Selecting a Teacher

**Minnow** · 22nd September 08, 10:46 AM

Just find an instructor who has multiple students. Ask the students what the instructor is like. The best opinion of a teacher comes straight from the student. That's how I found my first instructor and he's got a real talent for teaching (as well as piping). I'd recommend him, but he is currently in the service and not available to teach.

You can also go to pipe bands and ask if there's anyone they could recommend. Typically, there is a couple pipers in every band that will take on students (without charging much for lessons) for the sole purpose of recruiting new pipers for their band.

You get the lessons cheap as well as a foot in the door with an established pipe band. They get another piper (which are fairly few and far between). EVERYBODY wins.

**vmac3205** · 22nd September 08, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by Minnow

Just find an instructor who has multiple students. Ask the students what the instructor is like. The best opinion of a teacher comes straight from the student. That's how I found my first instructor and he's got a real talent for teaching (as well as piping). I'd recommend him, but he is currently in the service and not available to teach.

You can also go to pipe bands and ask if there's anyone they could recommend. Typically, there is a couple pipers in every band that will take on students (without charging much for lessons) for the sole purpose of recruiting new pipers for their band.

You get the lessons cheap as well as a foot in the door with an established pipe band. They get another piper (which are fairly few and far between). EVERYBODY wins.

In checking with our local pipe band, I discovered that if you are learning for the purpose of joining the band, the lessons are free. What a good recruiting tool!! As soon as I retire....

**Blinki** · 22nd September 08, 02:34 PM

I really appreciate the overwhelming response to my question. Thank you all for your insight and your own experiences in learning to play.

**JerseyLawyer** · 30th September 08, 09:14 AM

Originally Posted by vmac3205

In checking with our local pipe band, I discovered that if you are learning for the purpose of joining the band, the lessons are free. What a good recruiting tool!! As soon as I retire....

Don't wait, start now. The older you are, the harder it will be, and the less eventual payoff you will have for all your efforts.