A question from a newbie

[Unmanned_piper]

Hello all,
Im new to the forum and just started on my practice chanter a few weeks ago. It came with an intructual book and cd. Ill add a link to what exactly i got.
http://www.amazon.com/Learn-Bagpipe-Method-Practice-Chanter/dp/0786666412/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279800487&sr=8-4
Ive heard from everyone and their mother that one needs to find an instructor to learn properly (and i understand), but this is what brings up my question. Im am currently deployed to Iraq right now, here piping instructors are a little scarce to say the least. Since things have calmed down a bit since the last time i was over here i have a little extra time on my hands. Ive always loved the bagpipes and was hoping to use this extra time to possibly learn the basics on how to play them (aka: a practice chanter).

The big question I have is should i wait until i get back stateside to find an instructor? I have been taking it slow and doing everything by the book i and cd i got. I want to make sure im doing everything right and do my best not to pick up any bad habits (or at least any as far as i can tell)
I have never played a musical intrument before so ive had and still am learning all the basic music knowledge but am taking my time with it all.

My second question is, if i am going to learn and practice over here is there possibly a better intructional book out there for me as i learn? I plan on spending alot of time on the forum here mainly in the background reading and learning as much as possible. Ive learned from past experiences to take my time and not try to jump ahead (it never works and you screw yourself) so I am taking the whole process slow.

If anyone has any thoughts / ideas / suggestions please let me know.
BTW im a UAV operator lol hence unmanned....

[AveryB]

You could try Skype - lots of big piping names giving reasonably priced instructions online.

Having an instructor really is imperative if you want to learn properly. The issue is re-hashed here on a regular basis.

[RahOoh]

Even if you can't use Skype or like, finding someone who will eMail video's back and forth will help greatly!

[wildrover]

Start a YouTube account, and post video of you playing the practice chanter. It's not necessary to see all of you, just your fingers on the chanter, so get the chanter & your hands filling the frame.

Take a bunch of videos of you playing exercises or tunes or whatever is in that book, and ask for advice here. People would be pretty cold-hearted not to help you out, given your situation, and you'll probably get more feedback than you want, knowing this crowd ...if you're lucky, you might even find a dedicated instructor through the forum here.

-Sean

[el gaitero]

Originally Posted by Unmanned_piper

Hello all,
Im new to the forum and just started on my practice chanter a few weeks ago. It came with an intructual book and cd. Ill add a link to what exactly i got.
http://www.amazon.com/Learn-Bagpipe-Method-Practice-Chanter/dp/0786666412/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279800487&sr=8-4
Ive heard from everyone and their mother that one needs to find an instructor to learn properly (and i understand), but this is what brings up my question. Im am currently deployed to Iraq right now, here piping instructors are a little scarce to say the least. Since things have calmed down a bit since the last time i was over here i have a little extra time on my hands. Ive always loved the bagpipes and was hoping to use this extra time to possibly learn the basics on how to play them (aka: a practice chanter).

The big question I have is should i wait until i get back stateside to find an instructor? I have been taking it slow and doing everything by the book i and cd i got. I want to make sure im doing everything right and do my best not to pick up any bad habits (or at least any as far as i can tell)
I have never played a musical intrument before so ive had and still am learning all the basic music knowledge but am taking my time with it all.

My second question is, if i am going to learn and practice over here is there possibly a better intructional book out there for me as i learn? I plan on spending alot of time on the forum here mainly in the background reading and learning as much as possible. Ive learned from past experiences to take my time and not try to jump ahead (it never works and you screw yourself) so I am taking the whole process slow.

If anyone has any thoughts / ideas / suggestions please let me know.
BTW im a UAV operator lol hence unmanned....

If you do some digging I'd bet you'd find a qualified piper among the 'coalition forces' if nearby. eg. a regimental piper...who might agree to a few bob for regular lessons if you'all are allowed to comingle.
Maybe even a piper among Uncle Sam's troop..in your backyard.

Shepherd's book is OK to start and the minimal practice chanter provided will work [ if you keep on ,you'll want to upgrade later] but unfortunately, trying to do it solely 'by the book' probably won't happen.

[larry_piper]

Originally Posted by Unmanned_piper

Im am currently deployed to Iraq right now, here piping instructors are a little scarce to say the least. Since things have calmed down a bit since the last time i was over here i have a little extra time on my hands. Ive always loved the bagpipes and was hoping to use this extra time to possibly learn the basics on how to play them (aka: a practice chanter).

My second question is, if i am going to learn and practice over here is there possibly a better intructional book out there for me as i learn?

I may get flack for this, but you don't need an 'instructor' but someone who can play better than you. It's an important distinction -- someone to encourage you and steer you clear of the big traps until you can fine tune your lessons stateside. If you ask around, I think you might be surprised to find pipers and musicians around you. Post a note at the px or mess hall. Others might see your request, become interested, and you guys can start a practice circle. Worst case you'll have to fix some embellishments when you get back. Best case, you avoid some common downtime issues, like too many video games and poker.

When I was just starting out, I found this series of videos extremely valuable:

Youtube Link

The instructor is David Corbett, who is a member on these forums. He runs through the "Green Book" or College of Piping Book 1, in order. The Green Book is the standard book; every piper knows it. If you can't find it or the price seems steep, send me a PM.

Good luck and keep safe!

[monkeyBoy]

Originally Posted by larry_piper

I may get flack for this, but you don't need an 'instructor' but someone who can play better than you. It's an important distinction -- someone to encourage you and steer you clear of the big traps until you can fine tune your lessons stateside. If you ask around, I think you might be surprised to find pipers and musicians around you. Post a note at the px or mess hall. Others might see your request, become interested, and you guys can start a practice circle. Worst case you'll have to fix some embellishments when you get back. Best case, you avoid some common downtime issues, like too many video games and poker.

When I was just starting out, I found this series of videos extremely valuable:

Youtube Link

The instructor is David Corbett, who is a member on these forums. He runs through the "Green Book" or College of Piping Book 1, in order. The Green Book is the standard book; every piper knows it. If you can't find it or the price seems steep, send me a PM.

Good luck and keep safe!

My experiences would back up Larry's post - I would say you can't learn from just a book, but the College of Piping green book with the DVD makes self-tuition viable, being able to see and hear is vitally important when learning.
However an instructor will allow you to learn faster and should ensure you don't develop bad habits and its a big help just having someone experienced to lend occasional guidance. I think this is especially important when you make the jump from PC to pipes.
Best of luck

[TStephens]

I bet if you ask around, you might find a fellow piper somewhere. Even if you don't have a regular instructor, a somewhat experienced piper can help you make sure you are holding your hands correctly, and can help you with the correct fingering and rhythm for the gracenotes. Some things are pretty hard to convey just by the written word.

Otherwise, please do hook up with someone over Skype. You can learn a lot in a short session that you might spend hours or days trying to figure out from the book. Any you still might not do things correctly if strictly self-taught.

Best of luck!

[jackhawkpiper97]

Listen to as many grade 1 bands as possible because then you can know exactly what a grip is supposed to sound like etc. and any piper that has competed before and medal-led can teach you all you need to get started

[countrypiper]

If you're anywhere near the Australian main camp in Oruzgan, there is a very experienced piper there. Ask around.