FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Where can I buy a tin whistle?
A: You can find tin whistles in most general music stores around the world. Basic whistles are very affordable and work perfectly well for beginners. If you’re looking to upgrade later, McNeela Instruments offers higher-quality whistles: https://mcneelamusic.com/all-tin-whistles/.
Q: What key should my first tin whistle be in?
A: D
Q: What type of flute and whistle do you play, and who made them?
A: I play a wooden transverse flute, which is the predecessor of the modern silver flute. My flute was made by Stéphane Morvan:
https://morvanflutes.wixsite.com/stephane-morvan.
The tin whistle I use most often is a brass whistle by Tony Dixon, which makes it slightly heavier than many other whistles.
Q: Why is the website called Tunes & Tools?
A: “Tunes” represents the music you can learn, while “Tools” refers to the exercises, drones, metronomes, and other resources designed to help you learn more effectively.
Q: Are the flute videos compatible with the tin whistle?
A: Yes, absolutely. The fingerings and ornaments are almost always the same on both instruments, so you can follow along without any issues. However, in more difficult keys (for example, G minor), the fingering may differ slightly.
Q: Will the price increase over time?
A: Yes, but as an early member, your monthly rate will remain the same as long as your subscription stays active.
Q: I’ve never played the flute before. Is this course a good place to start?
A: Absolutely. The course includes tutorials for Irish flute as well as beginner-friendly material for tin whistle players.
Q: What instruments are used in the drones?
A: The drones are created using a mix of flute, violin, whistle, harmonica, button accordion, melodica, voice, and harmonium, all playing the same note across different octaves.
Q: Is there a contract or minimum commitment?
A: No. You can cancel at any time, and you’ll retain access until the end of your current billing period.
Q: How did you determine the difficulty levels for each tune?
A: The ratings are based on my personal sense of how easy or difficult each tune feels to play.
Q: What are the chords for the tunes?
A: Celtic music is often modal, which means a single chord can sometimes be enough. For example, in E minor, you can simply play an E chord. The melody determines whether it feels major or minor. If you want more variation, you can use the circle of fifths. Chords related to E minor, such as Bm, Am, C, G, and D—can work in different parts of the tune. The best way to learn chord accompaniment in Irish music is to start by learning the melody.
Q: What’s a good tune to pair with another tune?
A: I usually try to begin the next tune on the same note that the previous tune ends on, and if possible, switch key as well. With practice, most tunes can be paired effectively.
Q: Can I download the videos?
A: No, the videos are available for streaming only, and you must be logged in to access them.
Q: The metronome and drones aren’t playing at the same time. What’s wrong?
A: This may be due to browser compatibility issues. Try using a different browser. Mobile or tablet devices may also affect functionality.
Q: Can I use your drones and metronomes in my own music project?
A: No, they are not permitted for external use.
Q: Some tunes don’t have a third video with ornaments and details. Is something wrong?
A: Those videos haven’t been recorded yet but will be added over time.
Q: The sheet music isn’t exactly the same as how you play. Why aren’t ornaments notated?
A: In Celtic music traditions, melodies often vary between players. The music is meant to be a living tradition, so each musician develops their own interpretation. While there have been attempts to notate ornaments, there are so many variations that I don’t find it necessary.
Q: When will the next lesson video be released, and what will it cover?
A: I record lessons in batches across different topics, and new content is added regularly.
Q: How do I delete my account?
A: Send an email to info@tunesandtools.com, and I'll help you, no questions asked.