ok first off you wont waste an instructors time by comming in and not knowing anything....you WILL waste an instructors time by learning on your own and then he has to teach you all over again to get rid of your bad habits since you didint have anyone there to smack your fingers when you do a movement wrong!
I taught myself pipes....if there is NO OTHER WAY to learn then by all means teach yourself, however you need to be REAL self critical watching in the mirror when you play and make sure it looks EXACTLY like the picture/screen....
as far as PC's go GIbson makes a good "long poly chanter" that is the same sixe as a real chanter so the transition from PC to GHB is easier...also if you have large hands it works well also cause you wont have to scrunch your fingers together to cover the holes....also try to get one thats counter sunk so the holes are bigger....also helps the transition

anymore ?'s PM me I'll be glad to help !
Bob Dunsire bagpipe forums
this will also help

Scott