Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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55 of 56 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
flutists perspective on this book, February 20, 1999
This is the best Irish technique book I've ever seen. All the common celtic musical techniques are discussed, including grace notes, rolls and crans. It is a book on tinwhistle technique but I play the flute and still found these lessons most enlightening. One of the best features is a step-by-step tutorial of how the decorations might actually be used in the performance of a piece. This book is recommended for any musician interested in playing Irish music, no matter the instrument.
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16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good vs. Bad, April 18, 2006
_Bad Points_
CD Quality
The sound quality of the accompanying CDs are poor. I have a very good audio card and an extremely good surround sound system, but the grainy, gritty and sometimes faded sound makes it clear that these CDs were copied directly from a non-digital source. Most likely a previous recording on tape, or loop. Still, you can understand what is being said and the musical tunes are clear enough to catch. It is just very annoying to listen to, which diminishes overall enjoyment.
Type Font
The type font used in this book is standard typewriter. Some people may enjoy the vintage look it provides, but I find it bothersome to read.
Sheet Music Font
The sheet music font is hand-drawn. While this may seem classical and campy to look at, it adds another challenge for novice players. Some of the notes are too large to accommodate the bars and are thus indistinguishable from where they are supposed to be.
_Good Points_
Mr. McCullough presents a very well thought out guide to learning the Tin Whistle. His research into the history of the instrument may be a little overstated in some areas and a little on the dry side, but his teaching method is nonetheless comprehensible.
Mr. McCullough is rather verbose. He makes his points, and then remakes them, and remakes them yet again. Although some people may find the repetition beneficial, I find it confusing. To his credit he does not contradict himself.
The overall value of the book makes it well worth its price. The CDs and the information are an excellent package, compared to many other teaching books and courses about this instrument.
_Other Recommendations_
I personally prefer Labhras O Murchu's "Traditional Irish Tin Whistle tutor." The book is perfect for a true beginner, and has an excellent study in the art of reading music. The songs and styles contained are very well explained in a friendly, but direct way. Although it is not necessary to have the accompanying CD, it is immensely helpful. Sadly the book and CD are sold separately. For a true beginner I would sincerely recommend buying the CD as well. It has excellent sound quality, it follows the books lesson plan precisely, and it is wonderfully narrated.
The book is sold here at Amazon, but the CD is not. [...]
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16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good place to restart your music, August 10, 2001
By A Customer
This was a great re-introduction to music for me. I was able to pick up a whisle and play quickly, the guide was informative. I will be moving from here to Ullian Pipes since they are also in D and use much of the same fingering.
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