THE HIGHLAND BAGPIPE TUTOR BOOK 2 - TRANSITION TO BAGPIPES

Book excerpt: The Highland Bagpipe Tutor Book 2 – Transition to Bagpipes builds on and develops the knowledge and techniques relating to playing the Highland bagpipe, which are introduced in Tutor Book 1. For many learner pipers the biggest hurdle they encounter is making the transition from playing tunes on the practice chanter to playing tunes on the bagpipe. Th ere is a lot to contend with, such as mastering the blowing technique, getting used to the bag and drones, building stamina, learning how to maintain and care for the instrument, tuning, reed manipulation and how to perform in public as a soloist or with other groups of pipers and musicians. This book follows the step-by-step approach of The Highland Bagpipe Tutor Book and each skill is taught in a logical, progressive manner using tried and tested methods gleaned from the combined experience of the teaching staff at The National Piping Centre. Of course there is no substitution for good teaching and so it is recommended that you use this book in tandem with lessons from an experienced teacher where possible. In offering this book we believe that there is much to be learned, not only for the learner piper but even for experienced players. It is a manual for good practice in terms of the care, maintenance and set-up of the bagpipe. The old adage “if a job is worth doing, then it is worth doing well” still holds true and those who apply this philosophy to the care, maintenance and tuning of the bagpipe will reap the benefits and enjoy the rewards of playing great music on a great instrument. Roddy MacLeod MBE BSc Former Principal - The National Piping Centre