Tuition
I want to learn to play the bagpipes, can you help me?
If you can travel to Glasgow on a regular basis we run evening classes that are suited for beginners. You do not need pipes but will start learning on the practice chanter until your finger technique is secure. We sell practice chanters and tutor books in our online shop. Otherwise we can offer individual lessons during the daytime, or else you may have a pipe band in your area that can point you in the right direction.
I live abroad, or a long way from Glasgow, what tuition can you offer?
We run occasional piping courses in Europe and several courses in the USA (see Schools for more details and booking). If you can travel to Glasgow for a period we have the Seasonal piping schools in Spring, Summer and Autumn, or there is the Intensive course for a week of expert individual teaching. We are currently developing our e-learning resources and now offer on-line lessons using Skype.
My son/daughter really wants to learn the bagpipes, what age can they start learning?
There is no set rule. Eight years old might be a good age to start on the practice chanter, but many excellent pipers started learning as old as twelve or thirteen. Younger children tend not to have as long an attention span and the student will need to develop powers of concentration and a daily commitment to practice. Note that smaller chanters are available for pipers with small fingers.
I’m over a certain age, is it still possible to learn the pipes?
You can start learning the bagpipes at any age, although learning tends to be a little slower once in adulthood. Bear in mind that rates of learning can vary a lot from person to person.
How long does it take to learn the bagpipes?
There is no straight answer to this question as you will always be learning! An ideal student might spend a year learning fingering technique, embellishments, sense of rhythm and musicality before making the transition to the full pipes. It could take another five years or more to reach a high standard, depending on your raw ability, commitment to practice and the level of teaching you receive.
Do you offer lessons for the small pipes or Uillean pipes?
We don’t currently have any specialist tuition for the small or Uillean pipes, although if you are a beginner you will learn using the same practice chanter as the Highland pipes (see question above for beginner advice).
Do you offer drumming tuition?
We offer drumming classes as part of our evening class courses.
Other Piping
Do you run the World Pipe Band Championships?
No, this is run by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association. We do however run the Piping Live! festival which takes place the week preceding the Worlds each year.
