Teaching Books

Most tin whistlers are self-taught, and these books are a great place to start learning!

The Clarke® Tin Whistle Handbook by Bill Ochs, Pennywhistler's Press 1990. My personal favorite! This companion book to the Clarke® tin whistle and the cassette tape offer a history of the whistle and the songs, guided lessons to develop beginners' skills, and instruction on ornamentation for more advanced players. There are over 80 tunes--from Ireland, Scotland, England, and Colonial America--including airs, reels, jigs, hornpipes, slides, and morris dances.
Traditional Irish Tin Whistle Tutor by Geraldine Cotter, Ossian Publications, 1983. Teach yourself the tin whistle with this book, and its accompanying lesson and song tapes. The lessons highlight proper methods for breathing, rhythm, and ornamentation, as well as encouraging variation and pointing out common playing flaws. There are 100 songs for more advanced whistlers and also a discography of contemporary Irish music.
The Penny Whistle Book by Robin Williamson, Oak Publications, 1977. Good for the earliest beginning players (requires no previous knowledge of music) or more advanced whistlers searching for one of the 56 traditional British and American tunes, each with a historical background. Also includes guitar chords to play with a friend.