LEARNING PIPES - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

AM I TOO OLD TO LEARN PIPING?
There is no doubt that young learners make great pupils - but then so often do older learners (who have sometimes got more time and also more determination). It isn’t a matter of age, it is more one of application; if you don’t practice you won’t become a piper.

I DON’T HAVE THE ‘PUFF’.......
Neither do I! After a recent illness and lung operation which left me with 60% lung capacity I was amazed to find that my ability to blow a bag has not lessened in the slightest. Set your pipe up so that it mirrors your physical ability - that’s the secret.

I CAN’T GET ANYONE TO TEACH ME.....
Good one-to-one tuition is always the best - but a damn fine second best is a good quality tutor book and occasional back-up lessons (we now offer personal on-line tuition via Skype). And then there is an ever-increasing list of piping workshops which THE PIPING SCHOOL has scheduled all over the world.

I’M NOT SCOTTISH ...
Neither are the current world pipe band champions - St Laurence O’Toole (2010) nor the Simon Fraser University from Canada (2009). There are many, many great Scottish born pipers - but there are also professional standard players in just about every country in the world.

CAN I GET TUITION FROM MY LOCAL PIPE BAND?
Yes, is the usual answer as most pipe bands offer teaching - and some even free of any charge. My own experience is that what is given free is usual not worth much in the first place. I’d also recommend strongly that you ask whoever offers you lessons, whether they are free or not - and in the nicest possible way, just what his qualifications are.
Being a good player doesn’t mean that you are necessarily a good teacher, but you should note that good teachers are ALWAYS good players. Bad or inexperienced players NEVER make good teachers
The PIPING & DRUMMING QUALIFICATIONS BOARD (in Britain) is the recognised standard authority. Their Level 4, 5 and 6 certificates are only awarded to players of quality. Likewise, their two teaching certificates.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE ME TO LEARN?
Our own program aims to get students through the initial practice chanter stages in 10 weeks and then spend the next 10-20 weeks going on to playing pipes. After that it is totally up to you - the more you practice the quicker you’ll get there.
But you can reckon on spending the first 2 years becoming a reasonably competent player to a the standard of a Grade 4-3 pipe band. It could take you up to 5 or 6 years to become a good solo player (at the lower level) or good enough to play with a Grade 2-1 pipe band.
If it takes longer than that you might want to re-assess your options and also to look at the teaching/practice program you are on.


Please contact us;
BY TELEPHONE
INTERNATIONAL (0044) 151 652 9426
NATIONAL 0151 652 9426
MOBILE 077 5984 5201 (Bruce Campbell)

BY EMAIL
pipingschool@hotmail.co.uk

BY SKYPE
thepipingschool

WEB
www.pipingschool.co.uk

BY POST
120 St Oswalds Avenue, Prenton, Wirral CH43 7ZH

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