Low Whistle Foundations

This course is aimed at the intermediate level, which means we expect you to be fairly handy with the tin whistle before upgrading to the low whistle.

To do justice to the low whistle it calls for a certain type of repertoire. Slow airs are very suited to the instrument due to its atmospheric nature. Reels sound best on this instrument when played slowly.

As the low whistle is capable of more dramatic embellishments – like slides and vibrato – tunes played at a slower tempo leave space for these embellishments to ring out.

The course begins with a slow song air ‘The May Morning Dew’, which showcases the low whistle in its full glory, demonstrating slides up and down between notes and various vibrato techniques. Then follows some simple tunes which allow you to focus on how to hold the instrument correctly with simple ornamentation to enhance and soften the tunes.

Throughout the course, the focus is on tonguing technique, rolls, bounces, taps and triplets – and especially sliding up and down notes and vibrato.

Remember, all these lessons are applicable to both the tin whistle and the flute as the same fingering and finger techniques apply. The tutor’s choice of repertoire reflects his home province of Munster.