Expert Whistle Skills #2
Expert Whistle Skills 2 is designed to follow on from the original Expert Whistle Skills. In this course Thomas continues to explore more advanced whistle techniques such as the trill, vibrato, different types of rolls and tonguing technique. Emphasis is also placed on variation in ornamentation, phrasing, melody and rhythm. Although aimed at the advanced player, this course has much to offer the less experienced player also. Notation is provided as well as mp3's of the tune played slowly. Importantly, the learner is given the tools to transfer these new acquired skills to tunes which they already have in their repertoire.
'The New Broom'
Thomas teaches a lively barn-dance - a composition of Vincent Broderick.
The tune 'The Old Bush' will be taught in this first lesson. Thomas focuses on slides, various different 'cutting' effects, trills and variation
In this lesson, the Slip Jig 'The Honey Bee' will be taught. Thomas discusses how to accentuate the rhythm of Slip Jigs and demonstrates rolls, delayed rolls and bounces.
This lesson will teach the reel, "Phylis's Wedding" - a lovely, flowing reel in G major. Thomas focuses on 'ti-ka-ta' tonguing in this class.
Julia Cliffords Jig is a tune Thomas learnt from the piper Liam O'Flynn. The note 'E' is the focus of this lesson: double bouncing on the E, E cranns and E vibrato!
This lesson will teach the O'Carolan Planxty, "Madam Maxwell". Throughout this tune, Thomas focuses on vibrato and shows how to make this stylistic technique a natural and integral part of whistle playing.
This lesson will teach the first two parts of the five part jig, "Helvic Head". The last three parts will be taught in the next lesson. Emphasis is placed on variation in this class.
This lesson will continue with the five part jig, "Helvic Head". The last three parts will be taught in this lesson. Aswell as variation, Thomas focuses on the D crann.
This lesson will teach the barndance, "Bill Malley's". This is a simple barndance but is ideal for trying out some new skills on the whistle. In this tune a 'run' will be demonstrated, which entails playing a sequence of notes between two notes of the main melody. Also, following on from the last lessons, we will be incorporating the 'half note' to add colour and contrast to the tune.
This lesson will teach "The Liverpool hornpipe". Thomas will continue building on the techniques introduced in previous lessons, namely the F thrill and the half roll.
This lesson will teach the reel "The Humours of Lissadel". Thomas will continue his study of the D crann.
This lesson will teach the reel "Terry Teehan's". In this tune, Thomas demonstrates how to incorporate syncopation for rhythmic effect.
This lesson will teach the hornpipe "The Plains of Boyle". This tune is in the key of D major. Variation will be discussed and demonstrated.
- The Old Bush
- The Honey Bee
- Phylis's Wedding
- Julia Clifford's
- Madam Maxwell
- Helvic Head
- Bill Malley's
- The Liverpool hornpipe
- The Humours of Lissadel
- Terry Teehan's
- The Plains of Boyle
Tutor Info
Thomas Johnston
From Scotstown in Co. Monaghan, Thomas began learning the uilleann pipes and whistle at an early age. He has enjoyed successes on both instruments at All-Ireland level, and with extensive experience in giving private tuition, teaching workshops and adjudicating, he is a much respected uilleann pipes and whistle tutor. Thomas graduated from the BA Irish Music & Dance at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick in 2006, and was subsequently awarded a place on the University's Advanced Scholars Programme...[Read More]
