Tin Whistle

Grey Larsen, in the 150 Gems collection, has given us a most welcome follow-up to his encyclopedic volume, The Essential Guide to Irish Flute and Tin Whistle (Mel Bay Publications, 2003) and The Essential Tin Whistle Toolbox (Mel Bay Publications, 2004). The Gems feature not only meticulously-selected tunes, but represent the first mjor offerings that use Larsen's innovative system of notating Irish ornamentation. This book with access to online audio will help players gain a deeper understanding of the Irish musical tradition as well as provide new material to enhance the experience of the solo player and Irish session participant alike.

Here's a book you'll be pulling off the shelf for many Christmases to come. A Tinwhistle Christmas is a treasury of 24 Irish, Scottish, Welsh and English holiday carols all suitably adorned with Celtic calligraphy. Simple duets for two whistles, a round for three, and arrangements for solo whistle with guitar chords are all printed on a large, easy to read staff. From the hauntingly beautiful melodies of the Hebrides, to the ancient airs of Ireland, to the familiar Yuletide tunes of Wales, England and Scotland, these songs are sure to warm your heart and rouse the spirit of this giving season in a way no other music can.

The lessons are so clear and easy to follow that a complete beginner can learn to play a simple tune at first sitting. Then through a specially selected series of folk tunes, beginners are carefully guided through all the basics of playing one step at a time. Intermediate and advanced players will enjoy exploring this book's exciting collection of traditional music. There are 83 pieces in all - gigs, reels, hornpipes, fife tunes, slow airs, Highland flings, morris dances and lots more. Each piece is played on the CD by renowned New York tin whistle teacher, Bill Ochs. An advanced ornamentation tutorial is also included with key of D CD.

Unique among books on the whistle and Celtic music, this book takes the role of a personal tutor. It explains in detail the peculiarities of the instrument, the ancient modal scales the Irish tunes are based on, and offers a results-oriented program for quickly developing ability. As well it offers a practical method for developing breathing skills, something few books discuss. But what makes this book truly unique is the discussion of mnemonic techniques and analytical listening skills, which would make it an excellent resource for both parents and teachers. The author explains a simple, straightforward method of internalizing the old dance tunes of the session repertoire based on understanding the music's structure and the use of mnemonic cues. The scope of Mr. Esson's book makes it relevant to a much wider audience than the title would suggest.