Tin whistles are great way into music making for whole classes. They are more straight forward than the recorder as they have no back thumb hole and work on a completely logical fingering system.

The Harmonia Number system.

Since tin whistle comes from an aural music tradition, staff notation is not an essential skill. Kirsty concentrates on promoting fluent playing before introducing standard notation as an additional skill. Melodies are learned via a numerical system which allows all children to participate quickly from the very first session.

Kirsty has built up a repertoire of piece including pop, classical and, of course, folk. Children enjoy all these genres and build up a good knowledge of different musical forms. Melodies are frequently learned alongside accompaniment parts, allowing the tin whistle group to become a Whistle Band, without any need for any other instruments.

Smartboard files mean the children can practice between sessions whilst listening to example performances.

Tin Whistle sessions are currently available to primary schools as a wider opportunities programme. Please email for more details:

kirstybody@btinternet.com