Whistleberry Tunes: Adventures on Irish Tin Whistle for Kids from Udemy

Welcome to Whistleberry Forest, a musical land of curiosity, creativity, and wonder.

Whistleberry Tunes has been designed by Dr. Thomas Johnston, an Irish traditional musician, educator and researcher, with over 20 years experience teaching the tin whistle in Ireland and internationally.

Whistleberry Tunes draws on Thomas' experience as a traditional musician, but also as an educator and a researcher in the areas of Irish traditional music, music education, and theatre for young audiences. In designing Whistleberry Tunes, Thomas set out to create a series of music lessons that would be fun, meaningful, and engaging for children (and their adults) at home and at school.

The course is suitable for beginner whistle players of all ages, but in particular, it is geared towards children aged between 7 and 77.

How you will learn in Whistleberry Tunes is very similar to how you would learn in a traditional teaching and learning context. As Thomas guides you through each lesson, you will:

begin by learning whistle basics such as (i) how to hold the whistle, (ii) the importance of warming up, and (iii) scales of D major and G major (i.e., the building blocks of all the tunes you will learn)
progressively develop your aural learning skills
develop technical musical abilities
learn lots of old traditional tunes such as Dawning of the Day, Song of the Chanter, and Maggie in the Woods
learn some new tunes composed especially for this course such as Tradoodle Do. and Faolán's frolics
discover ways that you can decorate the tune with a range of ornaments such as cuts, taps, and bounces

What's inside

Learning objectives

Play the scales of d major and g major with confidence
Perform beautiful irish airs such as 'dawning of the day' and 'mo ghile mear'
Play a lively traditional march called 'song of the chanter'
Let you fingers waltz along to 'the south wind'
Play toe-tapping polkas such as 'maggie in the woods'

Play new tunes composed especially for this course such as 'faolán's frolics' and 'tradoodle do'.
Know the difference between different traditional tune types such as airs, polkas, marches, and waltzes.
Feel the rhythm of a tune and keep a steady beat
Play your music along with other learners and friends
Play different ornaments in irish traditional music such as cuts, taps, slides, vibrato, and bounces

Play the scales of d major and g major with confidence
Perform beautiful irish airs such as 'dawning of the day' and 'mo ghile mear'
Play a lively traditional march called 'song of the chanter'
Let you fingers waltz along to 'the south wind'
Play toe-tapping polkas such as 'maggie in the woods'
Play new tunes composed especially for this course such as 'faolán's frolics' and 'tradoodle do'.
Know the difference between different traditional tune types such as airs, polkas, marches, and waltzes.
Feel the rhythm of a tune and keep a steady beat
Play your music along with other learners and friends
Play different ornaments in irish traditional music such as cuts, taps, slides, vibrato, and bounces

Syllabus

Introduction

How to hold the tin-whistle

Let's stretch together

Faoláin the Frog's Introduction to Stretching

Thomas Johnston here, tutor on 'Whistleberry Tunes' and the musical director of When the Moon Spun Round and he also performs with the show. When the Moon Spun Round is a magical performance of captivating aerial dance, traditional music and storytelling. I'm delighted to share what we have created with you and it would be wonderful to see you at a show along the way: https://ceolconnected.ie/productions/when-the-moon-spun-round/

★★★★★ “Joyous… Magical… Visually Spellbinding.” The Irish Times

Prepare to be mesmerised by a vibrant and enchanting production for children and families that blends aerial dance with traditional arts in a truly unforgettable way!

Inspired by poems and stories by W.B. Yeats, Fidget Feet and Ceol Connectedinvite young audiences on a truly imaginative journey. See aerialists glide and twirl like waves in the sea, watch a fiddler soar high through the sky, and catch glimpses of the mysteries that lie behind the moon as it spins round.

Featuring outstanding aerial dancers and traditional musicians playing live on stage, along with daring and exhilarating choreography, dreamlike lighting and immersive soundscapes, When the Moon Spun Round is a fun and joyous experience that is sure to leave audiences of all ages spellbound.

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind show that embarks on a nationwide tour in 2025!

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Designed by an experienced educator and traditional musician, which ensures a fun and engaging learning experience for children and beginners

Progressively develops aural learning skills, which is essential for mastering traditional Irish music and playing by ear

Introduces traditional Irish tunes like 'Dawning of the Day' and 'Song of the Chanter', which are staples in the repertoire

Covers the scales of D major and G major, which are the foundational building blocks for playing many Irish tunes

Explores ornamentation techniques like cuts, taps, and bounces, which are essential for adding character to Irish tin whistle playing

Includes original compositions like 'Tradoodle Do' and 'Faolán's frolics', which may not be widely known outside of this course

Reviews summary

Engaging irish tin whistle for kids and beginners

According to learners, Whistleberry Tunes is a largely positive and engaging introduction to the Irish tin whistle, particularly well-suited for children and absolute beginners. Many found the instructor, Dr. Thomas Johnston, to be encouraging and clear, making the learning process fun and accessible. The inclusion of the Faoláin the Frog character was frequently mentioned as a positive for younger students. While the course provides a solid foundation covering essential basics and a good selection of tunes at a suitable pace for true beginners, some older or more advanced students felt the pace was too slow or that topics like ornamentation or music notation could benefit from more depth, suggesting it serves best as a starting point.

Good foundation, may need further study.

"Some of the explanations for ornaments could be clearer, but overall a solid introduction."

"Might need supplemental resources for more advanced techniques or theory."

"This course is a great first step, but I'll need to find other resources to go deeper into technique and theory."

A good mix of enjoyable tunes to learn.

"We learned several tunes quickly."

"...and the tunes are well-chosen."

"The tunes are fun."

Instructor makes learning fun and accessible.

"Dr. Johnston is so engaging and makes learning fun."

"The instructor is very encouraging."

"His teaching style is patient and clear."

Excellent start for absolute beginners.

"Great course for absolute beginners. The pacing is good..."

"As an adult beginner with no prior music experience, this course was perfect."

"Excellent introductory course."

May be slow or lack depth for some adults.

"It's okay, but maybe a bit *too* simple for older beginners like myself who grasp music theory quickly."

"Found the pace a bit slow, and the 'kid stuff' (like the frog) was distracting for an adult."

"I wish there was a little more depth on reading music notation, though the aural focus is emphasized."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Whistleberry Tunes: Adventures on Irish Tin Whistle for Kids with these activities:

Review Basic Music Theory

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Strengthen your understanding of musical concepts like scales, rhythm, and notation. This will make learning tunes on the tin whistle easier and more enjoyable.

Browse courses on Music

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Read a beginner's guide to music theory.
Complete online quizzes on musical notation and rhythm.
Practice identifying intervals and chords by ear.

Explore Irish Folk Music Collections

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Discover a wider range of Irish tunes and playing styles. This will enhance your appreciation for the music and provide inspiration for your own playing.

View The Complete Irish TinWhistle Tutor (New &... on Amazon

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Browse through collections of Irish folk music online or in libraries.
Listen to recordings of traditional Irish musicians.
Select a few tunes that you find appealing and try to learn them.

Practice Scales and Ornamentation

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Improve your finger dexterity and control over the tin whistle. This will allow you to play tunes more smoothly and add expressive ornamentation.

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Practice the D major and G major scales daily.
Work on mastering cuts, taps, and bounces.
Apply ornamentation to simple tunes.

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Explore Advanced Ornamentation Techniques

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Expand your repertoire of ornamentation techniques and add more flair to your playing. This will allow you to express yourself more creatively through your music.

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Find online tutorials on advanced ornamentation techniques.
Practice techniques such as rolls, crans, and triplets.
Incorporate these techniques into your playing of familiar tunes.

Record Yourself Playing a Tune

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Gain experience performing and sharing your music. This will build confidence and provide an opportunity for self-reflection and improvement.

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Choose a tune that you can play comfortably.
Record yourself playing the tune.
Listen back to the recording and identify areas for improvement.
Share your recording with friends or online (optional).

Play Tunes with Others

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Develop your ability to play in time with others and learn from fellow musicians. This will enhance your musicality and create a sense of community.

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Find other tin whistle players in your area or online.
Arrange a jam session or online meeting.
Play tunes together and provide each other with feedback.

Delve into Irish Music History

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Understand the historical and cultural context of Irish music. This will enrich your understanding of the tunes you are playing and their significance.

View A Short History of Irish Traditional Music... on Amazon

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Read about the history of Irish traditional music.
Research the origins of specific tunes.
Learn about the lives of famous Irish musicians.

Career center

Learners who complete Whistleberry Tunes: Adventures on Irish Tin Whistle for Kids will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Music Teacher

A career as a Music Teacher involves instructing students in musical concepts, techniques, and appreciation. This "Whistleberry Tunes" course helps educators to introduce children to the fundamentals of music through the tin whistle, an instrument that's both accessible and engaging. The course provides a structured approach to teaching whistle basics, scales, and traditional Irish tunes, which can be incorporated into music lessons for kids. Furthermore, the course's emphasis on aural learning, technical abilities, and ornamentation techniques such as cuts, taps, and bounces prepares educators to guide their students in developing well-rounded musical skills. The 'Whistleberry Tunes' approach, designed by an experienced music educator, can add creativity and fun to a music teacher's teaching style.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Teacher

Private Music Instructor

As a Private Music Instructor, you'll provide personalized music lessons to students of all ages and skill levels, often focusing on a specific instrument or musical style. This "Whistleberry Tunes" course equips you to teach the tin whistle, especially to children aged 7 to 77. The structured approach to whistle basics, scales of D major and G major, and traditional Irish tunes provides a solid foundation for instruction. You'll also gain insights into aural learning, technical abilities, and ornamentation techniques like cuts, taps, and bounces. The course even introduces original compositions, allowing you to offer a unique repertoire to your students. The course, designed by an Irish traditional musician, educator, and researcher, aligns with the skills needed to offer high-quality private music instruction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Private Music Instructor

Arts Educator

An Arts Educator works to integrate artistic expression and creativity into educational settings, often through workshops, classes, or residencies. The "Whistleberry Tunes" course helps educators incorporate music into their curriculum using the tin whistle. The focus on Irish traditional music provides educators with a rich cultural context to explore. The course’s structured approach to teaching whistle basics, scales, and tunes helps to guide students. Additionally, the course explores the use of ornamentation techniques, such as cuts, taps, and bounces, adding further depth to the students' playing. The course gives you the tools to make music fun and accessible for children, enriching their artistic development.

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Elementary School Teacher

An Elementary School Teacher is responsible for educating children in a variety of subjects, and music is often a key part of their curriculum. The "Whistleberry Tunes" course helps teachers to integrate music into their lessons by offering a fun and engaging way to learn the tin whistle. The course's curriculum is specifically designed for children aged 7 to 77 and emphasizes skills like aural learning and keeping a steady beat. The course also teaches traditional tunes like 'Dawning of the Day', 'Song of the Chanter', and 'Maggie in the Woods', as well as new tunes composed for the course such as 'Tradoodle Do' and 'Faolán's frolics'. Furthermore, you'll learn how to decorate tunes with ornamentation, like cuts, taps, and bounces. This musical ability will help you connect with your students and improve their learning experience.

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Music Therapist

Music Therapists use music as a therapeutic tool to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. While this role often requires a master's degree, learning the tin whistle and traditional Irish music through "Whistleberry Tunes" can be valuable for expanding your musical repertoire. The course introduces foundational skills like playing scales, learning tunes, and understanding ornamentation and rhythm, providing a new modality to engage with clients. The course’s structured approach, starting with the basics and progressively developing musical abilities, makes it accessible even if you're new to the tin whistle. The inherent joy and cultural richness of Irish music can make it a particularly effective tool for connecting with and helping others.

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Children's Entertainer

A Children's Entertainer performs at parties, events, and other gatherings, engaging children through music, games, and storytelling. This "Whistleberry Tunes" course offers you a fun, accessible way to add musical performance to your act. The course teaches whistle basics, scales, and traditional Irish tunes, which can be easily incorporated into performances for kids. The course’s playful approach, tailored for children, will resonate with your audience. Including the tin whistle and Irish traditional music in your repertoire will help you to stand out and create memorable experiences for children.

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Recreational Therapist

Recreational Therapists use recreational activities, including music, to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals. The "Whistleberry Tunes" course may be useful in learning how to incorporate musical activities, specifically tin whistle instruction, into therapy sessions. The course provides a structured approach to teaching the tin whistle, starting with the basics and progressing to more complex tunes and ornamentation. The course teaches various Irish tunes, such as 'Dawning of the Day' and 'Faolán's frolics,' and additionally teaches ornamentation techniques. Learning the tin whistle through this course will expand your toolkit to help individuals develop new skills and express themselves creatively.

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Camp Counselor

A Camp Counselor supervises children in a recreational setting, often leading activities such as arts and crafts, games, and music. The "Whistleberry Tunes" course may be useful in helping you to lead musical activities using the tin whistle. The course emphasizes the basics of the tin whistle, teaching scales, rhythm, and traditional Irish tunes. Learning the tin whistle can add a unique musical element to your camp activities, offering children a fun and engaging way to explore music and culture.

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Community Arts Worker

Community Arts Workers develop and run arts-based projects within communities, promoting participation and engagement in the arts. The "Whistleberry Tunes" course may be useful by providing a fun, accessible way to introduce the tin whistle and Irish traditional music to community members, especially children. The course's focus on scales, tunes, and ornamentation can be valuable for designing workshops or group lessons. The cultural richness of Irish music can be a great tool for connecting people and fostering a sense of community.

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Music Store Sales Associate

A Sales Associate in a music store assists customers in finding instruments, accessories, and learning materials. The "Whistleberry Tunes" course may be useful in providing you with knowledge about the tin whistle to better help customers. Understanding the basics of the instrument, its scales, and the types of music played on it can help you guide customers. This course emphasizes the tin whistle and different Irish tunes, as well as new tunes written for the course. Your knowledge can enhance customer satisfaction and build trust.

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Instrument Repair Technician

Instrument Repair Technicians specialize in fixing and maintaining musical instruments. While this role is primarily technical, completing the "Whistleberry Tunes" course may be useful by giving you a deeper understanding of the tin whistle, which can be helpful if you specialize in woodwind instruments. The course emphasizes the parts of the tin whistle, how to hold it, and the way it is played to make music. The course will help you identify issues and provide better service to your clients.

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Early Childhood Educator

Early Childhood Educators provide care and instruction to young children in preschool or daycare settings. Integrating music into early childhood education is greatly beneficial. The "Whistleberry Tunes" course may be useful in bringing simple musical activities to young children through the tin whistle. The course emphasizes the basics of the tin whistle, including scales, rhythm, and simple tunes that can be taught to children. Integrating the tin whistle in the classroom can help children develop their rhythm and interest in Irish culture.

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Museum Educator

Museum Educators develop and deliver educational programs and tours for museum visitors of all ages. The "Whistleberry Tunes" course may be useful by providing you with knowledge of the tin whistle to share with the public. The course's focus on Irish traditional music and culture can be valuable for creating engaging exhibits or workshops. You can use this knowledge to create a rich learning experience for museum visitors.

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Content Creator

Content Creators produce engaging material for online platforms, such as YouTube or TikTok. Should you aim to incorporate music into the content that you create, the "Whistleberry Tunes" course may be useful in developing your understanding of the tin whistle. The course emphasizes whistle basics, scales of D major and G major, and different Irish tunes, allowing you to diversify your content.

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Social Media Manager

Social Media Managers handle the online presence of individuals or organizations. They create and schedule posts, engage with followers, and analyze data. The "Whistleberry Tunes" course may be useful in giving a social media manager a topic to create buzz, particularly when engaging younger demographics. The course emphasizes learning about tin whistles, Irish tunes, and ornamentation of melodies. Social media managers can create posts highlighting the tin whistle.

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Whistleberry Tunes

Adventures on Irish Tin Whistle for Kids

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Engaging irish tin whistle for kids and beginners

Activities

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