10 tips to help your child practice the Feadog Whistle at home – part 2

by Joao Ferreira

The vacation has gone. So, it is time to get back to school and set everything up to start next year successfully.

This article addresses directly to the parents. I will write the last 5 tips which I started last articlein order to motivate you to practice our Feadog Whistle with your son or daughter.

So, follow these tips, and happy whistling.

6 – Praise your child’s practicing and playing.

This will make your child feel proud of themselves and will further encourage them to improve. Rather than feeling the pressure of playing a piece perfectly, try to focus your child’s attention on improvement. Remind your child that it’s ok to make mistakes and all they have to do is try their best. Remind them that they will improve over time and with plenty of practice.

7 – Play in front of others.

Whenever possible encourage your child to play for others such as friends and family members. This will provide another opportunity for your child to feel confident. They build their confidence and self-esteem when they are praised for their playing.

8- Learning tunes that they want to play themselves.

Pupils will really advance if they try to figure out how to play tunes that are not being thought in school. Some children try to learn these extra songs or tunes on the tin whistle using their ‘ear’ and others might learn them from sourcing other sheet music or even learning from the internet e.g. tutorials on you tube. Pupils often get the opportunity in school to play these self-taught tunes which builds confidence and self-esteem for the performer and inspires other pupils to try to learn extra songs/tunes themselves.

9 – Composing their own tunes.

Although composing is taught in school it is very beneficial to encourage your child. They should compose their own tunes on the tin whistle at home. This will further develop their musical ear, provide an audience to perform their composition in front of and develop their artistic/musical creativity.

10- Playing with others.

If you can play a musical instrument try to play along with your child. You can teach them new tunes and they can teach you tunes that they have learned. Alternatively your child can play with other family members such as siblings, cousins, grandparents etc. if they also play an instrument. Your child can also play with their friends for fun when they go to each other’s houses on play-dates.

I believe after these 10 tips, you will inspire your child to learn how to play our Feadog Whistles better and better. Browse our website and look for the one that suits you. If you are already a player becomes our fan visiting our Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to be aware of tips and further information.

Source: Bunscoil Rinn Chabhlaigh