Question for the pipers

[MadBagpiper]

I'm seriously considering taking lessons, but there are several instructors in my area to choose from.

What should I look for in a good instructor? What should I expect to pay for lessons?

Also, how the HELL do I practice without waking the kids?

Seriously, how loud does the chanter get, and where do you folks practice?

For instructors choose the one that is the most available and one who has more time on there hands.

When looking for a good instructor ask who many years they've been playing and what grade they are. The price all depends on how much they want.

If you have a practice chanter (refered to as a PC sometimes) then it really doesn't get that loud. if anything it has a soothing tone.
Practice where ever and when ever you can. You can practice in a park, in your room on your porch, ANY WHERE!!

[wgority]

For instructors choose the one that is the most available and one who has more time on there hands.

Most available? I would disagree. The most available tends to be the least in demand. Go to the one who is the most in demand as he will tend to have more and better experience as a teacher and will be able to deal with a greater range of problems/mistakes/issues than the less in-demand/less experienced instructor. Time playing does not equal quality. I know some pipers who have been on the instrument for 25 years who can't make it through Scotland the Brave without major issues, but people who have only played 5 who are much better pipers. It all depends on the person. Listen to the prospective teacher play. Ask the opinions of people who *do* play. Do the market research.

When looking for a good instructor ask who many years they've been playing and what grade they are. The price all depends on how much they want.

I would disagree here as well. Asking what grade they are leaves out a heckuva a lot of very experienced instructors who either no longer or never competed. Some of the best pipers I know are *not* solo competitors, so would not be graded, or would not be graded highly.

I am not a solo competitor, hence having a solo competition level of grade 4, but I also play in grade 2 and grade 3 competition bands, as well as being pipe-major in a teaching band. Would I be excluded from the running or placed very low on your list based on your stated criteria?

Cost of lessons does not depend on how much they want. It, like anything else, is governed by market forces. It depends on how much people are willing to pay for the services rendered. It is easy to price oneself out of the market if you charge too highly for the service given.

Before selecting a teacher, do market research!

[highlander_Daz]

Id also be very wary of the title "Pipe Major" its an honorary title, in civillian bands and its simply the piper that chooses the tunes and sets the tempo, admin is also a part of the PMs job, the pipe major doesnt have to be the best piper in the band, I could start my own pipe band (Dazs screaming reeds pipe band) lets call it, one member (myself) ill confer the title of Pipe Major on myself and use it on all my business cards ! and Im doing nothing wrong.

sounds silly?? well it happens more than youd think.

it sounds like we are being cynical but just be careful and speak to other pipers, dont worry about titles and grades etc. and to be honest once you mix with other pipers you will pick things up off them as well as your instructor which is why ive alwasy tried to get new pipers to join a band its fun and keeps you interested becasue of the social aspect- just avoid the politics
good luck