Extreme Beginner

**Kilted Jeeper** · 12th February 09, 07:10 AM

I'm fairly new to XMTC and haven't posted in this section before so I thought I would. I have been taking bagpipe lessons for a couple months now and I am loving it. It's slow going because it's my first attempt ever at any musical instrument and I have never learned to read music before. I swear I keep having flashbacks to 3rd grade music class. I'm in the process of learning my first song and of course praticing the GDE grace notes, strikes & slurs and all the fun stuff.

**Mipi** · 12th February 09, 07:15 AM

Keep on practising!

**Spartan** · 12th February 09, 08:14 AM

You're in good company with others of us who are also just beginning..

**Macman** · 12th February 09, 10:23 AM

Good for you, Pete! Keep it up!

**bricelythgoe** · 12th February 09, 10:37 AM

I am in the same situation. However, I have found it quite easy to learn. Probably because I have a great teacher. Practice as much as possible. You will get it.

**Kilted Jeeper** · 12th February 09, 11:27 AM

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I will say it's one of the most difficult things I have tried in recent years and one of the few things I have done in my life where I can notice an improvement with just one evening of practice.

Only regret is I waited almost 37 years to try.

**Phogfan86** · 12th February 09, 11:29 AM

You're learning Scots Wha Hae, right?

**EagleJCS** · 12th February 09, 03:02 PM

Welcome to the fun Jeeper! Just a quick note - keep in mind you're learning TUNES, not SONGS. (Songs are sung to tunes. Some tunes may or may not have words to accompany them. It's a pet peeve of mine, and a few others here & there in the piping world.)

**The Barry** · 12th February 09, 04:11 PM

Keep up the good work! Stick with it!

**SteveB** · 12th February 09, 09:31 PM

My tutor has started me on tunes - Yes, Scots Wha Ha'e is the first and Rowan Tree (part of the band's repertoire) is next.
I am starting to be able to read some of the score, and SWH has been put on one of those tiny electronic player thingies. Programmed for continuous play, dropped into the sporran with the little white strings going to my ear thingies. I now look like most of the people on the train that are about a quarter of my age. my tutor recorded it on the practice chanter so that I can practice with the tune going in my ears. I am still a little slow though, but having a lot of fun.
Did you know that High G can empty a basement of mice? It works.

BTW, welcome to the Pipers In Training Service of XMTS. There are many of us here and on bobdunsire.com piping forum.
Slainte