Dear 'Catters,

My kids, ages 8 and 5, have expressed an interest in learning the pennywhistle. I do play the whistle, but I play entirely by ear. I'd like your opinions on (1) whether I should teach them to play by ear or with notation, and (2) which whistle would be the best to start them out on. Any and all advice is appreciated.

Thanks in advance, Áine