Quote Originally Posted by KD Burke View Post
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
You sound pretty successful to me!

I said 'become a decent player' which leaves a lot of room for interpretation.

Of the adult beginners I spoke of, one has risen to Grade One in solos and has been Pipe Major of a consistently-placing Grade Three pipe band.

Another is similar, having got pretty high in solos (2 or 1, not sure) and likewise the PM of a G3 band.

The others became solid players in Grade 4 bands.

But as you point out the real measure of 'success' is whether you enjoy it!