Are the bagpipes a difficult instrument to play ?
No more difficult than other instruments. But any musical instrument, played proficiently takes a long time. It is important that you find a good piper who is also a good tutor.
Many of the world's Grade 1 competition pipers started at a very early age. It would be wise not to start struggling with the Italian Zampognari pipes as in the picture on the left! Your tutor will advise on the most suitable set to buy.
Learning to play the pipes is achieved by playing the practice chanter. In fact the practice chanter is used by pipers at all skill levels to learn the tunes before attempting to play them on the bagpipes.
How do the bagpipes work ?
The Great Highland Bagipes consist of a chanter, 3 drones, a blowpipe and of course the bag. When the bag is inflated an even pressure must be maintained during playing to keep the reeds in the chanter and drones at an even pitch.
There is no control over volume. Rests (silent sections) or pauses are not possible so ornamentations are used not only to enhance the tune but also to distinguish between two, or more of the same notes.
The drones are "struck in" before the chanter is played which is why you see pipers firmly tap the bag at the beginning.The bag is made of either hide or 'Gortex' and can even be a combination of these as in the double skin version.
On the right is a well known picture of a piper by Abraham Bloemaert. He is playing pipes with two drones which was the normal configuration of even the Scottish Great Highland pipes up to the beginning of the 19th century.
What other types of bagpipes are there ?
Bagpipes are played all over the world in many forms and all produce a very different sound to the Great Highland Bagpipes. Two of these can be seen in the photographs on the left.
In the UK there are many variations of mouth blown or bellows blown bagpipes. I not only play the Great Highland Bagpipes but also the Scottish Small-pipes which are smaller and produce a sound more suited to folk music.
Does my name have to be associated to a Scottish clan to wear a tartan kilt ?
Absolutely not! The kilt and tartans are just one part of the rich Scottish culture just as are the Great Highland Bagpipes. Kilts can be worn by anybody in the tartan of their choice. There are kilt makers all over the UK. My kilt was made in London using a heavyweight weathered Black Watch tartan material woven in Scotland.
There is a very interesting history of the Scottish tartans but there are also many myths and perceptions surrounding its use.
To find out the history of tartans click on the picture
Scottish bagpipes and Brazillian music
Music styles are constantly moving on and pipe music is no exception. The band 'Macumba' pictured on the right feature a mix of bagpipes and South American drumming. Traditional scottish bagpipe music is given a new and refreshing makeover.
Click on the picture to find out more
And finally
What does a Scotsman wear under his kilt ?
Socks and shoes!
ŠPaul Milton-Lyons
Pictures from the Saint Chartier Music Festival
From Saint Chartier Music Festival
On the right are two pictures of the Palestine Scout Pipe Bands. There is a large following for Scottish culture in Palestine and in particular the bagpipes.
Click on the following link to find out more.