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Advanced Whistle

This course aims to take the playing to the next level by looking at skills and repertoire of the top players.

The Advanced Whistle course is for those players who are familiar with most keys and most embellishments and ornaments. The course begins by looking at developing ornamentation and halve holing, before moving on to more challenging pieces that utilise these skills.

Taught on a Low D Whistle this course is most suited to any D whistle, though tips and tricks extend to any whistle.

Downloadable sheet music is available for all tunes.

Whistles
Ross Ainslie

Your Tutor - Ross Ainslie

Ross Ainslie is one of Scotland’s finest traditional musicians and composers, playing pipes, whistles and cittern. He is renowned for his highly acclaimed solo material, and as a skilled performer and prolific collaborator who performs regularly with bands Treacherous Orchestra – of which he is a founding member – Salsa CelticaDougie MacleanAli HuttonJarlath HendersonCharlie MckerronTim EdeyHamish Napier, India Alba and has performed with Kate RusbyBlue Rose CodeZakir HussainTrilok GurtuCapercaillieShoogleniftyCarl BaratPaponKarsh KaleFlookBreabachSoumik Datta and Patsy Reid.

Lessons in Course

Click on a lesson to be taken to it (you must be a subscriber)

cello and treble clef
Whistle

1. Grace Notes

Ross begins his Advanced Whistle Course by recapping grace notes from his previous course and developing them at this level.   This Post is only available to subscribed members. Login

Ross Ainslie Whistle
Whistle

2. Run to D

Ross continues his course looking at a technique he employs in his playing to add extra ornamentation – the “Run to D”.   This Post is only available to subscribed members. Login

manuscript
Whistle

3. Chromatics and Half Holes

Next, Ross focuses on half holes and using them to play chromatic notes on your D (or any other Key) whistle.   This Post is only available to subscribed members. Login

Whistle on manuscript
Whistle

4. Michael’s Matches

Ross begins looking at tunes in his Advanced Course with a great reel from the brilliant fiddler Charlie McKerron.   This Post is only available to subscribed members. Login

Whistles
Whistle

5. Shputnik in Glenshiel

Ross moves on to a tune written by one of his biggest influences, Martyn Bennett taken from Martyn’s seminal album, Bothy Culture.   This Post is only available to subscribed members. Login

Red Treble Clef
Whistle

6. Absinthe Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

A tune this time written by Ross himself which flits between E Major and Minor involving lots of halve holing.   This Post is only available to subscribed members. Login

ornamental violin
Whistle

7. Rosie Shand of Grantown

Ross focuses on a piece written by fiddler Adam Sutherland that forms part of the first track of Adam’s first album, Squall.   This Post is only available to subscribed members. Login

Ross Ainslie
Whistle

8. Chloe’s Passion

Ross moves on to a 4-part pipe jig in 9/8 by one of the MacDonald Brothers of Glenuig, Dr Angus MacDonald.   This Post is only available to subscribed members. Login

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