Traditional Music Lessons

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Becky has been teaching traditional music for over 25 years and is experienced in one-to-one tuition, group workshops at festivals and events, and tutoring youth groups. She has great enthusiasm and ability in helping people improve their playing and achieving their goals whether that be learning a new instrument from scratch, brushing up on technique and ornamentation, or increasing repertoire. Her relaxed, easy style will improve your confidence and help you make progress quickly. Complete beginners always welcome!

Rating: 5/5
Comments: Brilliant tutor, lovely to have a tutor who is passionate about the instrument and music. In addition enthusiastic to help me make good progress. Thoroughly recommend her.”
(FirstTutors Comments: 31/01/2020)

Becky currently teaches the following instruments and levels:

  • Uilleann Pipes – Beginners, Intermediate/Improvers and Advanced
  • Northumbrian Smallpipes – Beginners, Intermediate/Improvers and Advanced
  • Tin whistle – Beginners, Intermediate/Improvers, and Advanced
  • Fiddle – Beginners, Intermediate/Improvers
  • Mandolin – Beginners, Intermediate/Improvers
  • Other instruments available on request

Please contact Becky at becky@beckytaylor.info for further details and availability.

Learning the Tin Whistle

The tin whistle is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get started playing traditional folk music. It is lightweight, portable, easy to play and get hold of as well as being available in many different keys. Learning the whistle can be a stepping stone to other instruments such as the Flute or Uilleann pipes. Lessons with Becky will help get you off to the right start aiming to get you started on your first tune at the first lesson.

Lessons are offered at the following stages of whistle playing:

  • Complete Beginner
  • Intermediate/Improvers
  • Advanced

Beginners:
Beginners lessons focus on establishing the basics of good whistle technique:-

  • Essential techniques to get you started.
  • Basic fingering.
  • Venturing into the upper octave.
  • Breathing and tuning.
  • Posture and hand positioning.
  • Dealing with squeaks and leaks!
  • Your first tune.
  • Introduction to Ornamentation – the basics.
  • Irish traditional tune types and styles.

This will help you make quick progress and establish a solid basis when you move ahead to Intermediate/Improvers and Advanced levels:

  • Increasing Repertoire (more tunes!)
  • Tips and tricks.
  • More complex ornamentation types (‘rolls’, ‘crans’, triplets and more!)
  • Developing your style.
  • Playing with others and in sessions.
  • How to ‘practise’ and improve your playing.
  • Preparing for performance.
  • Moving on to other instruments

Contact becky@beckytaylor.info or here for further details and to arrange your lesson