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Bagpipe Instruction

It is never too late to learn the bagpipes. Michael has been tutoring bagpipe student for years and has an approach that insures a strong foundation that will last a lifetime

Most people expect the bagpipes to be a very difficult instrument. As with any instrument, it does take time and effort to become an accomplished musician; the fundamentals of the bagpipes are surprisingly simple. With only nine notes, no sharps, flats or cords to learn, it is an instrument that can be learned by all. Feeling comfortable playing the bagpipes takes a little time as there are some unique mechanics involved beyond the music alone, but once learned, it becomes second nature. Michael has developed a method to teaching the bagpipes that is efficient and insures that the foundation of your understanding of the bagpipes is strong. Many of his students are competent within one year.
Atlanta bagpiper available for bagpipe lessons for all who want to learn the bagpipes
History

 

Michael's first experience in teaching the instrument came after only one year after learning the instrument. At the high school where he learned, his instructor Graham Baird left to continue his studies at Princeton Seminary. As his most advanced student, the responsibility to keep the program going fell to Michael. With over 15 years experience teaching the bagpipes, Michael has had the privilege to see many of his students develop into very competent pipers. One of his students has recently been accepted into the bagpipe program at the Citadel Military College and has established himself well in that program. Michael has been given the position of Director of Bagpipes at the prestigious McCallie School in Chattanooga. With the support of the school and the interest in the program continuing to grow among the students, this is a wonderful opportunity to develop the bagpipe community in the South East. Michael has worked with people of all ages and musical backgrounds. Many of his most determined students have been in there 50's and 60's. With over a decade of experience teaching the instrument, Michael has an approach that insures quick progress and a strong foundation
The Process

 

Most people look at the bagpipes and think that it must be a very difficult instrument. The fact is that with only 9 notes, no sharps or flats and only a handful of embellishments, it is one of the simplest instruments out there with regard to the musical theory, especially when compared to classical instruments. While the instrument is not as technically difficult as others, it does take some getting used to and plenty of practice to become competent. An aspiring musician starts out their journey on the pipes with what is called a practice chanter. It is small, easy to play and most importantly, quite. This will make the early stages of your development more tolerable for your loved ones.
The approach that Michael has to teaching the pipes revolves around moving around the scale as appose to up and down. This insures that the fingers are not surprised when it is time to learn music. As Michael's online presence continues to develop, You Tube videos and other media will be available to all his students to assist them in their development. With Michael's approach to teaching, you will have the strong foundation that will insure a life long competency with the instrument..
Start learning the bagpipes with a practice chanter. The professional bagpiper now taking new students
The Options

 

Michael offers lessons in a verity of formats that include lessons in his home, lessons in your home, or lessons online. If you live in the Chattanooga area, you will have the opportunity to meet with Michael in person. For the rest of the planet, Michael's skills as a teacher are available through video conferencing on Skype. Combined with practice sheets and other materials, taking lessons online has never been more effective. Michael has used this medium to teach for years and has had great success with online teaching.
All you will need is a practice chanter and training book that Michael will provide as well as special practices that he has developed to work in line with his teaching method. To give you an idea of how quickly one can develop, Michael was marching the senior class to graduation, kilted and on the pipes, only 9 months after first picking up the chanter. This instrument lends itself to fast progress and this will fuel the passion that will take you to the next level.

Please send an email or call if you have any questions.
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