Many apologies for the interruption in The Average Piper posts. I could provide hollow excuses, but I won’t. I will take advantage of the pause in tactical information to regroup on a more philosophical level. Ready? Here goes!

I have often said that bagpipes are not taught… They are learned!

It’s true. Having been teaching for nearly as long as I’ve been playing, these words just keep coming back to me time and time again. I’m quite certain that one could use a broad brush to paint this across many disciplines. The “learning” has everything to do with the student and little to do with the teacher. Pipe Major Alex Robertson, who was a legend and a force in piping in Ontario throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s once told me “Ringo, you can learn something from the worse piper, if by only observing and avoiding those things he does incorrectly.” He was correct.

What does a good teacher do? In truth, very little and very much. A good teacher will demonstrate correct technique, timing, tempo, and phrasing along with a plethora of nuances lost on the casual observer. A good teacher will point out when you’re doing things correctly and when you’re doing things incorrectly. A good teacher open your mind and your eyes to a reality not otherwise seen or heard.

If you’re a good learner, you’ll pay attention. You’ll persevere in order to move past those things that are holding you back. You’ll leave no stone unturned in order to achieve your goals. You won’t give up when things get difficult and you won’t give in to feelings of doubt and frustration.

As a teacher, I won’t take credit for a student’s success, nor for their lack thereof. I can only take credit for creating an environment conducive to learning and providing access to resources that will allow the student to achieve according to his or her talent, time, and determination.

I’m not here to convince you of anything. I’m just here to ask “What’s up?” St. Patrick’s Day is approaching. Are you ready?