self-taught pipes?

[sharpdressedscot]

OK, I've been wanting to learn the pipes. I really can't get a tutor (I'm kind of strapped for cash right now), but I think I can get atleast a PC and book.

I was wondering if it's possible to learn the pipes without an actual tutor.

The best deal I've had for learning pipes was at place about 40 mins away, but I don't think I can make that.

[JS Sanders]

Many instructors won't accept students who have gone the self-taught route. You'll have learned much incorrectly and have even more to unlearn and relearn. Self-pipers play in a style that properly trained pipers can easily detect.

Find a way to get to an instructor or wait until you can. Probably not what you wanted to hear, but you'll be a better piper for it someday.

40 mins distance is very near. I know pipers who have instructors literally hours away.

Slainte,
steve

[Ayin McFye]

I am a self taught musician for the few instruments that I know. I do not know the pipes yet but I also was planning on buying a practice chanter here soon and self teaching myself. I cannot read music, so I'm usually forced to learn by hearing alone and I'm actually really good at it.

They didn't have sheet music for thousands of years so I figure it's natural to play by ear.

However I'm sure JS Sanders knows more about this topic in regards to pipes and he may be right regarding a difference in style from a self taught/ instructor taught piper.

I saw go for it personally.

[haukehaien]

Andrew Lenz has an article about it on his website that covers most of the reasons why you shouldn't try to teach yourself.

It's generally a very bad idea; as JS Sanders says, most pipers can detect a self-taught piper instantly, which should tell you that teaching yourself doesn't end up with the same results as learning from an instructor.

I would suggest getting an instructor; if you can't afford one, see if there's a pipe band that gives free lessons. (Many do, with the understanding that you'll play with them as you learn.) Check out the Bob Dunsire forums and see who's near you that might be able to help.

[drobin]

I am a self taught musician for the few instruments that I know. I do not know the pipes yet but I also was planning on buying a practice chanter here soon and self teaching myself. I cannot read music, so I'm usually forced to learn by hearing alone and I'm actually really good at it.
They didn't have sheet music for thousands of years so I figure it's natural to play by ear.
I saw go for it personally.

Hey Ayin; for a beer I'll give you some pointers!

Sharp., go for the instructor; best solution. Steve and Jack made some good points. I've got a musical background and lessons are the way I went.
Some little words of advice if the instructor is not in the immediate future: Go slow. Go slow. Use a metronome. Slow and steady. Get on the piping forums and ask as many questions as you need. Go to the Games and visit the Band tents and ask questions. Listen to recordings of good pipers. Record yourself and listen. When your listening- listen for the notes, then listen what happens in between; is it 'clean' or is there some sonic 'trash' (aka crossing noises) Can't reach one in person... lessons over a webcam?

Good luck, it's a fun little bugger.

[The Ulsterman]

They didn't have sheet music for thousands of years so I figure it's natural to play by ear.

That is so true, but why do you think the Scots were always in a bad mood, and wanting a fight?

I would certainly advise a tutor, .....the bagpipes played well, can outclass any Stradivarius,
but played badly, and your life is in danger!!!!

As has been said earlier in this thread, a tutor, (and a good tutor at that), can teach you things a book can never teach.
But which ever way you decide, start on a practice chanter.
My brother was a fantastic piper, ( all Ireland champion 1979) and he played for an eternity on the chanter, before even lifting the pipes.

But,................if you REALLY want to get them up and going,...GO FOR IT!!!
Neil.

[Ayin McFye]

After reading the article and hearing everyone else responses I would like to change my vote. I do love self teaching, however one point made in the article said "Remember that you are representing a bagpiper community". With that in mind I think the only way is to do it properly.

It's not like playing guitar or whatever. If you are a self taught guitarist and you go out and play, other guitarist don't say "Oh look at him, he's doing horrible, he's giving guitarists a band name".

Should I go out and pick up a chanter, which I most likely will here soon, I will get an instructor. I have been convinced.

[JS Sanders]

Good man.

Go forth and make us proud to call you a brother piper.

Slainte,
steve

[Jack Daw]

If you know yourself to be a gifted muscian, then I would go ahead full steam at self-teaching. But, even so there is a caution - there are things only an instructor can pass on that are not in the books. If you are not that familiar with music or just a technician with another instrument, then I would not waste the time to teach yourself. I agree with Stevie. It is a frustration to learn on your own and it's even worse to unlearn bad mistakes when you do eventually find an instructor...if you can find one that will take a self-taught piper.

[JS Sanders]

To illustrate further...

Once I provided some instruction to a member of the local symphony. A classically trained & degreed musician. A woodwind player.

After a few lessons, which were preceded by a number of hours self-teaching, he slammed down the practice chanter in utter frustration. In a raised voice he exclaimed, "This S of a B is hard as hell! Staff notation for bagpipes is nothing but a %&#@ing suggestion! I thought this was a folk instrument!"

That was the last occasion I saw him. He never even got to the actual pipes. And this was a real musician.

Slainte yall,
steve