Another piper here, albeit a relative neophyte. I've been taking lessons for just about 5 years, and on the pipes for almost 4 years. I started just shy of my 50th birthday (and gave up a 36 year smoking habit to do it). I currently play the Great Highland Pipes, as well as mouthblown Scottish smallpipes. My repetoire at this time is between 50 and 60 tunes. I do most of my piping in conjuction with Rendezvous or Reenactments (living history buff), although I've piped some weddings for friends, and a dedication ceremony for the local fire dept. No band though, work schedule won't allow it. I generally tell folks that I play for my enjoyment, and the neighbors' annoyance.