Metro Atlanta Bagpiper - Occasional Music
Bagpipe Lessons and Instruction
I offer instruction in the Highland Bagpipes and other instruments at
my studio in Woodstock GA. I have prime time slots available, both daytime
and evening. I welcome you to come for an introductory meeting to get your
questions answered and to prepare you for the journey you are about to
embark on. My studio is conveniently located just off Hwy 92, between I-575
and Main St in Woodstock, Cherokee County. I am about 18 minutes away from the junction of
I-75 and I-285, and about 8 minutes from Town Center Mall in Kennesaw.
For distance learning or for those who travel frequently, I also offer
instruction through Skype.
Contact me for more information
or to schedule an introductory meeting.
Who Should Play Bagpipes?
Anyone! My youngest student started at age 8, my oldest student is 76. In
the (bad) old days, pipers were men - not any more. Women are welcome in the
piping world and encouraged to play. A Scottish or Irish heritage is a
strong motivator to pick up the pipes, but certainly not a requirement. I
know or have met pipers who are German, Asian, African American; blind,
autistic, born with nine fingers; Young, old, skinny, um... not so skinny!
Many pipers have no previous musical experience. All that is needed is the
desire to play this magical instrument!
How to Get Started
Fortunately, you don't need to invest in a fine (read, expensive)
instrument to begin learning. The first step is to acquire a 'practice
chanter', which is a tool we use to learn the intricate fingering patterns
we use in Scottish piping. I can recommend a vendor for a chanter and a book
that you will use for exercises and music, or I may have a used one
available for you. Weekly lessons are recommended to start so that bad
habits or incorrect techniques don't get ingrained between lessons.
Depending on your particular effort and abilities, you will be ready to
purchase pipes in 8 - 16 months. This allows time to be sure it's something
you want to continue, and to research the various makes and models to
determine which instrument would be best for you. Expect to pay $1200-$2400
for a good quality instrument. PLEASE don't buy bagpipes on eBay or from an
unknown source for less than $800. These instruments are usually made of
inferior materials in third world countries and will NEVER make music. You
will be purchasing an ongoing headache - or preferrably an expensive wall
hanging.