It’s been a year now and I’m finally getting some control over playing. I’m going through the Clarke book faithfully and it’s helping. Here’s my question: I wanted to know some good practice tips, things to avoid etc. When I was learning the flute, there were certain tricks (blowing whole notes, playing while lying on the floor etc.) that really helped. How about for the pipes? I assume lying on the floor won’t be one of them.
Soft, supple hands and wrists - always.
Strong elbows and shoulders.
Hold the chanter with the bottom hand while playing notes with the top hand, and vice versa.
Sit up straight.
Eat your vegetables.
Don’t wipe your nose on your sleeve.
Take your shoes off.
Close the toilet seat.
djm
practice daily. don’t be tense. slow everything down to where you can play it perfectly.
My two bits…staccato scales.
Long tones against the drones. These are essential for those slow airs that raise the hair down your spine.
Practice tight triplets and on 2-finger notes which appear in the triplet (G & B) play them with only one finger. It takes plenty of practice not to raise the 2 fingers, but it gives a lovely tight sound when you do it right.
Practice S..L..O..W..L..Y. Be conscious of what you are trying to do. Nail the mother.
When important parts of your body associated with piping begin to hurt (wrist, fingers, elbow shoulders & neck), stop playing and stretch. Wait a while before resuming your practice. Also, stretching before hand is a very good idea.
Don’t be in a hurry, as stated above, slowly is the key here. Good luck to you.
Are you practicing in front of a mirror? EVERYBODY should be practicing in front of a mirror. Go on and unleash the narcissist within…
The above - slowly; the elements of decoration; maintaining rythmn and phrasing whilst playing as slowly as you can manage.
If doing so diligently, you will hear and feel some parts that are difficult, even when played slowly etc.
Practice those in isolation - and more slowly - until they become comfortable at the tempo of the remaining parts.
Remember at all times: someone else can do it, therfore so can you. Be patient.
Learn to spel, lik wat I du.
Pwt
Great advice. Thank you.