External Resources
There are many great free resources available to help us learn the whistle. One of my goals is to locate these and share them with you. Please take advantage of some of the great free resources listed below. I am not opposed to you paying someone to help you learn, but most of us can learn most of what we need by taking advantage of free resources.
You can navigate to any of the other pages by selecting one of the links below.
Please use the contact form at the bottom of this page to let me know about any additional resources you would like to share.
The Session (A primary tune resource which enables basic listening to a tune)
Slow Players (They provide a variety of resources, including tunes. Access the page and explore some.)
A PDF of Edward Bunting’s The Ancient Music of Ireland (This is a pdf copy of Bunting’s book)
O’Neill’s Music of Ireland (This is a website that provides a variety of tunes and includes midi versions of most)
Traditional Tune Archive (This is a searchable archive of tunes. You can search for specific tunes or even categories of tunes, like jigs).
Seamus Connolly Collection of Irish Music at Boston College. This collection is nicely organized, and includes music as well as a recording of the tunes. You are able to search for individual tunes.
Irish Tune (More of a wiki resource)
Traditional Music Library (Includes a Scottish / Irish Section with tunes and some include the ability to listen)
ITMA (Irish Traditional Music Archive) This website provides a wealth of resources. Review their site for the various resources available.
Irish Folk Songs (This website provides links to many tunes with music and often a recording).
Play Along Resources
YouTube Channels and websites that provide pace keeping using a bodhran, or that are designed as a play along slow session.
BPM Celtic Backing Tack Project (YouTube)
Playalong Sessions (YouTube)
Bodhran Metronomes for Practicing Irish Traditional Music (YouTube)
LiveTrad (YouTube)
Play Along Pub Session (YouTube)
PlayAlong Session (YouTube)
Slow Irish Session (Facebook Group)
Michael Eskin (Live Virtual Session)
Session Website. We can use the Session website to locate in person and online sessions. Use This Video to learn how to use the Session website for this.
McDonnell’s Slow & Steady Sessions This website provides live and recorded sessions online that are set at a beginner pace.
Stores that Sell A Variety of Whistles
In this section I list stores from whom we can purchase Whistles. I include individual manufacturers in the next list.
Big Whistle: Their store contains a wide range of whistles from which to choose. They sell both new and used instruments.
Irish Flute Store: Their store provides an excellent range of whistles from which you can choose. They sell both new and used instruments.
McNeela Music: Shop their store for a variety of whistles and other instruments. Sign up for their newsletter, which contains some great content, and receive a discount. They also sell their own brand, Wild Irish whistles.
Whistle Manufacturer Websites
In this section I list manufacturers of low D whistles. This is not a complete list, but check back as I add more low D whistle makers. See the list above for stores that sell whistles from multiple manufacturers.
Carbony Celtic Winds: Carbony makes carbon fiber whistles. You can purchase their whistles through stores or directly through Carbony. They provide a variety of options, so spend time listening before you purchase.
Goldfinch Whistles: Goldfinch Whistles can be purchased through their website. They provide excellent descriptions and audio and video files so you can see and hear their whistles played. Your whistle will be made for you after you order it. Expect a few weeks delay.
Howard Music: Howard whistles can be purchased from other sources, but you can also purchase directly from Howard.
Kerry Whistles: You can purchase some Kerry whistles at other stores, but some of their whistles are only available on their site. Sign up for Phil’s videos and mailing list as he often offers seconds on sale.
Tony Dixon Music: You can purchase DIxon whistles from their website, but the website also provides a better view into all the whistles they provide.
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