self-taught pipes?

[sharpdressedscot]

OK, I'm convinced, I'm getting an instructor...when I can.

[kypnkilt]

John Cairns Bagpipe Solutions Vol. 1,2 and 3 (for beginners) with the CD's can help you learn to read music. There are chapters on how to understand music and read it.....then practice it. Not saying this is the route to go, but it is a start. Having an instructor is beneficial, this goes without saying, but sometimes geography, economics, and time can limit instruction. There are many "rogue" pipe players out there that are self-taught and and the untrained ear will never really distinguish the difference in most cases. But if one were to "meet" one, he or she might get an ear full. Who knows.

I know several beginning players that only have 1 hour of instruction a month because that is all they can afford, but it does help a great deal, especially in the long run. Good Luck!!