Tin Whistle-Grundkurs

When playing Irish music on the flute or the whistle, it’s all about incorporating the breath into the tunes. Some players have to breathe often and this means missing out notes in the reels or jigs, which can actually add great rhythm to the tunes. Other players like to go for long seamless phrases – more like a piping style. This takes stamina and a strong set of lungs. More detailed breathing instructions are given throughout the Tin Whistle Basics course as Kirsten will recommend the best opportunities to breathe corresponding to the tunes she’s teaching.

Tin whistle and penny whistle are two different names for the same instrument.

The fingering for a tin whistle is the same for the wooden flute commonly used for playing Irish Music.

Low D is a lot lower in tone than the D tin whistle played in these lessons. D whistles are recommended for beginners.

You blow through the whistle while holding your finger over the square hole. This releases any build-up of condensation in the tin whistle which can distort the tone. Also, you can wash it through with soapy water, but make sure to rinse it very well before playing again.

There is probably a build-up of condensation, try covering the square hole and blowing hard through the mouth piece. This will improve the tone.

The sound made when all the fingers are down covering the holes.

Always cover the holes with the pads of your fingers rather than the tips.