.

David

9

Thanks David

Will take a look

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