The Irish tin whistle has been around since at least the 12th C., from which period locally-made Norman bone instruments have been found. The 'Clarke' tin whistles produced in the early 19th C. in England were essentially toys that allowed the whistle to be owned by the common people, where it became a popular street instrument, and instrument of the countryside for dances and entertainments.
Beginning whistle: Learn the essentials of good basic technique including breath control, fingerings, tonguing, and simple ornaments such as the single note grace note, and the smear. Learn to play slow tunes from the O Carolan repertoire.
Intermediate whistle: Learn long rolls, rolls and more advanced tonguing, phrasing and interpretation.
Advanced: Mastery of virtuosic playing, tightening up ornaments, excellent tone, learning repertoire, overview of styles and regional nuances.
Session whistle: (advanced only) Learn repertoire, tricks of being heard, playing an air, learning new tunes quickly, session etiquette.
Beginning whistle: Learn the essentials of good basic technique including breath control, fingerings, tonguing, and simple ornaments such as the single note grace note, and the smear. Learn to play slow tunes from the O Carolan repertoire.
Intermediate whistle: Learn long rolls, rolls and more advanced tonguing, phrasing and interpretation.
Advanced: Mastery of virtuosic playing, tightening up ornaments, excellent tone, learning repertoire, overview of styles and regional nuances.
Session whistle: (advanced only) Learn repertoire, tricks of being heard, playing an air, learning new tunes quickly, session etiquette.
Tin Whistle Sound Bites