tin whistle instructor in nyc to supervise relatively independent study?
January 1, 2016 8:49 AM Subscribe
I'd like to take up the tin whistle. Could anyone recommend an instructor in New York City? Looking for ear training, music theory, and sight reading in addition to playing the actual instrument. I think I would prefer individual instruction interspersed with relatively long periods of personal practice, but feel free to tell me otherwise.
In dance, I've tended to be slower with muscle memory things, faster with theoretic things, and often more willing to do boring drills on my own. So that makes me think I'd prefer an instructor that meets me relatively infrequently to give feedback, and leaves me lots of homework in between lessons. E.g., listen to this CD until you can tell the jigs from the reels, practice your scales until you stop squeaking, do the exercises from the first five chapters of this textbook, and see you in a month.
When I started learning Scottish country dance, I was pretty consistently the first in the class to understand the choreography, and the last to master the footwork. Actually, group classes do very little for my footwork. When I had to learn the pas de bas step, I eventually just found some music and did pas de bas for an hour straight, starting at 1/4th speed in place and working up to full speed setting to corner and partner.
In dance, I've tended to be slower with muscle memory things, faster with theoretic things, and often more willing to do boring drills on my own. So that makes me think I'd prefer an instructor that meets me relatively infrequently to give feedback, and leaves me lots of homework in between lessons. E.g., listen to this CD until you can tell the jigs from the reels, practice your scales until you stop squeaking, do the exercises from the first five chapters of this textbook, and see you in a month.
When I started learning Scottish country dance, I was pretty consistently the first in the class to understand the choreography, and the last to master the footwork. Actually, group classes do very little for my footwork. When I had to learn the pas de bas step, I eventually just found some music and did pas de bas for an hour straight, starting at 1/4th speed in place and working up to full speed setting to corner and partner.
I don't have a specific recommendation, but you should reach out to the IAC and/or the NYU Ireland House for referrals. They'd be happy to help you.
posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 11:07 AM on January 1, 2016
posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 11:07 AM on January 1, 2016
Years ago, I took lessons with a guy named Bill Ochs. At the time, he did the Irish Arts Center classes but I think he also had private students. He appears still to be around, but I don't know if he's still offering private lessons. He was great.
posted by ArbitraryAndCapricious at 11:08 AM on January 1, 2016
posted by ArbitraryAndCapricious at 11:08 AM on January 1, 2016
If you have a nearby venue with live Irish music (bands, sessions, whatever) stop in and ask the musicians if they know someone. I have worked extensively with Irish trad musicians and they love helping someone get started. It tends to be a very laid-back, hands-on approach to music so don't be too surprised if the teachers you encounter are not into music theory or sight reading. (The Irish musicians I worked with considered it a massive insult to say, "that sounds like you're playing that from reading it off of a page." YMMV.)
In case you're not familiar with the Chiff and Fipple website, they might be able to help with recommendations for specific teachers.
Have fun!
posted by corey flood at 8:25 AM on January 2, 2016
In case you're not familiar with the Chiff and Fipple website, they might be able to help with recommendations for specific teachers.
Have fun!
posted by corey flood at 8:25 AM on January 2, 2016
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posted by d. z. wang at 8:57 AM on January 1, 2016