Hi Everyone :) Thanks for all the comments and likes - Please feel free to ask any questions about this tin whistle lesson or about Irish music in general and we'll get back to you straight away. Remember to subscribe to our channel and click the bell to get notified of our new video releases.
@zuperduperboi Hey there - Thomas here... I'm actually left-handed so when first started to play the whistle I found that it felt most natural for me to place my right hand above my left. Actually, I can't ever remember it being a decision that I consciously made, and my whistle teacher at the time didn't ever say that I should do it any other way - for me, it's what feels most comfortable
so we have irish music in our flute choir, this is the most fun ive had in a long time playing tin whistle is so fun... im learning a lot from here and mel bays irish flute book and his tin whistle book
Thank you for tutorial. I am begginer but learnt it in 2 and half months - playing almost daily couple of hours: using headphones/metronome to play with Thomas on 25% speed/50% speed and at the end normal speed. I learnt it from the intro on the beggining of the video, because it seems to me that Thomas plays later on not the same notes/ornamentation as on the beggining. Fortunatelly RUclips can slow down video so I was able to learnt exactly the same what Thomas plays in intro!
I really like that you chose someone who plays "left handed". It makes it easier for people to follow in that it's like watching mirror image hand positions.
Kirsten Allstaff will be going into the studio tomorrow to record a beginner whistle course. We expect it to be released before the end of the month. I suggest waiting 10 days and then joining OAIM. Good Luck!
Hi bobvanluijt, the music is being played my myself (on whistle) and some other musicians that I worked with for a music and dance show called The Rhythms of Ireland
You are welcome! There are not rules as to where and when to play the slides and grace notes - they are done intuitively by the player. The most important aspect of Irish dance music is the rhythm - and the purpose of the slides and grace notes is to bring emphasis to certain beats of the tune and to give the tune rhythmic lift.
The tune is The Ashplant - Thomas himself is the whistle player in this recording. You can hear a longer version on the OAIM website if you watch the promo video there.
Around 1 in 100 of those whistles are worth holding onto. We always recommend Cillian O'Brien Improved Tin Whistles. They cost around 35$. Good luck with your playing!
@zuperduperboi. Notice how Thomas uses straight fingers on the whistle. Also notice how his actual finger tips are not sealing the holes, but rather his lower pads. The straight fingers allow for nimble moves of the fingers in a relaxed manner. If you were migrating to the pipes, the chanter would be held in the exact same way. Many flute players also hold their flutes with a 'pipers grip' (straight left and right hand), however, it is recommended to bend left hand to facilitate key work.
Hi there, I started playing many years ago on what's called a 'Generation' whistle - it might take a few tries to find one that you like but they're pretty affordable and reliable also. And then when you get more experience playing and decide what type of sound you like, you can choose a whistle from the many great whistle makers out there - hope that this helps
Hi, this is The reason I joined OAIM website. Teachers are really teach you well, bit By bit, and they Play traditional irish songs which is important. Thank you for Teaching in a proper way! I am grateful
Wow, Thank you for the nice free lesson. I feel like that I will be able to do that! I'm going to get my whistle and learn from here and the online!!! Thank you so much. There's no such excellent lessons in Japan. I am so happy that I found this!
o my gosh, my ears, such a high pitch sound x_x don't get me wrong, it's really awesome~! And also my fault for listening to it with my sound up big time xD
Learning by ear can certainly be good, but so is learning to read sheet music. There is no right or wrong, just different musical situations which call for different skills.
Hi SavageInsight, it's little difficult to play the whistle more quietly, but if your whistle has a wide bore, then you could try blowing it a little easier as the wider bore will allow you to blow easier without losing control of the tone - I hope that makes some sense
Hey guys, Thanks very much... appreciate the comments!! :) Absolutely Robert haha... have you been playing long yourself? I'm playing a whistle by John Sindt... love his whistles..
Thanks a million devenneym - if you've any questions or anything ask away here or pop over to the OAIM site where there's a forum also.. all the best, Thomas :)
A great whistle, as good as Sindt, is Gary Humphreys Trad whistles, Stealth 3. I have one silver high D (narrow bore). Love it. Also Alex DeWilde, Hermit Hill, has verry good whistles.
I need a more beginners lesson. I used to play clarinet and have taught myself from a book the whistle. Just not up to this level yet. Thanks for the inspiration tho
@keman25 type into the RUclips "learn irish music online" it should be the seventh video down. The thumbnail is the symbol for OAIM and it's called LEARN IRISH MUSIC ONLINE - Lessons etc
+Austin Morrisette My whistle is a Sindt which are easily the best out there. I waited on John's list for about a year. Unfortunately I heard that he is not taking more orders. We always recommend Cillian O'Brien Improved whistles. You can get one here - obriainimproved.wix.com/obriaintinwhistles Let us know if you need more help.
Hi all, Thomas Johnston here from the OAIM RUclips video above! :) Thanks so much everyone for your comments, questions, and suggestions. If anyone has ANY questions at all on the tutorial, or on whistle playing/Irish music in general, please feel free to ask here and I'll do my best to answer! I'd love to hear from you, so keep the questions coming! All the best and happy whistle-playing - Thomas :0)
It does make sense. I haven't been top tier for book learning, but music/instruments come naturally/instinctively. The larger volume of air will support the note better without increasing the pressure you have to blow/play with, which also makes it louder. I have a Dixon but sound brass when I play. What I love is the touch breathy, very warm, very sweet sound I've heard from Dixons. Someone plays "Danny Boy" on a dixon on RUclips. Just can't find it.
Hi Tomoko - the whistle is in the key of D. Both We recommend - Cillian O'Brien improved whistles. They're €35 and can be found at custys music dot com. GL
@Susq15 Just keep on working at it! It is a tricky one. I usually bounce the R1 and R2 fingers very quickly to where it sounds a bit like a crann. Tonguing can help give it more definition. Just keep on doing it over and over, from g to e to d fast, and maybe that would help.
Greetings from Ireland - Delighted that you like the lessons - be sure to check out our website OAIM.IE as there is much more content there - both free and paid for. Good luck!
Hi, Thanx a lot for this lesson :) An the other on AIM of course. Just apoint, it shame that there's no information about tounging in your whislte lesson. When you cut with tong or not. But one more time it's a good way to learn whistle in the Irish tradition :)
@chuckcruise1 Well I have a couple of different choices for ya, if yer lookin for a key of D tin whistle I would say that my favourite is a Susato D whistle, main reason why so it's because of it's crisp and distinct sound, very suitable for sessions but also for playing together all-in all. Then another good whistle is Cheiftains, also with a very crisp and clear sound. I hope this helps a little! I am pleased to help you! Good luck! /FP
I have a Clarke tin whistle and a sort of teach-yourself book with a CD, but it's just not the same as seeing it played! Thanks for uploading these lessons! :D Slán a fhágáil
Hi Everyone :) Thanks for all the comments and likes - Please feel free to ask any questions about this tin whistle lesson or about Irish music in general and we'll get back to you straight away. Remember to subscribe to our channel and click the bell to get notified of our new video releases.
Deffo on the Clabby Towers list of things to do...peace and love from the wirral...E
Never thought I would fall in love with Irish music. Will buy Irish flute as soon as I learn this beauty. Thank you a lot.
@zuperduperboi Hey there - Thomas here... I'm actually left-handed so when first started to play the whistle I found that it felt most natural for me to place my right hand above my left. Actually, I can't ever remember it being a decision that I consciously made, and my whistle teacher at the time didn't ever say that I should do it any other way - for me, it's what feels most comfortable
Hypnotic eyes while playing... "Focus like me! Don't miss anything!"
so we have irish music in our flute choir, this is the most fun ive had in a long time playing tin whistle is so fun... im learning a lot from here and mel bays irish flute book and his tin whistle book
Thank you for tutorial. I am begginer but learnt it in 2 and half months - playing almost daily couple of hours: using headphones/metronome to play with Thomas on 25% speed/50% speed and at the end normal speed. I learnt it from the intro on the beggining of the video, because it seems to me that Thomas plays later on not the same notes/ornamentation as on the beggining. Fortunatelly RUclips can slow down video so I was able to learnt exactly the same what Thomas plays in intro!
I just got my whistle today... now finally I'm practicing! Thank you for your lessons, I really love Irish music.
Thanks and enjoy the OAIM lesson Tomoko!! :)
I really like that you chose someone who plays "left handed". It makes it easier for people to follow in that it's like watching mirror image hand positions.
Not intentional, but delighted it helped!
irishmusicacademy hmm im left handed and i play with left hand on top why do you play this way thomas ??
I guess that's the way Thomas was taught. Both sets of fingers are doing the same amount of work, regardless of which one is on top
Thomas, got to thank you. I can play this song on my whistle thanks to you and its one of the most fun to play, thank you very much :)
This accent makes this a lot more enjoyable!
I like the tune and the lesson, very simple.
Kirsten Allstaff will be going into the studio tomorrow to record a beginner whistle course. We expect it to be released before the end of the month. I suggest waiting 10 days and then joining OAIM. Good Luck!
Hi bobvanluijt, the music is being played my myself (on whistle) and some other musicians that I worked with for a music and dance show called The Rhythms of Ireland
You are welcome! There are not rules as to where and when to play the slides and grace notes - they are done intuitively by the player. The most important aspect of Irish dance music is the rhythm - and the purpose of the slides and grace notes is to bring emphasis to certain beats of the tune and to give the tune rhythmic lift.
The tune is The Ashplant - Thomas himself is the whistle player in this recording. You can hear a longer version on the OAIM website if you watch the promo video there.
perfecto muy perfecto very nice all right
saludos desde mexico
Thank you for your answer, I suspected that. I´ll try to get one of those O´Brien
that's very perfect! really good! old irish gave!
Around 1 in 100 of those whistles are worth holding onto. We always recommend Cillian O'Brien Improved Tin Whistles. They cost around 35$. Good luck with your playing!
Hey SirStoicSage.. thanks a million for the nice words!! :) I'll get on that CD asap!! :)
I'm a 14 year old and I find this really inspiring. Recently become a total trad head:)k
it's fantastic...
@zuperduperboi. Notice how Thomas uses straight fingers on the whistle. Also notice how his actual finger tips are not sealing the holes, but rather his lower pads. The straight fingers allow for nimble moves of the fingers in a relaxed manner. If you were migrating to the pipes, the chanter would be held in the exact same way. Many flute players also hold their flutes with a 'pipers grip' (straight left and right hand), however, it is recommended to bend left hand to facilitate key work.
Hi there, I started playing many years ago on what's called a 'Generation' whistle - it might take a few tries to find one that you like but they're pretty affordable and reliable also. And then when you get more experience playing and decide what type of sound you like, you can choose a whistle from the many great whistle makers out there - hope that this helps
@SCLCSPORT It's a tune called 'The Ashplant'. As a point of interest, it's Thomas playing the tune. We love it!
thats how awesome us irish are!!!
omg I can't concentrate, he's way too handsome! haha
love the music and the tutorial, and the player
Thanks papa.. much appreciated! :)
Hi, this is The reason I joined OAIM website. Teachers are really teach you well, bit By bit, and they Play traditional irish songs which is important. Thank you for Teaching in a proper way! I am grateful
beautiful melody
thanks a lot - impressive!
Wow, Thank you for the nice free lesson. I feel like that I will be able to do that! I'm going to get my whistle and learn from here and the online!!! Thank you so much. There's no such excellent lessons in Japan. I am so happy that I found this!
I'm definitely getting one on Amazon!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks!
thankyou so much for this
Well said Erik! :)
trying to learn a few tunes and this is great help, thanks. very well explained.
Thanks elmo! :)
o my gosh, my ears, such a high pitch sound x_x don't get me wrong, it's really awesome~! And also my fault for listening to it with my sound up big time xD
It definitely can be challenging duduello.. but worth the challenge!
great stuff, thanks man!!
Great, well done!
Learning by ear can certainly be good, but so is learning to read sheet music. There is no right or wrong, just different musical situations which call for different skills.
The Ashplant Reel it is. Thanks FlutistP.
You're very welcome!! Glad you're enjoying!! :)
I play left handed as well, have a left handed flute and a left handed set of uilleann pipes
T.T i want one!!!! im bout to cry seriously
thanks, greetins from Mexico City. I had changed the velocity to follow him, its so fast, but almost i get it.
Well done Karla ! How long have you been playing tin whistle?
Thank you so much! I'll get the Cillian O'Brien improved whistle!!!!
Hi SavageInsight, it's little difficult to play the whistle more quietly, but if your whistle has a wide bore, then you could try blowing it a little easier as the wider bore will allow you to blow easier without losing control of the tone - I hope that makes some sense
I just noticed the website! That has all the info I need!
Yes, it's in the key of D.
Hey there LittleGoldfish, it's a low F whistle that I play in the intro. Greetings from Ireland! :)
We can't wait! Should be a craic alright :D
That's great to hear chainer.. happy practicing!! :o)
Hey guys,
Thanks very much... appreciate the comments!! :) Absolutely Robert haha... have you been playing long yourself? I'm playing a whistle by John Sindt... love his whistles..
Thanks a million devenneym - if you've any questions or anything ask away here or pop over to the OAIM site where there's a forum also.. all the best, Thomas :)
Good video! I love it! 😊
Glad you enjoyed it... nice to hear positive feedback! :)
A great whistle, as good as Sindt, is Gary Humphreys Trad whistles, Stealth 3. I have one silver high D (narrow bore). Love it. Also Alex DeWilde, Hermit Hill, has verry good whistles.
It's called the Ashplant. Thomas himself is the performer ..
I need a more beginners lesson. I used to play clarinet and have taught myself from a book the whistle. Just not up to this level yet. Thanks for the inspiration tho
@keman25 type into the RUclips "learn irish music online" it should be the seventh video down. The thumbnail is the symbol for OAIM and it's called LEARN IRISH MUSIC ONLINE - Lessons etc
That's fantastic to hear PedroSoul2011!!! Well done on learning the tune.. :)
It's be great to hear how you're getting on Helikaon - great to hear from whistle players around the world
Oh no! This is a great track - I would definitely buy it if it were around somewhere!
Hi Lucy, Thomas plays a John Sindt Whistle
@irishmusicacademy Ow, greaaat! Thanks a lot! :D Great lessons, by the way!
+Austin Morrisette
My whistle is a Sindt which are easily the best out there. I waited on John's list for about a year. Unfortunately I heard that he is not taking more orders. We always recommend Cillian O'Brien Improved whistles. You can get one here - obriainimproved.wix.com/obriaintinwhistles Let us know if you need more help.
I hope you're feeling ok Kit!!! :)
Hi all, Thomas Johnston here from the OAIM RUclips video above! :) Thanks so much everyone for your comments, questions, and suggestions.
If anyone has ANY questions at all on the tutorial, or on whistle playing/Irish music in general, please feel free to ask here and I'll do my best to answer! I'd love to hear from you, so keep the questions coming! All the best and happy whistle-playing - Thomas :0)
Hey thanks - keep up the playing! :)
It does very much! Thanks.
It does make sense. I haven't been top tier for book learning, but music/instruments come naturally/instinctively. The larger volume of air will support the note better without increasing the pressure you have to blow/play with, which also makes it louder. I have a Dixon but sound brass when I play. What I love is the touch breathy, very warm, very sweet sound I've heard from Dixons. Someone plays "Danny Boy" on a dixon on RUclips. Just can't find it.
so your saying the tin whistle i have is capable of doing this. wow
There are six free beginner lessons on the OAIM website. Check them out!
Hi Tomoko - the whistle is in the key of D. Both We recommend - Cillian O'Brien improved whistles. They're €35 and can be found at custys music dot com. GL
@Susq15 Just keep on working at it! It is a tricky one. I usually bounce the R1 and R2 fingers very quickly to where it sounds a bit like a crann. Tonguing can help give it more definition. Just keep on doing it over and over, from g to e to d fast, and maybe that would help.
Greetings from Ireland - Delighted that you like the lessons - be sure to check out our website OAIM.IE as there is much more content there - both free and paid for.
Good luck!
You're welcome!
Thanks ;)
Hi,
Thanx a lot for this lesson :) An the other on AIM of course. Just apoint, it shame that there's no information about tounging in your whislte lesson. When you cut with tong or not. But one more time it's a good way to learn whistle in the Irish tradition :)
@chuckcruise1 Well I have a couple of different choices for ya, if yer lookin for a key of D tin whistle I would say that my favourite is a Susato D whistle, main reason why so it's because of it's crisp and distinct sound, very suitable for sessions but also for playing together all-in all. Then another good whistle is Cheiftains, also with a very crisp and clear sound. I hope this helps a little! I am pleased to help you! Good luck! /FP
The name of the tune is the Ash Plant. Thomas is the Whistle player on this recording..
The tune is called 'The Ashplant'. Perhaps you can hear it played on youtube?
I have a Clarke tin whistle and a sort of teach-yourself book with a CD, but it's just not the same as seeing it played! Thanks for uploading these lessons! :D Slán a fhágáil
They have some in stock on the custy music website €33 - Good luck!
@irishmusicacademy That tune is called the Ashplant reel If I am not mistaken! :)
It's in the key of D, the most common key.
You're very welcome! :D
Can you please post the full version of you playing "The Ashplant!" It's mesmerizing how you play it.
The name of the tune is The Ashplant - performed here by Thomas himself :)
That sounds great!! Have you been trying some of this music out with the choir?? It's great to hear what's going on.. :)
You're welcome! :)
The name of the opening tune is 'The Ashplant'.
@lilo621 Now that's what we want to hear! :)
Hey im from Co.Monaghan too
You are welcome. Sorry - I am not sure about that. I use Finale notation, but this is not with any sort of tablature.
Thanks - It's a John Sindt.