100 Popular Irish Session Tunes

This collection of 35 Celtic tunes represents ten different performance styles from Ireland Scotland Wales and Brittany. The majority of these pieces are dance tunes such as the jigs and reels popular at Irish sessions theinformal gatherings of musicians in pubs community halls and homes. Although relatively new to the session ensemble the Autoharp bears a distinct resemblance to the Irish Folk Harp. Fittingly this collection includes Harptunes by famed Irish harpist Turlough O'Carolan as well as other slow airs. All of the pieces in this book have been arranged to be played on any standard 15 or 21-bar chromatic Autoharp in either melodic or rhythmic (backup)style. A melody line with suggested chord accompaniment is included so other instrumentalists can easily join in. The book's companion online audio includes performances of all 35 selections ably illustrating the rhythmic andstylistic nuances of this engaging music. In notation and tablature.

The Pennywhistle is a lovely traditional instrument the whole family can enjoy. Also known as the Irish Tin whistle it can be used to play haunting slow airs or the most complex up-tempo jigs reels hornpipes and other dance times. While it can be simple enough for a child to play itâ??s also worthy of a lifetime of musical study.Cathal McConnell known world-wide for his work with the popular Celtic band Boys of the Lough has long been considered one of the worldâ??s virtuoso Irish whistle players. He is also a kind and patient teacher and he makes learning easy as he brings the beauty of the Irish repertoire to you in this unique play-along CDcourse.Youâ??ll learn the basic scales and the proper way to hold and blow the whistle to get you off to the right start. Cathal shows you how to play in a variety of keys (D G E and A major; E A and B minor) adding important techniques such as slurring trills and rolls to give your playing a truly traditional â??feelâ??.By the time you finish working through this interactive lesson youâ??ll have a dozen top Irish session pieces under your belt plus all the tools necessary to build a more advanced repertoire of tunes and techniques.