Customer Reviews

Mel Bay The Essential Tin Whistle Toolbox

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To the previous reviewer: It's called a "Toolbox" for a reason.

Clearly this book was not intended to be a songbook. There are _plenty_ of songbooks, and they all have one shortcoming; they rarely give the player an adequate indication of "how" to execute the ornaments or address other often asked questions such as whether or not dynamics are possible. Even the better song/method books out there that come with recordings usually aren't organized well enough to follow the curriculum outlined in the book (i.e. they give you an example and then follow it with a song that poorly illustrates the concept put forth, OR the recorded song comes in one speed: blindly fast for you to appreciate by ear but frustrate the heck out of the beginning student).

As one who has been teaching music (and penny whistle specifically) for a while now, I can't tell you how many students I've had that express dismay and confusion over the "how to's" of the expressive part of whistle playing. Yes you can show them in a lesson but between lessons it's helpful to have a good, thorough book to guide you, help you advance quickly, and keep you motivated.

Music (on any instrument, including the voice) is a language. Despite the other reviewers negative attitude toward music theory, many people find it helpful because it explains the concepts and "rules" for that language, which gives you the ability to "intentionally" communicate your ideas AND understand them when you hear them played by someone else so that you can reproduce them yourself . As one who makes their living professionally playing and teaching music, I have found that people that say they don't "like/need" to know music theory have had the misfortune of having it taught in a non-relevant, dry way.


As to the author not providing audio recordings of the tunes cited, there are plenty of sources for one to find them. It is very expensive to gain the rights to use those songs in publications. If you think this book is expensive already, how'd like to pay the added cost that would be passed on to you were they (the songs cited) to be included.

I am thrilled to finally have found a book like this to supplement a grossly neglected area of whistle playing. I would highly recommend this book for teachers and especially self-taught players. Use it as a supplement to the method and songbooks you have that don't (or poorly) cover the aspects of whistle playing that make the difference between you sounding like an perpetual beginner and a more seasoned player.

Hats off to Mr Larsen for such a fine bit of work. If you really want to play with ease and SOUND great, this book is a must have in your collection!

I have to admit im extremely impressed. I feel that this book is excellent for both the beginner and more experienced player, though I wouldn't rank myself amoung the proffesional players I still feel that this book will benefit almost all whistle players. He goes through really in-depth lessons slowly so that their easy to follow, and as you progress you meet new challenges within the book. He also gives you tips on breathing and posture.
In conclusion, if you've been looking for a learning book to play the pennywhistle than buy this!

OK, so I have only tried three. But this one fits my style. If you don't have a live instructor available, the best option, then this book can help you understand the real basics: how to hold the whistle, basic fingering options, breathing. Stuff other tutorials tend to assume you already know.

Of course, there is plenty here for more advanced students too. I do suggest you look elsewhere for a supplemental tune book and consider purchasing other tutorials, but this is an excellent place to start.

I ordered this because I was having some problems with my tin whistle. I learned that I was holding my fingers wrong, and that I had an inferior type of whistle. The book pictures and describes all the varieties of whistles and gives some history of each one. This author recommends playing by ear, which is what I do, anyway, so it was a good fit. I got a better whistle and am learning some new songs, with more success. I expect to hone my technique as I continue to read and try the suggestions in the book.