I started with a 25$ pakistani PC and the CoP tutor#1

everytime I practiced I had a mirror set up to make sure I had my fingers right and Like has been said "went slow "

self teaching can be done, but you better have a degree of OCD and lots patience.
be a sponge and soak up anything you can pick up from pipers you meet.
it can be done.

I still have a problem with burls ....but thats because I broke my pinky finger when I ws younger and it didnt set right...they call it a boxer's fracutre....can you guess how I got it

I never wanted to compete so playing to a grade was never a concern for me.
I still feel I represent piping in a good light.
if you want to see BAD piping goto this page of Bobdunsire.com
worst piping vids on youtube

and for the best ...look at this vid
Angus MacColl