Does anyone have any comments about the Scoiltrad website and the “virtual lessons” they offer ? Is that any good or more of a waste of money ? See this link:
http://www.scoiltrad.com/lesson.asp?instrument=Pipes&level=Beginner
Slan agat!
Martin
Hi Martin, I noticed that no one has replied to your message, so I’ll jump in with my limited experience.
I really like the idea of the virtual lessons, but I believe the value you will get from it is dependent on where your skills are as well as your expectations.
I tried one of the Scoiltrad beginner whistle lessons back when I really was a beginner whistle player. For me at the time, even the beginner lesson was too advanced, so I only got a limited value out of it. Not a problem with the lesson, more of my inability to grasp what they were trying to teach.
The lesson format is good in that they go over each part slowly and then build up to 50% speed and full speed. The video and quality of the presentation was good as well.
I never got to the point where I recorded my tune and sent it in for feedback, so I can’t comment on that part of the lesson.
I also was trained “classically” so I had a hard time with the slight variation between what was written on the music score versus what I heard in the lesson. At the time I was not familiar enough with ITM, and was not competent enough in my playing to understand how to adapt to that.
While I like the idea of the virtual lessons, I have also found that there is no substitute for a real live teacher. My wife, daughter and I spent a week at Gaelic Roots this summer, and in 5 days of whistle instruction, my playing advanced significantly. Of course, the cost was a lot higher than a Scoiltrad lesson as well!!
So, I’d say again, it depends on what you are looking for. If you don’t have access to a teacher nearby, and you already have some skill you might find them valuable.
-gary
(Disclaimer: I am in no way associated with Scoiltrad, and do not receive any money from them…so don’t even go there!)
I’m not a piper (but I read the pipe forum because it’s so bloody 
), but I’ve taken eight whistles lessons from Scoiltrad and really enjoyed them. I learned an awfully lot and Conal (the whistle teacher) was extremely helpful. I took seven beginner lessons and was moving into intermediate lessons when life intervened and I’ve had to concentrate on other things. When I get back into serious whistle playing again, I’ll be right back ordering lessons. If you don’t have a GOOD teacher available, I think they’re a great option.
Susan
I agree with Susan regarding the good alternative that ScoilTrad offers when you have no “live” instructor to provide lessons.
I’ve taken several ScoilTrad piping lessons and I’ve enjoyed them all, and learned a great deal. The added feature of getting feedback from them is an option that is very worthwhile, in my opinion.
Stay tuned,
BrianC