I too took private lessons from a retired Pipe-Major, way back in the 1970s. He was an excellent tutor, with amazing patience (and grace!) but even after six months of weekly classes and (almost) daily practice, he was getting nowhere with me. I could not read music then - and I cannot read music now. That was one problem!

The other was that, although I have never tried playing any instrument other than a piano when a very young child, it seemed totally alien to me to have to uncover a hole to make a particular sound; I wanted to cover or press something to do so ........ which is not what one does when playing the pipes!!

So I gave up, for the sake everyone concerned's sanity!

Take care,
Ham.
(PS: I still have my practice chanter. If anyone wants to hear me 'play' it, do give me a 'phone call!)