Celtic Engagement Rings

Irish Whistle Music

Irish Whistle Music

How the Key Affects the Sound of a Love Flute

When we say that a flute is in the key of A we mean that its lowest note is the A above middle C on a piano. A vibrates at 440 Hz. A higher keyed flute will vibrate at a faster rate than A. A lower keyed flute will vibrate at a slower rate than A. The lower the key of an Indian flute the longer the barrel of the flute. An A has a barrel length of about twelve and a half inches. A flute in the key of E will have a barrel length of seventeen and a half inches. The barrel of the flute is the hollow chamber where sound vibrations are generated.

Love flutes in the keys of A above middle C through E below middle C are often called mid range flutes. Lower keyed flutes are called bass flutes when they are in the octave below C and double bass flutes when they are two octaves below. Higher keyed flutes are called treble flutes.

As you can imagine lower keyed Native American flutes will be somewhat more difficult to hold and play. Not only is a flute in a lower key bigger and heavier. But, the tone holes that the fingers must cover are further apart. A novice Indian flute player is advised to begin with a comfortable size flute such as an A or G.

The tonal quality of each individual note is unique. So also is the tonal quality of flutes in different keys. A flute in the key of A will play a mode one pentatonic scale consisting of the notes A, C, D, E, G. A flute in the key of G will play a mode one pentatonic scale consisting of the notes G, A#, C, D, F. So, as you can see (and hear) flutes in different keys will play scales composed of different combinations of notes.

Some people experience each note as having a corresponding color. Or the different notes can be compared to different flavors of sound. Just as there are different flavors of ice cream there are different flavors of sound. The note G has a different tonal flavor than the note A. Higher tones vibrate at more rapid rates and convey more energy. They are more stimulating. Lower notes are more relaxed and meditative. Perhaps you are familiar with the sound of the Penny Whistle used in much Irish dance music. The Penny Whistle is usually in the key of what is commonly called high D. High D is the second D above middle C on the piano. This instrument has a very penetrating and stimulating sound. The dance steps of Irish clog dancing reflect this intensity. They are rapid and energetic. The dancers whirl and stomp. Contrast this to the music of a waltz in the key E.

The sound of a Love flute in the key of F, E, Eb or D is more meditative in quality. Most of the prospective buyers who sample the sounds on my website are attracted to these lower keyed flutes.

The keys of different Native American style flutes are often assigned to different areas of the human body and their associated energy centers. These energy centers are called Chakras. There are seven charkas. The lowest is at the base of the spine and the highest is at the crown of the head. According to tradition the lowest chakra vibrates at the pitch of D. The second chakra in the lower abdominal region is E. the solar plexus chraka is F. The heart chraka is F#. The chakra in the neck or thyroid region is G. The forehead or eye center chakra is G# and the chakra at the crown of the head is A. It is thought that each of these centers vibrates in harmony with its particular musical note.

The key of F# is sometimes called the de facto key of the Native American style flute. It has achieved this status by usage. The majority of recorded Native American style flute music is done with an F# flute. Also, F# is a very popular flute key among amateur players. There seems to be no rational explanation for this. Perhaps it is because so much NA flute music is music of the heart. The problem with a Love flue in the key of F# is that F# is not a common musical key. So other musicians - guitarists, pianist etc - may have a difficult time playing with you. The keys of A, G and E are more common.

In order to find out what flute key is right for you listen to sound samples. You will know it when what you hear feels right to you.

About the Author

My name is John Stillwell. I live and work in the Mojave Desert near Joshua Tree California. For more than ten years I have devoted myself to making and playing the Native American style flute. This flute is an instrument that anyone can play. No prior musical experience is necessary. For more information about me, flute history, flute playing lessons and how to make flutes visit my website
http://www.atflutes.com

Irish Tin Whistle $9.99 Easy to play, this Irish-made tin whistle in the key of D lets you perform traditional Irish tunes instantly, even if you can't read music. Includes instructions and diagrammed sheet music.

Tobar An Ouchais: Traditional Irish Tin Whistle Music... $12.49 Tobar An Ouchais: Traditional Irish Tin Whistle Music...

Sterling Silver Irish Music Rings - Men $59.99 Irish music has lifted spirits and touched hearts from local pubs to the world stage. These beautiful rings celebrate Irelands famous musical tradition. Embossed with the favored Irish instruments - bodhran, fiddle, tin whistle and accordion. Ireland. Boxed. Sizes (no half sizes)

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Irish Tin Whistle Pocketbook $1.29 "By Patrick Conway. For Tin Whistle. Solos. Pocketbook. Celtic/Irish. Beginning. Pocketbook. 32 pages. Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc"

Irish Penny Whistle - Key of D $10.95 For Tin Whistle. Instrumental. Walton. Celtic/Irish. Instrument. 2 pages. Published by Walton's Manufacturing Ltd

An Irish Whistle Book $14.95 "For Pennywhistle. Music Sales America. Irish, Folk, Celtic. Book with CD. 40 pages. Ossian Publications #OMB72. Published by Ossian Publications"

Waltons Irish Tin Whistle $7.99 Waltons Irish Tin Whistle

Irish Low Whistle $13.79 Irish Low Whistle

Complete Irish Tin Whistle Book/CD Set $24.95 "By Mizzy McCaskill & Dona Gilliam. For Tin Whistle. Methods. Complete. Celtic/Irish. Beginning-Intermediate. Book/CD Set. 144 pages. Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc"

The Essential Guide to Irish Flute and Tin Whistle Book/2-CD Set $39.99 "By Grey Larsen. For Tin Whistle. Methods. Celtic/Irish. Beginning. Book/CD Set. 480 pages. Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc"

The Complete Irish Tin Whistle Tunebook $59.14 Perhaps the most challenging thing to master when learning to play traditional Irish music is the ability to play "in sync" with other musicians. This book gives you the chance to do exactly that. It is a collection of 125 tunes you`re liable to hear at most traditional Irish music sessions, and comes with four CDs with simple practice versions and more embellished performance versions of each tune.

Geraldine Cotter's Traditional Irish Tin Whistle Tutor $19.95 Edited by Geraldine Cotter. Music Sales America. Irish. Book with CD. 104 pages. Ossian Publications #OMB297. Published by Ossian Publications

The Low Whistle Book Book/CD Set $29.99 By Steafan Hannigan & David Ledsam. For Tin Whistle. Methods. Celtic/Irish. Beginning. Book/CD Set. 114 pages. Published by Soar Valley Music

Irish Scene Music and Memento Box $39.99 Our handsome wood grain music box features a lovely cottage scene. When the box is opened When Irish Eyes are Smiling plays on a quality Sankyo musical movement. Inside there is room for momentos, jewelry, etc. The photo frame lid can also hold a 4 x 6 personal photo. Imported. 8 x 6 x 2 1/2 Boxed.

Alfred 0033729 Irish Whistle Music Book $58.73 Alfred Music Publishing is the world s largest educational music publisher. Alfred produces educational' reference' pop' and performance materials for teachers' students' professionals' and hobbyists spanning every musical instrument' style' and difficulty level. Such a fun' cool song transformed into a surefire winner for any concert setting. These lovely variations begin with a lush air in 3/4' which flows into a 6/8 jig featuring players whistling over top the varied pizzicato accompaniments. A 16th note flurry in 4/4 then speeds to the end in a burst of energy

How to Play the Irish Tin Whistle (Mixed media product) $26.16 Tom Maguire`s classic method has inspired and introduced countless players to the joys of the tin whistle and the Learn to Play the Irish Tin Whistle contains everything you need in one! There is an authentic D-tuning Feadog original Irish whistle that you will be able to play right away with the special arrangements and instructions. The fabulously inclusive book and CD of demonstration music comprises the complete instruction for learning this traditional instrument. All the basic skills are featured here, from holding the whistle, body and hand posture and position to rudimentary music theory. It is an uncomplicated and user-friendly guide, suitable for beginners of all ages. A section of familiar airs and traditional dance tunes, which are combined with easy step-by-step instructions; well-known nursery rhymes as examples, diagrams, illustrations and a section of symbols. The CD contains great demonstration performances of the songs to give you a taste of the flavor of this music and listen to how they should sound to help you learn.

Waltons Irish Tin Whistle CD Pack $16.99 Waltons Irish Tin Whistle CD Pack

Waltons Learn to Play the Irish Tin Whistle (DVD) $34.95 Waltons Learn to Play the Irish Tin Whistle (DVD)

Waltons Irish Tin Whistle Value Pack $11.99 Waltons Irish Tin Whistle Value Pack

Sing Out - C Penny Whistle (Digital Sheet Music) $6 By Celtic Woman. By Brendan Graham and David Downes. Arranged by Roger Emerson. For C Penny Whistle. Combo. Celtic; Concert; Festival; Inspirational; Irish. Individual instrument part. 1 pages. Duration 3:00. Published by Hal Leonard - Digital Sheet Music

Irish Music $6.99 Irish Music

Irish Verse to Landscape DVD $17.99 Take in the breathless beauty of the Emerald Isle as you listen to a selection of classic Irish poetry and popular verse. Soothing words by poets such as Thomas Moore, Oliver Goldsmith and more. Traditional music adds to the scenery and the inspiring words. Approx. 55 min.

The Clarke Tin Whistle Book, Deluxe Edition Book/CD Set $17.95 (Compatible with any D whistle). By Bill Ochs. For Tin Whistle. Methods. Celtic/Irish. Multiple Levels. Book/CD Set. 80 pages. Published by Pennywhistler's Press

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Traditional Irish Tin Whistle Tutor (Paperback) $30.76 A complete method for the Irish tin whistle with an appendix of 100 choice Irish airs and dance tunes.

Irish Session Tunes - The Green Book $14.95 "(100 Irish Dance Tunes and Airs). Edited by Geraldine Cotter. For Flute, Tin Whistle, or Bagpipe. Music Sales America. Irish, Folk, Celtic. Book only. 64 pages. Ossian Publications #OMB141. Published by Ossian Publications"

Ireland, a Bicycle, and a Tin Whistle $32.45 As he travels through the North, Wilson gets beneath the political surface to portray both the tragedy and comedy of everyday life in the Protestant and Catholic communities. Aware of the polarized image that each side has of the other, he emphasizes the importance of finding common ground and of asserting the middle against the extremes. Just as traditional Irish music is characterized by ornamentations and elaborations on a melodic theme, Ireland, a Bicycle, and a Tin Whistle is full of variations and wanderings on the theme of the trip itself. And just as traditional Irish musicians will follow a sad slow air with a lively foottapping reel, Wilsons mood ranges from the nostalgic and reflective to the irreverent and mischievous. If there is a lament in one ear, there is a song in the other. Author: Wilson, David A./ Palmer, Justin Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 176 Publication Date: 1995/08/16 Language: English Dimensions: 8.53 x 5.55 x 0.49 inches

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