When I taught, I had a few students that began as "self taught"...that made it to a few years playing on the pipes. The one thing I observed from those few was their "lack of feeling" when they played. Technically, they were more than average...I'd put them around Winner of Grade IV, perhaps "rookie" Grade III contenders when I received them but the problem was not in their technical prowess...they lacked....well for the lack of a word.......personality.

For those that decide to self teach I make the following suggestion...LISTEN to HOW other players play. To make the notes, gracenotes and play at the correct time signature is just - NOT enough. You need to inflect some of YOU into that tune as well. Give it life, give it soul...make people WANT to hear you play more. I'm not saying that you need to compete as some of us have (for me, EUSPBA Grade II) but you don't want them chasing you down with pitchforks and torches either...lol.