I have only been playing for about two years now, and what draws me to the instrument musically is the emotion the instrument. Whether I am playing for St. Patrick's day and bring out the happiness with a lively tune like Minstrel Boy, or playing on 9/11 and doing a slow air to bring to mind all the people that lost their lives that day. Now mind you that you could play the same songs on any instruments it doesn't seem to bring the same power.

As for musically, when the whole band strikes in just before the chanters kick in it is a sound like no other. When the whole band is in a circle opening for a larger act (Rod Stewart, or Coldstream) and the whole band hits a grip or a D-throw perfectly the sound is amazing something I can't explain, but just amazing. When I practice and I hit that song perfectly it makes me realize all the work I put in was worth it.

Yes there are only nine notes, but there is a reason it takes a lot of time on the chanter to play the pipes well. I don't know if you have ever asked Piper George to see some sheet music for the pipes, but if not I truly recommend it. It will probably interest you with all of your musical background.

As has already been stated if your heart and mind isn't in it no one is going to convince you to start. It is truly an amazing instrument.