I hear bagpipes are really hard to play. Is this true?
If your bagpipes are set up properly, they should be easy and enjoyable to play. It’s really more a matter of coordination than strength to actually play the instrument. The real skill comes—with time—in learning the elaborate system of embellishments that make pipe music distinctive. You actually won’t need to buy bagpipes for the first 6-12 months you are taking lessons. What you DO need is a practice chanter ($70-$150) on which you learn the fingering. Thus you can get started economically with a practice instrument that is much quieter than a full set of bagpipes. You will continue to use your practice chanter your entire piping career.

What kinds of music can you play on bagpipes?
You can’t play everything on bagpipes—there are only nine notes, with no sharps or flats, and no volume control—it’s always loud! But there are thousands of tunes written especially for bagpipes, and thousands more can be adapted (with more or less success) for the bagpipes.

Do I need to know how to read music?
If you don’t already, you will learn to do so as you take lessons.

How do I get music to play?
Your sheet music will be provided at first as part of your lessons. You can easily find bagpipe music books from vendors online or at highland festivals.

Do girls play bagpipes?
At one time, only men played bagpipes and wore kilts. There have been famous all-girl bands for decades; nowadays, female pipers are common and welcome.

Do I have to belong to a bagpipe band?
Bagpipes were originally a solo instrument, and that’s a great way to enjoy them. A pipe band adds a social dimension to the experience and allows extra musical variety (harmonies, drums, etc.).

What if I’m not Scottish or Irish?
There are pipers all over the world, of every race, creed, sex and age. There are also dozens of types of bagpipes peculiar to their land of origin. So if you love bagpipes, play bagpipes!

How much do lessons cost?
Contact Len Wood for scheduling and details.