
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
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.
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 Celtica, Dougie Maclean, Ali Hutton, Jarlath Henderson, Charlie Mckerron, Tim Edey, Hamish Napier, India Alba and has performed with Kate Rusby, Blue Rose Code, Zakir Hussain, Trilok Gurtu, Capercaillie, Shooglenifty, Carl Barat, Papon, Karsh Kale, Flook, Breabach, Soumik Datta and Patsy Reid.
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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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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 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