Learning to Play The Low D Whistle Faster, And What it Looks Like in Practice

In our time together today I want to show what it actually looks like to try and learn to play a tune faster on our whistle.

I’ve often said we learn to play faster by deciding how fast we can play something, like a tune. Once you know how fast you can play it you play it at that speed for a while until you are comfortable. After you reach that point you push yourself a little further.

We each have a ceiling for how fast we can currently play something. But what does it actually look like when we push ourselves and try and play a tune faster? It sounds all well and good to say start playing the tune faster, but remember I already said you are currently playing the tune at your ceiling. When we pick up the speed of a tune and try and play it faster than we currently can, I guarantee it will be clumsy. Moving above your current limit, even if you are comfortable at that speed, is going to be a little difficult.

I’ll use Cooley’s Reel as an example. I’ve messed around with the tune, but I haven’t really learned it. Let’s see how quickly I can play it comfortably. But persevere. Play it at the slower pace to remind yourself you can play it, but continue working at this new pace for a while until you can play at that pace.

I like pealing back the curtains so we can all get a glimpse of real life. Hearing me say pick up the pace is one thing, but accepting the train wreck of picking up the pace is another. Not to worry. It will all work out OK. When you pick up the speed of a tune, don’t be surprised when it isn’t easy.

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