The following list was compiled by several “Average Pipers.” It is intended to provide a glimpse into some of the main challenges that the average piper faces. These “sins” compromise both the music and the experience, mostly leading to frustration. None of this is intended to be mean or discouraging. It’s intended to bring into focus some of the primary issues that are keeping individuals and bands from being their best.

1. Lack of understanding
2. Choosing tunes that are too complicated
3. Mistakes become “baked in”
4. Rushing
5. Pipers not in shape
6. Instrument not maintained properly
7. Instrument not tuned properly

Let’s start with #1. A lack of understanding severely impacts the average piper and undermines both effort and progress. People who have a solid understanding of the instrument and the music know what to do and what not to do. It is striking however, the number of people who missed steps along the way, which either led them in the wrong direction or left them dangling like a participle. Many don’t realize that they’ve over-complicated things by not understanding fundamentals. It’s like heading out on a trip but not knowing how to read a map or use a compass. You get so lost and tangled up that it takes a monumental effort to get back on track.

Last week I received this note from someone who is following The Average Piper blog: “I was taught the ‘follow my fingers, make this sound, here’s your kilt, welcome to the band, let’s go march and drink,’ method”. Unfortunately, this is all too common among adult learners. Their initial experience sometimes sabotages their progress. If they pursue proper instruction later, they learn that “unlearning” is so much more difficult than “learning” things correctly in the first place.

If you’re like many people you probably don’t recognize the things that you’re doing wrong, let alone understand how to fix them. Receiving the right instruction is critical if you’re going to properly evaluate where you are, map out a strategy forward, and then work toward those goals.

The right kind of level-headed instruction is critical. The right instructor will quickly understand where you are and how best to move you forward. Not every piper is destined to play in a Grade 1 band or compete for the Gold Medal at Inverness. Your circumstances may limit you to 4/4 marches and slow airs….so let’s work within this to make you the very best you can be at both.

Tomorrow we’ll begin to drill down on this. We’ll try to recreate your piping experience, break it apart, and then put it back together correctly. By all means, please feel free to add your thoughts and ideas.