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Upper Intermediate Whistle

Focusing on technique and embellishments to add colour to your playing

The Upper Intermediate Whistle course is aimed at the more advanced intermediate player who is familiar with playing at speed and is looking to improve their playing by learning new types of gracing, ornaments and embellishments, whilst broadening their repertoire.

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

As always, downloadable sheet music is available.

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Course Intro

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 the Course

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Ross Ainslie Whistle
Whistle

Lesson 1. Crans

Ross begins his course for the Upper Intermediate whistle player by looking at a technique common to trickier pieces – the Cran.   This Post is only available to subscribed members. Login

manuscript
Whistle

Lesson 2. Vibrato

Ross turns his attention to the use of vibrato to add colour and texture to tunes played on the whistle.   This Post is only available to subscribed members. Login

Whistle on manuscript
Whistle

Lesson 3. Grace Notes & Strikes

Before Ross begins looking at specific tunes in his course, he focuses on grace notes and strikes and the techniques used to play them.   This Post is only available to subscribed

Red Treble Clef
Whistle

Lesson 4. Sleeping Tune

The brilliant Sleeping Tune by Gordon Duncan is the first piece Ross teaches. Gordon, one of Scotland’s finest tunesmiths, was Ross’s teacher on bagpipes.   This Post is only available to subscribed

Music notes in the sky
Whistle

Lesson 5. Sileas

The next piece in Ross’s course is a lovely waltz written by accordionist Dougie Hunter called Sileas.   This Post is only available to subscribed members. Login

Whistles
Whistle

Lesson 6. Little Bird

Ross next looks at a great tune written by his great friend Tim Edey, and possibly one of Ross’s favourites – Little Bird.   This Post is only available to subscribed members.

Ross Ainslie
Whistle

Lesson 7. Jewels of the Ocean

Jewels of the Ocean is next up for Ross; a great waltz written by prolific composer by Allan Macdonald.   This Post is only available to subscribed members. Login

ornamental violin
Whistle

Lesson 8. Rory Gallagher’s

Ross next teaches a well known jig by Piper Gordon Duncan written for Rory Gallagher who he was very find of.   This Post is only available to subscribed members. Login

cello and treble clef
Whistle

Lesson 9. Fred’s Advice

One of Ross’s own tunes now, written after some words of wisdom from the incredible piper Fred Morrison.   This Post is only available to subscribed members. Login

Ross Ainslie
Whistle

Lesson 10. The Road to Errogie

Ross finishes up his Upper Intermediate course with this great reel written by the brilliant Adam Sutherland – The Road to Errogie.   This Post is only available to subscribed members. Login

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