Pipers

[Laird_M]

How about a 'directory' of pipers/pipebands that are willing to teach?

My son is bugging the hell out of me to learn!

I want to find out more before I even think about any investment as I've heard "its dead easy! Taught myself" and "Its devilishly difficult! Took me years with a VERY patient tutor"

[R.S.L. Kiltwearer]

i can only help by posting you these link's to other threads about learning the pipes. hope it helps you out some way

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f106/bagpipes-66576/

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...agpipes-41561/

[RussellSm]

I do not know of a directory that specifically lists the information that you are seeking. However, if you check out the link below to the pipe band association website, it may get you started.

Good luck.

http://www.euspba.org/

[ohiopiper]

Check out the piping forums at www.bobdunsire.com a forum dedicated to piping. Also google Andrew Lentz and his "Bagpipe Journey".

Piping is one of those things that can be easy or hard, depending entirely on the student. Some have trouble with the fingering, especially on embellishments. Other have a VERY hard time grasping the fact that pipe music is seldom played exactly as written, often there is an accepted "deviation" from the written page that results in more expression in the tune.

Anyone can learn to play, barring a physical handicap that would prevent one from blowing that hard. At what level they will play is dependant on the student, at what age they learned, their tutor and how much effort they put into it.

[JDHill]

I'd say piping is best learned from an experienced player. Try an internet search for pipe bands in England. There are more than you would think. Find out where they practice and go talk with the pipe major. He/She may be willing to take on new students or give you the name of a senior player who can start leasons. Thats how I started!

[FreddyBeachPete]

I took up piping in October 2010 at age 50. I can attest that anyone who tells you "it is dead easy" is LYING. I am an experienced musician who plays several other instruments and I am very familiar with military/pipe music. Even with that background, it is hugely challenging to learn (I liken it to trying to blow up two or more balloons whilst simultaneously wrestling with an octopus) but very satisfying! I strongly recommend that you find an instructor. If there aren't any in your area, have a look at www.bagpipelessons.com

[Laird_M]

I liken it to trying to blow up two or more balloons whilst simultaneously wrestling with an octopus

Having done a fair amount of diving, that brings a certain incident to mind involving a regulator and rather 'friendly' little beastie...

[EagleJCS]

A search for "bagpipe lessons", berkshire, UK -hire turns up this: http://www.clanmanpiper.co.uk/

Per the site: P/M Graham Waller (ex-Scots Guards) of The Pride of Murray Pipe Band, is willing to provide lessons in Windsor or Berkshire or your home. I don't think you can get much better instruction than an ex-Scots Guards.

[piperdown]

Also, if there is no one close in your area, you can take lessons from anywhere in the world with Skype.

[kc8ufv]

I like your description, Pete.