Advise

[bubbles]

Hi...I'm new to this site and for a reason! I'm searching for advise. I want to start learning on the chanter...here's my problems and I'd appreciate any and all advise so I can make a decision....1 ]..I'm terrified!!! Yep!...40+ years, and I've seen comments such as" forget it...adults can't learn and I won't teach them "..." You have to have a tutor.."
2]..What's the best kind/ size of chanter to start with since I'll be using it for several years?
3] There is knowone to tutor me living in my area -we are in a small remote area 2hrs next to one town and 1.5 to another - There are self learning kits , are they worth it? And I've seen one fellow recommend a certain kit that according to him is not overwhelming or scary, but I can't find the name of it to order.
4] If I bought a kit , would a video or tape be best?
5] If you've never read music am I doomed to fail???
6] And I know you will laugh at me...but , should one be an " active " person in order to have " breath " enough to play?...I've been watching pipers over the years and I wonder...shouldn't they be in shape to do all that breathing? Wouldn't you need great stamina?....I ask only because of being a reader and I'm not athletic at all...
Well guys , please don't laugh but I'd really like to have feedback from people who know before I commit and venture into a life long dream...
Thanks

[Becky]

Ok, what's the worst that could happen? You spend a few bucks and discover its not right for you? Or maybe worse yet, you fall in love with it and become addicted to bagpipe music? Give it a shot! Go to the Tartan Thistle web site and e-mail Maureen Lee about a chanter. She's wonderful and really knows customer service. Next-find an instructor. Really, an absolute must in my opinion. I really don't see why the rumor ever got started that you can teach yourself the bagpipes. You can certainly do a lot of practice on your own and learn to read music on your own. But you need somebody skilled to help guide you along the way. I'm sure someone on this forum knows someone who knows someone in your area. Let us know exactly where you live. And jump in with both feet. You're sure to learn something.

[Illustrated Piper]

Bubbles,

As Becky suggested,an instructor is a must,at least to get you going.
Don't worry about reading music,it's not hard to learn.If you try it and find you truly want to learn,you will.
Age is also not a factor.I'm forty plus myself and can still get my hands around most music.
I am also one who is not athletic and I smoke,
but it does not seem to affect my playing,of course chasing a 22 month lod around the house has put me in a little better shape than I was.
Good luck and give it your best shot.

Derek Kennedy
Celtic Flair Pipe Band
www.celticflair.com

[Mitch Man]

Originally posted by bubbles:
3] There is knowone to tutor me living in my area -we are in a small remote area 2hrs next to one town and 1.5 to another

Get a good oil change before you srart making
the trips, else don't bother!

JM

[bubbles]

Hi guys...Thanks for the advise...It seems a tutor is a must...and Becky's got a point either way!!!!..Derek's advise is inspiring and he too suggests tutoring. So ,JM has a point...I guess if I want it bad enough I could travel. We live in Alberta, small town, but the place 2 hrs away is a small city...I think I'll buy meself a chanter, find a tutor and give it a try...Thanks guys , I was feeling a bit foolish and I'm sure when I take it up , the family will remind me [ with love of course ] that I'm a little touched ! But , I've faced challenges before that shocked them! Maybe I'll prove once again I can do it...

[Derrick Young]

Hey don't feel foolish yet! There will be plenty of time for that when you start playing. Like on your first night when your instructor asks "so lets here ya, go on play for me!" At which point you squeek out your best set of scales.

Been there, done that!

Have fun with it! the people and experience is second to none

Derrick

[ December 20, 2001: Message edited by: Creemore D ]

[Harry]

I learn with a kit ( book and CD) but you still need an instructor. I personally think it difficult to learn this on your own. With out any correction I wouldt be kind of lost.
It is not easy but if you like this musik its great.

Harry

[Kenton Adler]

I'd say get yourself a good "long" model practice chanter by one of the reputable makers (and there are lots, like Naill, Shepherd, Dunbar, Gibson, Cushing, etc.). Polypenco is a good idea because of the durability. A PC is eventually going to roll off the table at band practice. Poly bounces where blackwood cracks or chips. If you want to get yourself a nice blackwood PC late, cool. A poly chanter will cost you about $100.

I have heard tales of people who have taught themselve using a College of Piping or Sandy Jones tutor, or something else like that, but I haven't met one yet. Instruction of some kind is really necessary, even if you can only go once a month. There are some things you're just not going to get out of a book or tape, and ESPECIALLY after you get onto pipes.

If there is just no way to get to an instructor (and even if there is a way) check out www.pipinglessons.com and see if their on-line instruction might be a way to go for you. I can tell you that it's run by some top-notch players and they know what's what. It would be support for you, even if you choose to try to do it with a self-tutor.

DESIRE is the key. I started playing when I was 39 and have been at it six years now. I play successfully (meaning I make the prizes)in Grade II solos and have played with three good bands. Nothing says you can't do well just because you're getting a late start. You probably will not ever play in the Open at Oban or with a Grade I at the Worlds, but even that depends on natural ability and how much time and effort you put into it.

Mostly, have fun playing and be the best you can, even if you never get past Grade IV contests. As long as you're doing the best you can, and competing against people at your level the contests can be just as fierce, and just as rewarding as further up the food chain.

[Rick James]

Originally posted by Kenton Adler:
I'd say get yourself a good "long" model

First - I want to say - get an instructor.
Second - get a chanter that he/she recommends.

I personally don't like the "long" chanters. I don't see an advantage and I've seen too many people hide underneath the table with them because they are too long to put on the table. So in band practice you can't hear them and you can't see them.

I know some people feel it makes the transition to pipes easier when they use a "long" chanter. Okay, I didn't have that problem, but if it works for you, great - go for it. But be careful - I have seen some "long" chanters that have EXACTLY the same hole spacing and hole sizes as a "short" chanter. So if you're going for a percieved advantage, make sure it's there.

That's all - thanks for listening...

[bubbles]

Thanks Harry , Kenton and Rick! All advise from those who took the leap matters to me! First the desire to play! That way a person will be committed I think....I have the desire. I was thinking of advertising for a tutor in town , maybe just maybe there's a fellow [or gal ] who takes part with his pipes at events at the Legion?..I never go to the legion , but you never know. If not , I found out that the community college at the town 2 hrs from here gives lessons. I can do that. I think from all the answers of help it is important to have some kind of teaching/ feedback even if it only amounts to a few days a month. In any case I must be prepared to be patient and practise ! practise!
I appreciate all the help and bolstering....I'm gonna take the leap and see how it goes.
Smiles
Ann