Beginning Piper

[jackson1863]

Any of you pipers out there have any tips for a brand new beginner.

I just received a practice chanter and a set of practice pipes.

I am currently trying to schedule lessons with a tutor.

[JS Sanders]

Sounds like you're off to a great start. Mind your instructor and you'll progress quickly. With diligence, you could be on the great pipes in 9-12 months.

Slainte,
steve

[Nick the DSM]

if you live near huntersville, NC you can get lessons from the loch norman pipe band, which im doing right now. you just pay $100 for practice chanter, book and lessons. it might be a little less since you already have the chanter.

[jackson1863]

Thank you both for the encouragement.

The tutor I will be studying under is in a pipe band that is local. I am sure they will be a good resource.

I'm looking forward to the challenge.

[PiobBear]

Absolutely get a tutor. Then practice, practice, practice.

[OFCJAX]

I was where you are about a month and a half ago. How many guys named Jackson and begining Pipers on this site anyway?

[RakesOfMallow]

Keep your fingers straight, see your instructor as often as you can, play everything slow and methodical at first to develop your muscles, and if you can't read music right now...start learning. I tried writing the letter under the notes...let's just say when my instructor saw that, he had some choice phrases.

Most importantly, if you're frustrated. Put the chanter down for a bit and come back to it when you calm down. I wish you all the best and hope you learn very quickly. It is a tremendous day the first time you get up on pipes.

Cheers!

Tom

[highlander_Daz]

get yourself a Logans tutor book, and I always reccomend a metranome (you can download free ones) get your scale and grace notes right along with the metranome and listen for any crossing notes and kill them stone cold dead. if you follow the Logan tutor book its old but very good and will teach you everything you need to know, there are other books but pipers have used Logans for years without any problems.

dont give up
just keep thinking about the swooning lasses and bottles of whisky, both of which are pipeing perks.

[Prester John]

I find that when I practice alot, I seem to get to improvement, BUT suddenly one day, the skill fairy visits and the next day I have a huge jump in skill.

Practice hard, be patient, and get ready to have fun.

If you can, DO NOT MISS opportunities to go to a school like the Ohio Scottish Arts School (http://www.ohioscottishartsschool.org), even as a rank beginner.

By the end of the week, you'll be amazed and what you can do.

I was the beginner's beginner when I went, and now I is a piper!

[jackson1863]

Thanks to all for the encouragement and advice. I take both to heart.