Bagpipe and Drumming Lessons
Learn the bagpipes or drums with us for free! The Dundee Scottish Pipe Band (like many pipe bands around the world) offers free bagpiping and drumming lessons to students interested in joining the band. If you are interested in bagpipe lessons or drum lessons in the Chicago area, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact us!
We rehearse at the VFW – West Dundee most Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. We are not there the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Stop in and say hello! Our band rehearsals are open to the public. We practice in the back room.
Q: How long does it take to learn to play the bagpipes?
A: It depends on your time and dedication. We start you with a “practice chanter”, so we can teach you the finger work basics and a few simple tunes. Progressing to the pipes, we teach you the blowing/squeezing technique. With routine practice, a typical person can learn to blow some tunes on pipes in about 6 months to a year.
Q: What would I need to get started?
A: You just need a practice chanter (piper) or a practice pad and sticks (drummer). Practice chanters and pads are tools pipers and drummers will continue to learn on, ad infinitum, and either instrument is around $100. We do have practice chanters for sale at cost. Or, to shop on your own and compare options, Henderson’s is a good place to shop for pipe chanters and pipe and drum accessories. Please tell them the Dundee Scottish sent you!
Q: Are bagpipes expensive?
A: Price is not an indicator of sound quality, PLEASE… speak with an experienced piper before buying your set! A nice new set is around $1,200. Again, check out the selection at Henderson’s. Our band may also have a loaner set available for new students.
Q: Do I need to have previous musical experience?
A: No.
Q: How much practice does it take?
A: Like any musical instrument, what you put into it is what you get from it. We suggest starting at around 20 minutes each day, and see where you go from there.
