Q. I notice that pipers do not have music when they play – is it done by ear?
A. No.  We memorise all of our tunes. Each player has to learn the music so we can play together.  The more we play together the better the music sounds. 

Q. I can’t read music- does that matter?
A. If you cannot read music when you first start, then we will help you learn, as you must be able to read music to master the tunes.  The good news is there is only one line of music to read at a time – unlike keyboard for example.  Another good thing is that bagpipe music is in patterns, called “measures” and this makes memorising the music a lot easier.

Q. How do you practice?
A. When you start learning you start with a practice chanter.  This looks a little like a recorder.  It plays a softer reed which does not make as much sound as a proper set of bagpipes.  It allows pipers to practice the “fingering” of the tunes and even the best and most experienced players practice on these to master the tunes and to keep their fingers supple. At band rehearsals, pipers often play their practice chanters to make sure we are playing the music correctly, as well as playing on the pipes.  While you are learning, you start with playing the tunes slowly on the practice chanter to make sure that you learn how to play the notes properly and then gradually speed up till you can play the tunes well enough, then move onto the bagpipes. You need to practice on the full set of pipes to be able to “blow” – keeping the bag full of air at the right pressure while playing the tune with your fingers, starting and stopping properly. This takes a bit of practice and coordination but is great fun when you get it right.  You need to practice at home regularly if you want to really master the bagpipes, just like any musical instrument.

Q. What kinds of music does a piper play?
A. Bands like ours play a variety of music.  This includes marches, which have different timings but which are played at a pace which you can march along to.  We also play other types of tunes, including slow airs (like waltzes), and dances such as strathspeys (such as the Highland fling) jigs, hornpipes and reels.  We play popular tunes as well, and put tunes together into groups called “sets”.

Q. Can you be too old to learn?  I have heard that you have to start really young.
A. You are never too old to learn and we have “mature” learners. It is true that your fingers get a little more stiff but practice will help this.

Q. How would I know if I would enjoy learning the bagpipes?
A. If you love the sound of the bagpipes, like being part of a group, have a good memory and a sense of rhythm then the bagpipes are for you!

Q. What happens at the practice?
A. We rehearse every Thursday at the Redlands Multi Sports Club, Bailey Rd Birkdale from 7:00pm.  We call it rehearsal as we actually practice at home during the week.  Learners come along from 6:00pm and have lessons with the experienced players.  This is on the practice chanters and on the bagpipes as you progress.  So each week there is work sitting around the table rehearsing the tunes and getting help with the music and the expression of the tunes.  Then there is some practice on the bagpipes. Experienced players also join in.  At 7:00pm the more experienced players rehearse and anyone learning is welcome to join in with the tunes when they can. We continue until 9pm.  The club has a bar and bistro meals are available till 8:00pm.  There are usually friends and family there as well.

Q. How much does it cost?
A. You need a practice chanter to get started and these can cost anywhere from $20 to $100.  We provide all the music and the uniform (except shoes).  Most pipers have their own set of bagpipes and sometimes these can be expensive.  A top quality set of pipes can be as much as $10,000 but they are available for as little as $1,500.  There is also an annual Band membership of $15.