Welcome
So you want to learn the bagpipe. That is a great decision, and you will not regret it. The bagpipe is one of the most distinctive and powerful instruments in the world, and there is nothing quite like the feeling of playing it well.
Before you jump into the lessons, take a few minutes to read through this page. It will give you a realistic picture of what learning the pipes involves and help you start off on the right foot.
What to Expect
Learning the bagpipe takes time — more than most instruments. Here is a rough timeline for most self-taught learners:
- Month 1–2: Learning the scale and basic fingering on the practice chanter. No bag, no drones yet.
- Month 3–6: Playing simple tunes cleanly. Adding grace notes.
- Month 6–12: Doublings, strikes, and more complex tunes.
- Year 2 onward: The full set of bagpipes, grip, taorluath, and more advanced repertoire.
These are rough estimates. Some people progress faster, some slower. What matters is consistency — a little practice every day beats one long session per week.
Start with the Practice Chanter
Do not buy a full set of bagpipes right away. Start with a practice chanter. This is a small, quiet instrument that lets you learn the fingering and basic music without the physical demands of the bag and drones. Almost every piper, no matter how experienced, still uses a practice chanter for learning new tunes.
Ready to Begin?
Start with the Beginner Lessons. They will walk you through everything you need in the correct order.