Quote Originally Posted by kilt_nave
http://www.hotpipes.com/practice.html

What you need is the Green Tutor. If you speak with a professional musician, or one that is degreed, we will tell you --do no attempt without an instructor. Most pipe bands offer instruction free of charge --just show up at their rehearsal and promise to practice. I am just beginning myself. I have my first lesson on Tuesday!
I just started in a kilt band a month ago. The Green book is THE standard from what I've read and what I've been told. My problem is getting the notes out while keeping my fingers straight and using the pads between knuckles instead of my fingertips, like I would playing other woodwinds. I never seem to make a good seal on the fingerholes. Grrr.

Quote Originally Posted by cavscout
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Another un-related tip would be to find a bag of Orthodontic rubber bands like are used on Braces for the teeth (not sure what they are called in England )
Agreed. All the folks in the pipe band here use the rubber bands. I think they are called 'chipmunks' or something like that. I remember the name made me think of fat-cheeked rodents.

Best of luck and I second the find a group comment, even if you have to travel a bit... nothing substitutes for seeing and hearing another player work on the same piece and the helpful hints from bandmembers you'll get which aren't in any book are invaluable.