Lessons

Because the bagpipe has a reputation as a novelty, rather than a real musical instrument, many people think that anyone can pick up a set of pipes, take a few lessons, put on a kilt and in 6 months be wowing their friends and family, and even entertain in public. Nothing could be further from the truth. Bagpipes are a complex musical instrument, difficult to master and painful to the ears if not played well. Some teachers will tell students that they can play pipes in just a couple of months. Usually this is accomplished by skipping or cutting short vital exercises which form the foundation for good piping. In reality, it takes a minimum of six months, usually longer, of diligent practice on the practice chanter to begin to master fingering and proper playing technique. There is no shortcut to becoming a good piper.

Lessons begin on a practice chanter. The chanter is a recorder like instrument. Chanters are available at bagpipe supply shops and on line. Two reputable and knowledgeable dealers in the Northwest are Tartan Town and Tartan Thistle. I will provide basic exercises; later on you should buy a good music book. I can recommend a couple different books that I like to use.

You do not need bagpipes to begin with. Bagpipes are an expensive investment and it’s better to wait until you are ready and then pick out a set to fit your needs.

Do not buy Pakistani pipes. These are cheap imitations and will sound like a snake charmer, if they work at all. It is sad and frustrating to see people spend several hundred dollars on a set like this, thinking they are getting a bargain.

• Lessons: $20 per hour