I Want to Play the Pipes

So you want to play the bagpipes?

I have taught several people to play the pipes, and by and large the only things necessary for success are determination and commitment. No matter what your musical background is, I can find a way to help you be successful on your new instrument.

I have a degree in Instrumental Music Education from Lawrence University. Aside from the bagpipes, I have taught beginners on all band instruments from flute to percussion. I have an understanding of the most common techniques used to teach the bagpipes and draw from many different methods to speed understanding and competence from the very beginning.

What do I need to get started?

Like any other instrument, in order to get started on the pipes you will need to acquire a couple of things:

A practice chanter - the full set of pipes is very unwieldy and challenging for a beginner, not to mention very expensive. A practice chanter is more affordable, significantly quieter (your family, pets, and neighbors will thank you!) and will be useful for the rest of your life when learning new tunes.
A tutor (method book) - there are many tutors. All have their pros and cons, so I do not limit instruction to only the book. Whatever book piques your interest for you will work for me.

Both of these are available from Henderson's Imports. I recommend the package which includes the "Green Book," which is by far the most popular beginning tutor and the first in an amazing series of method books.

That's cool and all, but I'd really prefer to learn Scottish snare drumming

I can help with that too! I started teaching beginning Scottish snare just this summer. If you would prefer to play the side drum (Scottish snare), all of the above apply but the supplies you'll need are different:

A practice pad - any practice pad will do. The Cameron practice pad is great, but is currently on backorder.
Sticks
A method book

I've gotten a chanter and a tutor . . . Now what?

Once you have the chanter and the tutor book that you want, you can get in touch with me for lessons! Just fill out the form below and I will get in touch with you about the best way to set something up.

But what do lessons cost?

If you live in Northeast Wisconsin and would like to play with Clan Donald Pipes and Drums once you're ready, nothing! Performing with a band is one of the best ways to hone your playing technique, to practice, and to learn LOTS of new tunes. I would love it if our band grew to 100 pipers. Starting on this journey can be quite expensive, so as long as you commit to joining the band, I'm happy to alleviate some of the cost.

If you don't live in Northeast Wisconsin but would still like to learn from me, I charge $25 for a half-hour lesson. You're paying for my teaching experience, years of practice to improve my own skills, and my time. If you aren't willing to understand this, then we wouldn't work well together anyway.

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