I'd like to chime in on behalf of the adult learners. My own prior musical experience was an abortive attempt to learn guitar when I was eight. I started on the chanter at the age of 45. My practice time is somewhat limited, but I do practice faithfully every day for at least a half hour. When I can I play more. My practice time is divided between the pipes, practice chanter, goose, and an electronic chanter. Each has its place.

I do have good teachers, and I suppose, persistence. After four years I am far from a "great" piper, but I can, and do maintain my own instrument, select my own reeds, tune both chanter and drones, and play ceol beg tunes correctly and musically. I'm I the process of learning my first piobaireachd, "The Company's Lament".

I have competed in Grade IV senior for the past year. So far, I have not placed above 5th place, but I have received encouraging comments from the judges on my tuning.

By OC Richard's definition, I have not been "successful" in learning the pipes, but I have had a hell of a lot of fun.

So, the only person keeping you from learning, is you. If you want to learn, I for one don't think it is too late!