The Traveller [Reel] - Tune of the Month with Shannon Heaton

[@sudeepbhanwala5360]

I luv Irish music, and you are amezing

[@Izzynemelow]

I love that tune! I played mandolin along with you. Really fun. But most of all, I appreciated your advice and encouragement; to really “get into” the tune. Exactly what I strive for! Thank you!

[@ShannonHeatonMusic]

yay, Mike. Thanks for stopping by, and glad we could play a tune together!

[@geezmcgeez]

Shannon taught me this tune 30 years ago! It was fun to find this for a refresher, played pretty much the same. Great teacher and great player.

[@ShannonHeatonMusic]

what???? Wow! I learned the tune like 30 years ago! I love it, and it was actually the first reel that I felt was one of "mine." It was, like, the first tune that I really, really learned. I hope we get to play it together again.

[@geezmcgeez]

Yes, it was back in the Beehive days at Northwestern, or perhaps the basement at Hogeye!

[@ShannonHeatonMusic]

that's so great. Thanks for sharing that story. And so glad you're still playing!

[@MiscreantRose]

So thrilled to find your videos! Just what I need to help me break in my new Casey Burns folk flute. I've always wanted to play Irish flute but always found the spacing of the holes too much for my wee-sized hands, so Casey Burns is my hero with his ergonomic small-handed designed flute. It's been years since I've done any playing (background in piano, classical flute, oboe, Irish harp, & Irish whistle), and was fumbling trynig to remember some tunes and remember fingering. Your breakdown of these tunes is a treasure trove for me! Cheers!

[@ShannonHeatonMusic]

Oh, so glad your flute is working for you. And I'm delighted that these videos can help! I do think breaking the tunes down phrase by phrase is a great strategy. When you hear the architecture, it's less overwhelming. Good luck, and thanks for the note!

[@davidgoodwin7269]

Great playing Shannon. Lovely rhythm to the tune. Dave.

[@ShannonHeatonMusic]

Thanks, Dave. So many of us have such great rhythm when we just tuck in and play tunes many times around. Hopefully here's another fun reminder/invitation to eek out a few more repetitions of tunes!

[@dimebarification]

In the zone!

[@irishflutegirl9022]

Very pretty. The B part sounds like mossy banks C part . Or it might just me silly me lol . Thanks for posting ! Very beautifully done.

[@ShannonHeatonMusic]

YES! B part is very Mossy Bank-ish. Good ears.

[@gclosius]

Is the audio no longer available? I cannot find it.

[@ShannonHeatonMusic]

Did you find the audio? Works for me. Maybe the mute was on inadvertently?

[@smileymusic4716]

Hi Teacher, I would like to ask if do you have or when i can find a book which is only exclusive for irish Flutes, like violin they do have suzuki violin book, pls give an advise thank you so much.

[@ShannonHeatonMusic]

Hello! In my First 50 book, I suggest breathing strategies for flute players. (I think knowing WHERE TO BREATHE is the most important thing for Irish flute players, so we can play with unwavering rhythm.) But for a more comprehensive Irish FLUTE method book, you could try June McCormack's Books: www.draiochtmusic.com/store/fliit-with-2-accompanying-cds ... Or the excellent Conal O'Grada's classic flute tutor: conalograda.com/store

[@albimoretto]

Would love to learn playing irish flute....could you suggest a flute to start with? Thank you in advance and many congratulations, you're amazing

[@ShannonHeatonMusic]

Yes, do learn Irish flute! There are many fine instruments and makers out there. Online outlets like www.irishflutestore.com can help you find a used flute that is in good shape (ideally you'd have an Irish flute playing friend try out an instrument before you buy). A keyless flute is all you need for starting out. And don't rule out well-made flutes made out of synthetic materials (makers like Rob Forbes, Michael Connolly and Des Seery) make good instruments that won't crack. And that are re-sellable if you eventually crave a wooden instrument.

[@albimoretto]

Shannon Heaton thank you very much! 😊

[@mauelgonzalezposada2329]

Que marca de flauta ed? Gracias

[@ShannonHeatonMusic]

hi, Manuel! Patrick Olwell made my flute. I've loved it since I got it in 1997.

[@artbruciaga9678]

I really loved your performances, I saw a couple of your videos and I have a question. In that flute its possible play a chromatic scale?

[@ShannonHeatonMusic]

With a 6-keyed Irish flute, it's theoretically possible to play in all 12 keys. (An 8-keyed flute allows the low C# and Cnat.)I can manage many, but some of the keys with lots of accidentals (especially flats) are tricky for me. But it's really fun to try! "Leddy from Cavan," for example, has lots of cool twists, and it's challenging in the original key of D *and* in E, as I played here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHPCgKFsaLOsqa8