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Updated in [October 16th, 2023]

What does this course tell?
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This free online tin whistle course is designed to help beginners develop the skills needed to play one of traditional Irish music’s most popular instruments. Often considered the easiest instrument to learn, the tin whistle has long provided a starting point for students who have gone on to become accomplished musicians. Inexpensive and easy to access, penny whistles nevertheless provide a wealth of musical options, whether you want to learn tunes for your own entertainment, or dream of being able to play along with others. In this course, professional performer Brian O'Loughlin covers the basics that any beginner tin whistle player needs to know, including how to breathe properly. Through a series of short, easy-to-follow videos, and using a whistle in the key of D, he will introduce you to the basic techniques needed to play the tin whistle tunefully.
The course begins with lessons devoted to the notes played with each hand, along with the scale of D, followed by a third lesson focusing on playing the notes in the higher octave. Once those basics are covered, you will learn some easy tunes which will help you practise playing with each hand separately, followed by ‘Yankee Doodle’, which involves playing with both hands. Next comes the opportunity to learn your first Irish tune, the well-known 'The Siege of Ennis'. Brian breaks the tune down into sections for ease of learning over two lessons. He encourages learners to use the notes which are provided in a downloadable PDF from the resource section of the course as well as to practise playing by ear. Once you have mastered ‘The Siege of Ennis’ the tin whistle lessons progress to another popular polka, 'The Kerry Polka’, which is also in demand at ceilis and set dances. It will help you to practise playing in the higher octave.
For anyone interested in learning to play traditional Irish music, this free online tin whistle guide provides the perfect foundation. Your tutor, Brian O'Loughlin is a respected flute player who has recorded and toured, both as a member of some of Ireland’s top ceili bands and as part of a trio with uillean pipes player Tom Delany and guitarist Dessie Kelliher. Brian is also an active participant at the many traditional music sessions in his native County Clare, one of the most vibrant parts of Ireland when it comes to folk culture. By completing this course, you can learn everything you need to know to begin playing Irish tunes on the tin whistle. You can also gain certification by passing the end-of-course assessment. You may wish to progress to the next course in this series, Traditional Irish Tin Whistle, Beginner 2, where you will learn new tunes and some of the secrets of ornamentation which adds vibrancy to the music. The series concludes with Traditional Irish Tin Whistle, Intermediate Level, for those who have mastered the basics. Throughout the three courses, you will be learning tunes that are widely played at 'seisiúns' (music sessions) and dances across Ireland and beyond. Download the notes, begin the course and you’ll soon be whistling with the experts!


We considered the value of this course from many aspects, and finally summarized it for you from two aspects: skills and knowledge, and the people who benefit from it:
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What skills and knowledge will you acquire during this course?
During the Traditional Irish Tin Whistle Beginner 1 course, learners will acquire the following skills and knowledge:
1. Basic techniques: Learners will be introduced to the basic techniques needed to play the tin whistle tunefully, including how to breathe properly.
2. Notes and scales: The course covers the notes played with each hand, along with the scale of D. Learners will also learn to play notes in the higher octave.
3. Playing with both hands: Learners will practice playing with each hand separately and then progress to playing with both hands.
4. Learning tunes: Learners will have the opportunity to learn easy tunes such as "Yankee Doodle" and the well-known Irish tune "The Siege of Ennis." These tunes are broken down into sections for ease of learning.
5. Playing in the higher octave: Learners will practice playing in the higher octave with the popular polka tune "The Kerry Polka."
6. Playing by ear: Learners are encouraged to practice playing by ear in addition to using the provided notes in a downloadable PDF.
Who will benefit from this course?
This course will benefit beginners who are interested in learning to play the traditional Irish tin whistle. It is especially suitable for individuals who have no prior experience with playing a musical instrument. The course is designed to provide a solid foundation in tin whistle playing, covering basic techniques and skills needed to play tunefully.
The course is also beneficial for individuals who want to learn tunes for their own entertainment or dream of being able to play along with others. The tin whistle is often considered the easiest instrument to learn, making it accessible to a wide range of learners.
Specifically, this course will be helpful for individuals who are interested in traditional Irish music. The tutor, Brian O'Loughlin, is a respected flute player with extensive experience in the traditional music scene.

Course Syllabus

Easy Tunes for the Irish Tin Whistle

Course assessment