Having taught bagpipes for almost 50 years, there’s not a lot that I haven’t seen. People are drawn to the instrument for their own reasons and eagerly embark on learning. Expectations range from “I want to play Amazing Grace” to “I want to be a champion piper” and everything in between. People say this without a clear understanding of what it takes to do either and they are almost entirely at the mercy of their instructor.
If their instructor provides proper guidance, a foundation can be created that will enable the student to achieve his or her potential, impacted by both their burning desire and their personal circumstances. All too often, that foundation is flawed, as their instructor’s musical and technical “issues” are passed onto the student. I call this “The gift that keeps on giving.”
People usually contact me when they’ve hit the wall. They’re frustrated on one level or another and probably call me out of desperation. Sometimes I hear “I’ve invested all this time and money but I’m ready to quit.” I feel like a doctor who has to tell a patient that they’ve been taking the wrong medication.
A while back I offered a “free evaluation”. Some took me up on the offer. Many others didn’t and I was curious as to why not and I went looking for answers. Some felt that they weren’t ready to be evaluated. I think they missed the point. Another person stated that he only wanted to be a mediocre piper. (His words. Not mine. And I wonder how his bandmates feel.) I can accept “mediocre” if that’s the best one can do, no matter what the undertaking. I just have a problem “settling” for mediocre if someone is capable of better. Others procrastinated until it dropped off the radar.
Here’s my point. You deserve to know where you’re at. If you choose to follow the path you’re on, excellent. I’ve got no problem. But if you’d like to improve your proficiency, you need to get connected with the right instructor. I work with students and instructors right around the globe and can steer you in the right direction. If you’ve been following “The Average Piper” you already have a sense of my personality (The world’s funniest guy). My strength is in working with “average” pipers. Reach back! You’ll thank me later.
