Tin Whistle - 1 Year

Learn to play the the Tin Whistle with Brian Finnegan

Brian Finnegan

Brian is from Armagh, in the North of Ireland, is widely regarded as one of the true pioneers in Irish music. Front man with the legendary Flook for over 13 years, this maverick flute and tin whistle player has toured the world and recorded three highly acclaimed studio albums, Flatfish, Rubai and Haven, with the band. Collecting awards and a huge fan base wherever they toured, Flook were crowned BBC Band Of The Year 2006.

Brian's music is forged from both his native tradition and from his love of a wider musical tapestry. His traveling and touring in India and Eastern Europe had a deep and profound affect on his talent as a composer, hinted at early on with the release of his first cd,'When The Party's Over' in 1993. In 2008 he was commissioned by The Sage Centre in Newcastle Upon Tyne to compose a piece for the opening of 'The Eighth Bridge', a major art installation across the river Tyne.

He has toured and recorded with many artistes including Cara Dillon and Kate Rusby, and at Celtic Connections 2008 premiered his northern big band, The Singing Tree; thirteen performers, musicians,singers, poets and dancers, all from the northern counties of Ireland. Brian's new album, 'The Ravishing Genius Of Bones' was released in March 2010 and coincided with the formation of his new quartet KAN.

Visit Flooks Website

Brian Finnegan, this tin whistle tutorial caters for all levels, from the absolute beginner to the advanced player. A performance piece and interview are included.

Beginners
In the beginners' section Brian demonstrates the basic skills of whistle playing using easy, slow-paced airs and polkas. Jigs and reels are then introduced and ornaments are added gradually. The individual parts of these tunes are demonstrated on video at a slow pace and the full tune is subsequently demonstrated at a medium pace so that you can play along.

Features:
- 17 Beginners' Tunes
- Reading Music
- Precise Musical Notation
- The Notes and Scales
- Easy Airs
- Beginners Jigs and Reels
- Minor Keys
- Sliding Techniques
- Triplets and Tongued
- Triplets Cuts, Taps and Rolls
- Jigs and Reels with Ornaments

Advanced
The advanced section features jigs and reels that are more highly ornamented and melodically complex. Other tune types-Polkas, Slides and Hornpipes- are also explained. Brian demonstrates some more ornamentation and, techniques unique to his own playing in this section.

Topics Covered:
- 15 Advanced Jigs and Reels
- 4 Polkas and Slides
- 3 Hornpipes
- Breath Control Techniques
- Short Rolls and Crans Flutters and Hand Slides
- The Scale of A Major

These tutorials are brought to you by Trad Irish Music in cooperation with Mad For Trad.