I can take a hint... Christmas surprise

**Clockwork John** · 25th December 07, 01:16 PM

I think my mother-in-law is trying to tell me something. She got me a Piping Chanter Kit from Bagpipes of Caledonia. I guess I need to quit putting off learning the pipes, since I have no excuse now...

There's a teacher not too far from me, and a pipe band that plays locally(based about an hour away) that is always wanting more members...

I guess it's time to buckle down and start learning.

Any advice I can get from the pipers out there would be most welcome.

**ChattanCat** · 25th December 07, 08:45 PM

I have pipes, but I wouldn't call me a piper. If you want to keep peace in the family, you will keep that chanter near to heart and play it with a passion. Otherwise, oh, the dread of the mother-in-laws rath....

**Chase** · 25th December 07, 08:55 PM

The perfect motivator...A loving Mother

**Mr. Woolery** · 26th December 07, 10:57 AM

The best advice I can give is advice that would do me a lot of good if I'd use it more. Ready?

Practice every day for about 15 minutes. You can go longer if you want, but decide that you are allowed that little amount of time and stick to it. I have always made the most progress when I do this. By setting a minimum time that is easy to find (while my wife is showering, for example), I know that I can succeed in my practice routine every day. And that little bit of practice makes a huge difference when it comes down to actually learning to play my pipes. If you can't be sure of 15 minutes a day, perhaps you need to unplug the computer and TV for a week. I am often shocked when I think how much time I waste on message boards instead of learning to play music better...

I don't have time for this, but I'm doing it anyway.

Beyond that, just enjoy the music and enjoy the process of learning it. There are lots of frustrations in learning any instrument, so be ready to say something like "gimme your best shot - I can take it." If you love bagpipe music and have a reasonable sense of rhythm, you should be able to learn to play well.

Also, have an idea of whether you want to be a solo piper or a band piper. You can always switch focus later on. There are several members of the local pipe band who seem not to have wanted to be anything other than band members. I personally prefer to play solo, though I am working on the band tunes so I can be a more well-rounded piper. But my personal focus is on playing for my own pleasure.

And when you get your pipes, here's a line that inspires me:
"It is supposed to be hard. If playing bagpipes was easy, everyone would do it."

Welcome to piping!

-Patrick

**Lambda** · 2nd January 08, 01:39 PM

I started playing about a year ago. Perhaps the best thing you can do right out of the gate is to find someone willing to at least show you the ropes. A regular teacher would be even better, but at least meet once with someone that plays so that you can learn -some- proper technique and fingering. I've seen many people that have tried to "teach themselves" and they learn a lot of bad habits that are difficult to unlearn. I am by no means an elitist prick when it comes to the pipes, but someone to show you where to start will help immensely. Since you have a band and teacher nearby, you're already off to a good start.

Aside from that, just try to practice every day for a little while. It is a lot of muscle memory, so a little bit every day will go a long way. Eventually you'll find it easier and easier to play. I try (Not successfully sometimes) to put about an hour into practicing a day. It's easy enough to get that much practice time in with a chanter just because it is so portable. If you get 5-10 minutes to spare somewhere, pull out the chanter and have a go.

Other than that, have fun with it, enjoy the music, and hopefully the passion for the pipes will do the rest. Besides, It'll change your life.

Brandon