Learn to play the Irish Tinwhistle

Service Description

Learn to Play the Irish Tinwhistle (also called penny whistle) with Frank Simpson Tuesdays, March 10, 17, 24, 31 3:30 - 5 pm Cost $8 per week Do you wish you could join in playing music with others? Or are you looking for an additional easy-to-learn instrument to play? The Irish tinwhistle is easy to learn and lots of fun. In Ireland, it’s often taught to children. You blow the tinwhistle in front of your body using a simple system of fingering. It’s most commonly played in the key of ‘D’ and covers a range of two octaves. Irish music is essentially dance music that includes jigs, reels, polkas, hornpipes and slides, each with its unique time signature and ‘swing.’ Ornamentation, style and repertoire is what makes Irish music distinctive and recognizable. Irish music is in the aural tradition and learned by ear. No need to read music. (You can also have written music for support.) In this easy-going class you will learn to play Irish tunes and add ornaments in the traditional style. You will need a whistle in the Key of ‘D’ (see recommendation), a recording device and a notebook. People with Irish Flutes tuned in the key of D are also welcome in this class. Here is a link to an inexpensive whistle: https://www.amazon.com/Feadog-Tin-Whistle-Nickle-Key/dp/B008IU6U12/ref=asc_df_B008IU6U12?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80195816499982&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=111648&hvtargid=pla-4583795283102845&psc=1 Frank Simpson was inspired to learn Irish music at festivals and sessions around Ireland. After moving to California, he joined a group of musicians to perform and promote Irish music and dance. He has been teaching and performing on Irish flute and tinwhistle for over thirty years. Since his move from Southern California to Whidbey, he enjoys discovering and sharing new tunes at sessions with the Irish music community in the Pacific Northwest.