self-taught pipes?

[drobin]

I am a self taught musician for the few instruments that I know. I do not know the pipes yet but I also was planning on buying a practice chanter here soon and self teaching myself. I cannot read music, so I'm usually forced to learn by hearing alone and I'm actually really good at it.
They didn't have sheet music for thousands of years so I figure it's natural to play by ear.
I saw go for it personally.

Hey Ayin; for a beer I'll give you some pointers!

Sharp., go for the instructor; best solution. Steve and Jack made some good points. I've got a musical background and lessons are the way I went.
Some little words of advice if the instructor is not in the immediate future: Go slow. Go slow. Use a metronome. Slow and steady. Get on the piping forums and ask as many questions as you need. Go to the Games and visit the Band tents and ask questions. Listen to recordings of good pipers. Record yourself and listen. When your listening- listen for the notes, then listen what happens in between; is it 'clean' or is there some sonic 'trash' (aka crossing noises) Can't reach one in person... lessons over a webcam?

Good luck, it's a fun little bugger.