Tutor Book 1 Now in Hard Copy & Digital

This world-beating tutor book is now available in both hard copy and digital. Each version comes with accompanying audio or video lessons making it the ideal way to start a piping career. In 20 easily understood chapters, the learner is shown all the required technique needed to become a top piper. There are comprehensive exercises all geared towards improving dexterity and accuracy. The first tune is Amazing Grace and with…

Editor’s Notebook: NYC Pipes/ Historic Medals at Auction/ London Recital

On display in New York’s Metropolitan Museum is a set of pipes by Peter Henderson. The display commentary reads: ‘Piob mhór (Highland Bagpipes). Peter Henderson before 1940. Cocus wood, ivory, silver, leather and cloth. Paul and Barbara Krieger Gift, 1996. ‘Peter Henderson’s workshop was a celebrated maker of Highland bagpipes during the 20th century and a gathering place for noted pipers. The Highland bagpipes tradition draws upon the instrument’s long…

A Never to be Forgotten Trip to Scotland

Back home in Oz and back at work. Now a brief summary of my August pilgrimage. After committing to play with the Hawthorn Pipe Band at the Worlds, it was a great relief to actually arrive in Scotland for the first time since 2004.  After dragging my sorry self (cattle class ticket) through Edinburgh Airport, it was straight to adventure number one: formally meeting Tim Gellaitry and spending the afternoon…

Two Days Piping in New York

The visit last weekend began with a piping clinic in an upstairs room in a pub in Manhattan. We had 12 attendees. My co-presenter, Jim MacGillivary, Ontario, began with a detailed look at technique. He urged everyone to set time aside each day for work on scales. Single gracenote practice was very important too; our movements, when broken down, all comprise these essential embellishments after all. By the Editor Scales…

Arthur Remembered/ Springbank Results

On a beautiful autumn afternoon the people of Kilchrenan and Dalavich on Lochaweside gathered yesterday to remember Arthur Gillies, one of Argyll’s finest pipers, writes Alastair MacGregor. Locals were joined by visitors from as far away as Connecticut and Colorado. The event was organised by Stella Leitch, the daughter-in-law of Jock Leitch, another Kilchrenan piper and the man who started Arthur on the chanter. This special day comprised an exhibition…