Selecting a Teacher

**Blinki** · 22nd September 08, 02:34 PM

I really appreciate the overwhelming response to my question. Thank you all for your insight and your own experiences in learning to play.

**JerseyLawyer** · 30th September 08, 09:14 AM

Originally Posted by vmac3205

In checking with our local pipe band, I discovered that if you are learning for the purpose of joining the band, the lessons are free. What a good recruiting tool!! As soon as I retire....

Don't wait, start now. The older you are, the harder it will be, and the less eventual payoff you will have for all your efforts.

**Phogfan86** · 25th October 08, 08:10 AM

I agree with JerseyLawyer: don't wait. I'm 44, and my son is 11. We both joined our local pipe band at the same time, and I'm having to work twice as hard to pick up the same amount of information.

I think most bands offer free lessons, although they're probably not private lessons. Our lessons are three or four players -- my son, me and one or two others). That's worked well for us as beginners, but I'm also talking one of the band members about doing private lessons, too.

**Derek Conley** · 27th October 08, 10:29 AM

I kick myself every once in a while; I had the opportunity to learn (for free!) as a teenager when I attended Sarasota, Florida's Riverview High School. They have the "Kiltie Band" and I could've just learned then...

Anways, fast-forward and I'm 33. I'm just learning now, but I figure it's never "too late" and I'll still have many years of playing before me!

My instructor was a president of the EUSPBA, in addtion to a slew of awards and has been teaching for many decades. I feel pretty fortunate in that regard.

**SteveB** · 2nd November 08, 09:26 PM

I am 57 and starting the learning process. Through the piper's website and a local piping supplies vendor have found a local pipe band, and several instructors. Now to find out which one to learn from. The meet and greet starts next Monday.. Finally to find out how to learn this Chanter thing.. Yea.

**Earl D** · 12th November 08, 03:02 PM

I turned 52 this past summer and kind of thought I was a bit long in the tooth to learn a new instrument. I played the baritone and the tuba all through Jr and Sr high school and play at the guitar. So if I can use SteveB as a source of inspiration to learn the pipes, I just might get there!

Cheers!

Originally Posted by SteveB

I am 57 and starting the learning process. Through the piper's website and a local piping supplies vendor have found a local pipe band, and several instructors. Now to find out which one to learn from. The meet and greet starts next Monday.. Finally to find out how to learn this Chanter thing.. Yea.