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Re: Book for beginner to advanced

Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2017 5:16 pm
by s1m0n
German Whistler wrote:i have a question about Robin Williamson's "Penny Whistle Book"
I had a "look inside" at amazon and it seems to be mostly a tunes collection.
Does it also have instructions? Rols cuts etc ....?
It IS mostly a tunes book, as I recall. It had the least amount of what I'd call whistle-specific technique of anything I've seen marketed as a whistle method.

But, everyone learns differently. I'm sure to some, that's exactly what they want in a tutor. It wasn't what I needed.

Re: Book for beginner to advanced

Posted: Sun Aug 06, 2017 6:22 am
by zen
Another plug here for the Mary Bergin tutor. I’m pretty much self-taught and hit a major plateau about a year ago, finding that the tunes didn’t flow as well as I wanted them to and often felt kind of clunky and awkward, especially when I was playing by myself. I’m working systematically through Vol 2 and it includes the best description about the importance of the internal rhythm of Irish tunes and how to honour it in the playing. This tutor has cleared up my confusion about where to place ornamentation, tonguing and breath pauses – although it has taken a heap of work to correct bad habits and to learn how to place the emphasis to get the drive, lilt and lift. Her notation really helps to identify the internal rhythm and is not complicated to learn. I’ve looked a lot of whistle tutors over the years and this is by far the best.

I haven't posted on here for a very long time but am so impressed by this book that I just had to log in to make a comment.

Re: Book for beginner to advanced

Posted: Sun Aug 06, 2017 6:29 am
by Mikethebook
I second zen . . . though I'm a bit miffed that Vol 3 is taking so long to come out which contains instruction on airs. They are exceptional books!! I've tried many tutors including on-line courses and none of them hold a candle IMO to Mary Bergin's books.