Learn to Play Bagpipes
Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, I can provide instruction for any level.
I’ve been a bagpipe teacher in Rochester since I was in my teens. Everyone learns differently, and I love teaching in a way that connects with each student’s needs.
I have students as young as seven, as old as I dare not say, and everything in between! Don’t be afraid to try the pipes, no matter your age or musical background.
Starting Out
While learning the bagpipes takes dedication and practice, the initial commitment is less than you think!
Students first purchase a “practice chanter” before graduating to a full set of bagpipes.
You are usually on a practice chanter for four months to a year before playing a full set of pipes.
My student, Will, started on the practice chanter in April ‘23.
-
There are only nine notes on the Great Highland Bagpipe, one scale, and zero chords or keys you need to know.
-
Bagpipe music consists heavily of gracenotes and “doublings” or combinations of gracenotes. These are a crucial part of our music and you learn them on the practice chanter before moving to the big pipes.
-
Once you know your notes and enough movements, you’re on to your first tune! Most of my students are on their first tune in 4-8 lessons. We don’t cut corners and move on only when you’re solid on the foundations!
Will practiced a ton, and by Fall was on the pipes. Hard work pays off!
Getting on the Bagpipe
Once you’ve mastered the basic finger movements and embellishments on the practice chanter, you graduate to a full set of bagpipes.
I will happily assist you in purchasing your first set of pipes.
While you’re still on the practice chanter, we’ll introduce you to the “big pipes” by letting you play mine. That way, when you purchase your own, you have some experience.
-
We’ll practice good breathing techniques and how to maintain a good tone. Yes, the instrument takes a good set of lungs, but it’s not as scary as you think, I promise!
-
Tuning is a critical part of bagpipe playing. We’ll show you how to tune your bagpipe so it’s pleasant and not the center of your neighbors jokes and police reports.
-
Everyone is different and setting up a bagpipe for your needs is crucial. I’m happy to assist and can offer equipment suggestions as well.
Playing with a Band
Once you’re up on the pipe, most players then join a band! Playing in a pipe band is a tremendous musical and communal experience no matter what your age or proficiency.
Jake teaches students in several different bands in the Rochester area and can help you join the one that best suits your goals!
By Spring of ‘24, he was ready to play with a band! -- Photo credit to Elizabeth McDade
-
Breathing is one thing, but breathing steadily and consistently is what makes a good bagpiper. We’ll work on maintaining a good tone on the pipe, and you’ll be a solid addition to any band.
-
I begin by teaching what we call “standards” of bagpiping that most any bagpipe band in the world would play. Think “Scotland the Brave.” Once you’re up on pipes, you’ll be ready to join any band anywhere.
-
By the right! We’ll also learn basic marching. You need to be ready for the parades, don’t you? Whether it’s a parade or a solo competition, marching is an important part of piping, and I’ll show you the ropes.
My student, Max, performs some difficult marches with me on his “Goose.” At this point, he’d only been playing for six months!
-
I’ve studied under some of the greatest living pipers, including John Cairns - my principal teacher for many years - Bill Livingstone, Jack Lee, Ken Eller, Donald Lindsay, Jim McGivillary, and many others.
Kevin Angus of Feadan Or was my first teacher. I thank him eternally for taking a chance teaching a kid who couldn’t even read yet to play bagpipes. -
1995-2003; 2023- Pipe Major of Feadán Òr Pipe Band
Pipe Major of Grade 5 Competition Group. 2025-
Pipe Major of Grade 4 Competition Group. 2026-
2024- Bagpipe Faculty Member at the Hochstein School of Music.
2003-2008 - Member of 78th Fraser Highlanders Pipe Band
Piper for the 2003 and 2023 PGA Championships at Oak Hill Country Club.
-
In-person lessons are preferred and I teach out of my house in Irondequoit, NY.
Lessons can also be offered virtually through Zoom.
-
$50 per lesson / in-person or online
Lessons are booked for one hour. Online and credit card payment options are available.
Hear right from my students:
