I suppose it's just an innocent figure of speech, but I'm just curious... ...why is the transition from tinwhistle to flute so often referred to as a "step *up*"?
I think mostly tone & dynamics. Almost anyone can learn a few tunes their first day with a tinwhistle. It usually takes more time with flute, because you first have to find the embouchure & get the tone.
Yup. I'm with ya' on that, Ben Steen... ..but what I mean is that I play both, and I don't regard one as a superior instrument to the other. I agree with your technical definition, but also wonder if there is a mindset out there that places flute "above" whistle?
I was not considering it hierarchical, just a transitional move with some new things to learn. It is a figure of speech... I can think of at least two fiddlers who have told me they want to step up to playing whistle. You want me to ask if they have a mindset which places whistle above fiddle?
Some people do see it as a hierarchy though. I think it's because of two things. Firstly, the tin whistle is often a first instrument, especially for children, so it's seen as a starter instrument that you move on to something more serious from. Secondly, the steepest part of the learning curve comes much later on than on the flute. I do think however that there is a fair amount of technique in getting a good tone from a whistle.
Actually, I do see it as a hierarchy. Very few players play the whistle with true artistry. And those who play the flute with an equivalent level of skill usually get more out of the instrument. And have more options open to them.
Naturally, where the investment in time is small, then the whistle wins hands down.
Advise on flutes
Advise on flutes
I am interested in buying a flute (beginner) I am fairly competant on the tin whistle but would really love to make the step up to flute.
# Posted on February 10th 2011 by aido1
Re: Advise on flutes
Check out...
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/26669/comments#comment564401
# Posted on February 10th 2011 by Kess
Re: Advise on flutes
Well, what is your budget, and do you care about the material it is made out of?
# Posted on February 10th 2011 by pipersgrip
Re: Advise on flutes
I suppose it's just an innocent figure of speech, but I'm just curious... ...why is the transition from tinwhistle to flute so often referred to as a "step *up*"?
# Posted on February 10th 2011 by browndog
Re: Advise on flutes
I think mostly tone & dynamics. Almost anyone can learn a few tunes their first day with a tinwhistle. It usually takes more time with flute, because you first have to find the embouchure & get the tone.
# Posted on February 10th 2011 by Ben Steen
Re: Advise on flutes
Yup. I'm with ya' on that, Ben Steen... ..but what I mean is that I play both, and I don't regard one as a superior instrument to the other. I agree with your technical definition, but also wonder if there is a mindset out there that places flute "above" whistle?
# Posted on February 10th 2011 by browndog
Re: Advise on flutes
I was not considering it hierarchical, just a transitional move with some new things to learn. It is a figure of speech... I can think of at least two fiddlers who have told me they want to step up to playing whistle. You want me to ask if they have a mindset which places whistle above fiddle?
# Posted on February 10th 2011 by Ben Steen
Re: Advise on flutes
Hahaha... ...Good point, then. I'll take it as a figure of speech.
# Posted on February 10th 2011 by browndog
Re: Advise on flutes
Some people do see it as a hierarchy though. I think it's because of two things. Firstly, the tin whistle is often a first instrument, especially for children, so it's seen as a starter instrument that you move on to something more serious from. Secondly, the steepest part of the learning curve comes much later on than on the flute. I do think however that there is a fair amount of technique in getting a good tone from a whistle.
# Posted on February 10th 2011 by Red Menace
Re: Advise on flutes
Hey, where is the advice on flutes? I can post some of my thoughts but there most be more experienced players online.
# Posted on February 10th 2011 by Ben Steen
http://www.mcgee-flutes.com/Learning.html
# Posted on February 11th 2011 by Ben Steen
Re: Advise on flutes
Actually, I do see it as a hierarchy. Very few players play the whistle with true artistry. And those who play the flute with an equivalent level of skill usually get more out of the instrument. And have more options open to them.
Naturally, where the investment in time is small, then the whistle wins hands down.
And I play both too.
# Posted on February 11th 2011 by Crackpot