I ordered a practice set of pipes some time ago and am due to receive them at the end of May, first of June. I have been playing the mountain dulcimer and whistles for about three years, the fiddle for 1-1/2 and taking private lessons in Celtic stlye. I realize that may only add a bit of help in picking up the UP but at least it’s a start.
A couple of questions for your seasoned pipers… where can I get lessons in the St. Louis area and is there a good tutorial, whether in book and/or CD form that would also help me? I realize that I am in for a challenge, but I’m up for it.
There is a newly formed pipers club in the St. Louis area, they meet on thursday nights and recently had their first meeting a few weeks ago. as I understand it was quite successful. They have an email group set up over at Yahoo. Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/stlpipers/
I’d say both.
Since you’re already musicially inclined and receiving lessons, do the same with pipes. Sometimes a ‘good’ lesson gives you more than you can absorb in one sesson, having the sheet music to review brings back things you may have forgotten from the lesson.
What source of media? practically anything. http://www.madfortrad.com/ is good if you like staying at the computer for lessons.
For VCR tape ‘The Art of Uilleann Piping’ volume 1, available from several places including Seth Gallagher’s website.
Don’t rule out the book for backup, but there’s nothing like person-to-person tuition, especially at the early stages, for picking up mistakes that you don’t even realise you’re making - like awkward posture, excessive tension or the tendency to use the bellows rather than the bag to increase pressure to get the second octave.
I second Tony’s endorsement on MadforTrad, and would add that when you’re looking for tunes and some feedback on them after learning them, then try out www.scoiltrad.com as well.
as a new beginner myself, i am happy with how i have done it. i agree that lessons and books both have their place.
i ordered the NPU video and learned all 13 tunes on whistle. simultaniously, i started working with the heather clarke tutor. the combination works great.
Meier,
When you mention the NPU video, is that it’s name or does it go by something else?
I went to Madfortrad and saw the Sean Potts video. Anybody know about this video? Is it helpful for someone who has never played the UP’s?
Also, regarding the Heather Clarke tutor, I have not seen it anywhere. Is it interractive with a CD and book? How would you weigh it against the NPU video? Pros/cons.
I prefer the NPU videos. The pace is better (slower) with more repetition and the visual (with sheet music as a backup) is a much better learning tool.
Tony,
Thanks for the helpful link and feedback. Are the videos simply called “NPU Videos” or do they go by a different name? Would Song of the Sea carry them? I will check out their site.
Hi Tommers,I’m at the same stage as yourself-I ordered a practice set from Davy Stephenson at the very end of February,so am currently playing the waiting game too (Davey was quoting a wait of approx. 3 months on his website then,but I see that it’s since gone up to six..still ‘good things..’ and all that).
Out of interest,who is building your pipes for you,and how did you arrive at your decision to buy from that particular maker?
I must admit that I don’t know any pipers,but got as much info.as I could from the 'net before reaching a decision (this board has been a great help-in fact it was hearing a Stephenson set here that ‘sealed the deal’ for me).
I’ve already being playing whistle and some flute,but it’s the Pipes that interest me now,so I’ve already started studying in readiness.
I would recommend the NPU video-it takes nothing for granted and is very clear and well paced for beginners.It even has a short ‘chapter’ on problem solving-(I’ve already read horror stories of lone beginners battling against upsidedown valves etc.for months,when an experienced mentor could have put right for them in a minute or two!)
The Heather Clarke book is good,though the chanter on the c.d. doesn’t sound so good!
I also own the MadForTrad c.d. ROM which rushes through the very basics,but will come in very handy once I have a little grounding on the Pipes(I’m a big fan of Sean Pott’s anyway).Finally.I have ‘The Master’s Touch’,this is a tutor book by Seamus Ennis,which is published by NPU.This is particularly interesting from an historical perspective,doubly so if you enjoy Ennis’s music and approach-it’s a little ideosyncratic(some marvelous photos of Ennis playing!).
Hope this helps a fellow Piping ‘Greenhorn’!
Kevin,
Thanks for the reply. My pipes are being built by David Boisvert of www.greenwoodpipes.com in Minneapolis, MN. I talked via e-mail to about a half dozen makers and did some reading and talking to a couple of local St. Louis players. Davy Stephenson highly recommended DB’s work, the wait time was only about 3-4 months, and the money was right. All things considered, that’s how I made my decision.
I am going to order the first in the video series from NPU. After reading up on it, it does appear helpful, plus all of the feedback that I have received on it is very positive. I will let you know how I’m progressing.
Thanks again for the helpful suggestions. Let’s stay in touch.
Hi again, Tom,
Right on! Davey has shown some lovely sets that he’s made on the board(drool,drool!),I’m sure that you’ve made a sound choice.Please let us know when you receive them.
I’m sure that you will find the NPU Video very helpful,I know that I will.
