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Nigel Gatherer's Self Study
Whistle Tutorials

Learning in a one-to-one or class situation can be very valuable, but it's not always possible to arrange this. I have prepared a number of tutorials, listed below, to help people get started on the penny whistle. Take it slowly, and practise any exercises several times before moving on.

The later lessons are video tutorials with detailed

Buying a Whistle A couple of words of advice about buying your first whistle.
Lesson 1
Let's Get Started
The first steps: holding the whistle, making a noise, our first notes, and tunes including Egan's Polka.
Lesson 2
More Notes
The high D; Egan's Polka revisited; The Skye Boat Song; the upper octave.
Lesson 3
Towards the Full Scale
We learn another two notes and start practicing a scale in D. Tunes: Amazing Grace and Wha Wadna Fecht for Chairlie?.
Lesson 4
Scales and Patterns
We look at alternative ways of practising scales. Tune: The Barnyards of Delgaty.
Lesson 5
Reels
We look at Scottish reels and their rhythm. Tunes: Tail Toddle and Short Coated Mary.
Lesson 6
The G Scale
We learn a new note: C natural. Tune: The Rakes of Mallow.
Lesson 7
Review
A look back and forward. Tune: Johnny McIljohn's No.1.
Lesson 8
The Strathspey
A look at this most Scottish of tune forms. Tunes: Comin Thro' the Rye; Burning of the Piper's Hut.
Lesson 9
Airs
A look at slow airs etc. Tunes: Farewell to Fuinary; Bonnie Galloway.
Lesson 10
Irish Reels
Tunes: Drowsy Maggie; Johnny McIljohn's #2.
Lesson 11
Irish Jigs
Tunes: Scattery Island Slide; The Donegal Lass.
Lesson 12
Irish Polkas
Tunes: Ryan's Polka; I'll Tell Me Ma.
Lesson 13
Irish Airs
Tunes: Si Beag Si Mhor; Eibhlin.
Lesson 14
Decoration
Tunes: Si Beag Si Mhor.
Lesson 15
Breathing
Tunes: Johnny McIljohn's #2; Teribus.
Lesson 16
Hector the Hero
An in-depth exploration of the popular slow air by James Scott Skinner.
Lesson 17
Harvest Home
An in-depth exploration of this most popular hornpipe and session favourite.
Lesson 18
Glenside Polka No.2
A fun and melodious Irish polka.

 Nigel Gatherer, Crieff, Perthshire | nigelgatherer@mac.com