Pipes for beginners in Texas

**mrpharr** · 5th May 06, 03:19 PM

has anyone in the Texas area every contacted the Silver Thistle Pipe and Drum corps for beginner lessons? i also found a guy named matt willis that teaches as well in the Austin area.

**randyrandy** · 5th May 06, 06:18 PM

I'd like to learn the pipes. What is the contact info for Matt in Austin?

Many thanks in advance.

**Mike S** · 5th May 06, 06:56 PM

Matt Willis has a website at www.mattpiper.com. Email is: matt@mattpiper.com and phone contact is: (512)699-5150.

Two bits of advice to the would be piper;
Speaking as a multi instrumentalist myself, among them the Great Highland and Irish Uilleann pipes (I've been playing for 20+years), this instrument is not for the faint of heart. It isn't something you just plop down in an easy chair and strum out a few chords like the amateur guitarist. You are in for a bumpy ride, so please make sure you REALLY want to learn.
This leads to the next bit of advice, DON'T under any circumstances even think about buying a stand of pipes until your instructor (and you do need to have an instructor) tells you to and assists you. Not only will you be studying the practice chanter for months if not a few years prior to owning and playing a full set of pipes, but there are a plethora of junk pipes being hawked that are good for a wall hanging only, and you must avoid being sucked into buying one of those at all costs.
Best of luck and keep us updated.

**randyrandy** · 7th May 06, 07:07 AM

Thanks Mike. Great advice. I've been wanting to learn for a couple of years now but the proper avenue never presented itself. This may be it.

Thanks again.

**mrpharr** · 8th May 06, 03:56 PM

thanks for the info. randy, do you need any other info?

**mrpharr** · 8th May 06, 06:58 PM

here is the site i have.
http://www.killdares.com/mattlessons.htm
Haur is a guid web site tay fur information oan pipes an' drums.
http://www.silverthistle.org/main/

**mrpharr** · 9th May 06, 04:49 AM

the lessons are 40 bucks and a 10 dollar first time charge for materials. a chanter runs about 60 at things celtic http://www.thingsceltic.com/ and he will give you dates on what days are best for him and then will work it out from there. good luck!
steve