Beginner flute and tin whistle
- For wooden simple system (“Irish”) and modern classical (Boehm/ silver) flutes alike.
- For tin whistles and low whistles in D. Please note that due to some of the technical challenges of playing a low D whistle, it is best to build competence on a standard whistle as well.
This class is most suitable for absolute beginners. Those with some prior experience may best be suited to the Improver class.
Beginning with the very basics, the class covers:
- Holding the instrument
- Finding the “sweet spot” (flute)
- Breath support and control
- Breathing and playing
- The first octave
- First tunes
- Playing, listening and sharing music with others
Emphasis is upon learning by ear, with music and recordings provided to support the class work. Tunes are primarily the traditional music of Scotland, Ireland and beyond. Music is arranged to overlap with that of other classes so that musicians of different abilities have the opportunity to play together.
As the basic techniques of playing flute and whistle are different, the respective musicians might initially work apart from each other during the first term in order to focus on their instruments. The groups come together in the next term in order to start building up repertoire.
Working in a group can help foster a wide sense of mutual support, boost confidence, builds up listening and performance skills and provides a sense of the social setting of music.
Dates and booking details can be found on the main FluteFling page.