- How do I learn to play the bagpipes?
You need lessons. Period. End of story. Don't
try to learn on your own. I can help you learn the pipes regardless of
where you live. If you can travel to Seattle, send me a message about lessons. If you
live elsewhere, you can still have Long Distance Lessons by Tape or
Real-Time Interactive Video Lessons. For more details, check out my Learn the Pipes page. And you
can download some tune lessons right away from my Tune Lesson Downloads page.
- Will you pipe at my
wedding/funeral/birthday party?
Of course! Just let me know what you need.
Read the Testimonials
from past satisfied clients. Visit my Performances
page for more info.
- Am I too old to learn the
pipes?
No. I have successfully taught
students of all ages, even adult
beginners with no previous musical experience. Here are a few testimonials from some of
my happy students.
- What if I have no musical
talent?
Talent is a myth. Skill comes from
opportunities to learn, encouragement,
and practice. Check out the Resources
page for more on this topic.
- What do I need to start?
A teacher and a practice chanter: a
recorder-like instrument
that allows you to first learn the fingering and music theory of the
pipes.
After a few months you'll get your pipes and start to learn about
everything
else.
- How much do bagpipes cost?
It depends. New or used. Top
of the line or bottom
of the barrel. Silver. Ivory.
Plastic. Wood.
Your best bet is to visit some online retailers. Tartantown is
a good place to start.
- How can I find pipers, pipe
bands, or Highland Games in my area?
Use this map find your local local piping assocation.
A simple internet search will usually turn up pipe bands for your city
or state.
- Where can I find bagpipe
sheet music on the internet?
There's a ton of tunes online, but beware, many
tune site contain incorrect versions. You are best to go with a trusted
printed book or download the sheet music and a recording for some tunes
instantly from my Tune Lesson
Downloads page.
- Can I rent bagpipes?
- What's the deal with the
kilt?
- What is Piobaireachd?
- Where can I listen to
bagpipe music on the internet?
- ...and many more.
