HELP, if you are a piper READ this

**Kilts_Knave** · 21st August 05, 03:06 PM

I practiced my chanter for about 4-5 hours yesterday (a bit OCD, I know), and today I have the most incredible PAIN in my mid-back region. It seems to be internal as opposed to external.

Has anyone ever experienced "growing pains" like this while learning to play?

In college when I was practicing the pipe organ for hours on end, I had similar pain in my lower back (imagine the twisting and turning with all the pedalwork) so I suspect this is a similar situation.

billmcc · 21st August 05, 08:35 PM

Kilt Nave,

I didn't have any back pain when I started playing the practice chanter, but my mouth muscles got tired and sore after a 30 minute or so practice session. This went away after about a month.

**davedove** · 22nd August 05, 04:52 AM

Originally Posted by kilt_nave

I practiced my chanter for about 4-5 hours yesterday (a bit OCD, I know), and today I have the most incredible PAIN in my mid-back region. It seems to be internal as opposed to external.

Has anyone ever experienced "growing pains" like this while learning to play?

In college when I was practicing the pipe organ for hours on end, I had similar pain in my lower back (imagine the twisting and turning with all the pedalwork) so I suspect this is a similar situation.

It's quite likely that you may be practicing too much too soon. I don't know how long you've been doing this, but it's like any other activity and you have to work your way into it. Next time, try not to practice so long and see how you do.

**Barb T** · 22nd August 05, 05:39 AM

Easiest way to find out what the problem is would be to get out your practice chanter, sit the way you were sitting yesterday, and play. If you experiment a little, you'll find out whether it was the way you were sitting or maybe the way you were hunched over. It also may be that you were really tensed up. If the latter, now's the time to concentrate on relaxing when you play. When you get your pipes, one of the hardest things to learn how to do is have your bag arm working hard and your upper arm, back, and diaphragm muscles tense but have your fingers loose.

Frankly, I'm envious that you can play your practice chanter that long without your lips blowing out!

Barb