How do I start learning bagpipes?
This question comes up regularly at performances and highland games, especially when I’m discovered to be a teacher. Unfortunately, the answer isn’t as straightforward as most other instruments, but that’s part of what makes bagpipes so special!
Step 1: Consider the Investment
I’ve heard taking up the pipes compared to getting serious about golf; the good (correct, in this case) equipment isn’t cheap, and bagpipes in particular are a maintenance-heavy instrument. Reeds, bags, bag covers, drone chords, valves, tuning tape, and hemp all have a lifespan and will need replacement at different intervals, and all come with diverse price points. So before jumping in head-first, take time to understand that, to varying degrees, this is an instrument that will demand your attention and upkeep to remain in tip-top shape. I see time and time again people that go all-in right out of the gate, spending exorbitant amounts of money of top-quality, highly-decorated sets of bagpipes…only to give up after a couple of months. I always recommend testing the waters and spending time with the music and learning materials first. The good news is that it’s not very expensive to start!
Step 2: Starter Materials
Practice Chanter
The first and most important tool in your piping arsenal: the Practice Chanter. This allows for learning and close study of music without irritating all of your neighbors; the learning process is going to be messy, and you will make lots of awful noises. Best start off making them on something much quieter than the full Pipes!
The majority of my teaching is done using the practice chanter, therefore it’s your greatest learning tool.
Your practice chanter will remain with you for the duration of your piping, and you may even use it every day. I certainly do; In fact, I have two - one for downstairs, and one upstairs!
There are two general styles: short, and long. Both are valid and equally useful; my personal recommendation is the long variation (pictured) as it’s designed with the same hole-spacing as a full Highland Bagpipe chanter.
Nearly every highland supply distributor will carry a fantastic array of brands, with an equal variety of practice chanter reeds. I urge you to try at least a few different reed brands to find your preference in sound and airflow.
My favorite shop is The Piper’s Hut, which you can find here. Tell them I said hi!
Learner’s Book
This is the book that formed the basis of my piping, as well as many thousands of others. I have a personal bias, of course, but this publication has remained relatively unchanged since its inception, one of the first to thoroughly codify an accessible method of learning for an otherwise alien instrument with difficult-to-find instruction.
This book, along with a practice chanter, will provide a solid foundation for both your learning and your instructor’s teaching.
Click the image to purchase!
Step Three: Instruction
Finding a good instructor is the most difficult part of the learning process, but also the most essential. Like a doctor, personal trainer, or therapist, make sure you find someone you get along with who works with you and your sensibilities. If you aren’t having a good time at lessons, and you’re afraid to mention such, look elsewhere; there’s no room for that when learning an already difficult instrument.
*As a note, many of us are a little “weird” and different, so don’t be surprised if you encounter some strong personalities. Most mean well!
Pictured: A group lesson taking place at the National Piping Centre, Glasgow. Click the image to visit their website!
World-class instructors are now more accessible than ever thanks to video chat technology. Even your local instructor can supplement your normal lessons with something online, or keep your regular lesson schedule if they travel (as I often do). Reach out to your local (or closest) pipe band for recommendations, they’ll hopefully be able to help you make a connection!
So there you go, now you have zero excuses! All joking aside, an instructor will be the most valuable asset in your learning journey. They also usually know all the best products, bands, and events for your reference; it’s good to know people on the inside!
Field Marshal Montgomery Memorial Pipe Band, one of the world’s premier Grade 1 pipe bands with multiple World Champion titles. Image courtesy of the BBC.
Thank you for making it to the end; I hope you found this post informative and helpful, maybe even inspirational! I’m always available to answer questions you may have, and I wish you all the best on your journey into the world of piping.