LEARN THE BAGPIPES

Since I began piping over 30-years ago I have had an interest in teaching and have been dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional music. Learning the instrument in school, I was expected to help the beginners along. This was when I discovered that I thoroughly enjoyed teaching pipes. I have been teaching private lessons since 1996. 

Studying the Highland Bagpipe is both challenging and fulfilling. It teaches dedication, self-motivation and tradition while giving you a source of pride and accomplishment. Students of all ages are welcome and no previous musical experience is necessary. Although any musical skills you already have will certainly help. 

The Highland bagpipe is said to be the most difficult instrument to learn. I disagree. In fact, I believe that many instruments are far more difficult to learn. However, the Great Highland Bagpipe is by far the most physically challenging instrument to play. Therefore, diligent practice and conditioning are required to maintain a level of proficiency. 

I expect the most from my students in the way of practice and responsibility. The more quality, productive time a student can spend with the instrument, the less frustrating the experience will be and the more fun the student will have. The diligent student will be rewarded with a skill and art form that is both ancient and beautiful; a cultural tradition that is something to be revered and passed on to future generations.

Dale with solo competition students

lesson plan

Depending on starting point and the student's goals, lessons will be customized to address the following skills: 

  • Finger placement 
  • Bagpiping embellishments and movements 
  • Learning tunes and developing a repertoire 
  • Music memorization 
  • Music theory 
  • Sight-reading music 
  • Transitioning from the practice chanter to bagpipes 
  • Starting and stopping the bagpipes (i.e. "attacks" and "cut-offs") 
  • Steady blowing and maintaining tone 
  • Solo competition preparation and critique 
  • Performing in a band/ensemble setting 

Lessons are designed to teach technical skills and music learning in parallel - allowing students to begin playing music earlier than other forms of instruction. This format not only achieves the same mastery of piping embellishments found in traditional instruction, but also becomes a motivational tool as students are able to apply their learning faster.

What do i need to begin?

To begin instruction a practice chanter will be needed. When considering practice chanters - there are basically four options to choose from: regular and long lengths made in either polypenco or blackwood. While adults can use either length, it's recommend that regular length chanters be used for younger children 

For the material - polypenco is more durable and considerably less expensive while blackwood is more attractive and can have a more pleasing, woody sound.