Got the book, pipes should be here soon!

[beloitpiper]

I just received my Uilleann pipe instruction book in the mail! The actual pipes should (hopefully) be here next week. I'm so excited!!!!!

I just hope I don't neglect my Scottish pipes...or guitar, mandolin, dulcimer, bodhran, or whistles.

[mang1974]

It's always hard to balance the needs of many instruments. They all clamour to be played! I've been neglecting my guitars in favor of my mandolin for the last few months.

[wgority]

Which book did you go with? Heather Clarke's is, without doubt, the best of the few that are out there. Oh yeah, which maker did you choose for your practice set?

As far as videos go, get and inhale the NPU DVDs. They are quite good, although not as good as Clarke's book (which has far more depth on building proper technique), and have a nice range of tunes.

The most important thing you can do, though, is to "GET THEE TO A TEACHER!" There's nothing as important as getting competent instruction. A teacher can see and correct things you'll never find in a book or dvd. I know you're headed across the pond in the near future, and I can probably help you find some decent teachers over there if you've not already done so. But even before you leave, if you can find a teacher to meet even once or twice a month it'll be a big help.

Good luck!

[beloitpiper]

I got Clarke's "The New Approach to Uilleann Piping (with CD)"

My practice set is being made by David Daye, and I chose a real leather bag with a custom black chanter.

The Wisconsin Uilleann Piper's Club has lessons in Madison twice a month that I will be attending, so I won't be going alone. And once I get over to Ireland, I shouldn't have much trouble finding a teacher, especially in Galway...right?

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated, wgority!

[wgority]

The single most important piece of advice I can give you is twofold: "Listen and practice"

Practice is self evident. The only way to improve is to through practice. The only way to learn a tune is to practice. Even when you don't feel like it practice. If it doesn't feel like you're making headway practice.

Next, listen. Listen to every Irish tune you can hear. It doesn't matter if it's played on accordian, fiddle, jews harp, kazoo, bouzouki or Martian oxterwhistle. Listen to them,b because buried in there somewhere is a tune that may catch your fancy. It also gives you a feel for the types of music and the style (Donegal, Galway, Leinster) style of piping and music you like most. Listen especially to the great pipers - Liam O'Flynn, Paddy Keenan, Jerry O'Sullivan, David Power, Brian McNamara, Benedict Koehler, Davey Spillane, Leo Rowsome (all the rowsomes for that matter), Cillian Vallely, and all the rest. Their playing has something to teach just through the listening.

On top of those, get to tionols, seisuns, pipers gatherings, etc. You'll meet pipers of all sizes, shapes and ability levels. These will help build your confidence and skill set. I'd be remiss here if I didn't put in a plug for The Pipers' Gathering - follow the link in my signature.

All the best,
Bill

[beloitpiper]

You forgot to mention Seamus Ennis in that list!!! Haha, but yeah, thanks for the advice. If you saw my celtic music collection, you wouldn't have to worry about me being exposed to tunes at all.

Maybe someday we'll meet up at a session.

[wgority]

Come to The Pipers' Gathering and it'll happen.

Bill

[MadBagpiper]

Hey man I know exactly how you feel about the large amounts of instruments as I play the Trombone, Mountain and Hammer Dulcimers, Steel Drums, and GHB's.