What age do you start teaching?
I can start teaching bagpipes to students at any age, but not all children are ready to start early. The best time is often around the age of nine or above. Before starting lessons, I like to meet the student and the parent to see if they are ready.
I have started children younger than nine with great success, but the brain doesn’t really start firing on all cylinders until after the age of ten.
Students begin on a practice chanter developing fingering technique. When they are ready they move onto the full bagpipes as well.
How do I know when my child is ready to start lessons?
Ask yourself:
- Is your child able to focus on one activity at a time, and be able to sit still for 10-15 minutes.
- Is your child showing interest in music or asking about bagpipe lessons.
- Is your child expressing musicality by singing, listening to bagpipes, humming, tapping rhythms etc.
What happens at the trial lesson?
I will talk with you and your child to see if your child is ready to start. I will show you both a practice chanter. If we decide she or he is ready, then you will need to purchase your own practice chanter and music book for the next lesson. I will discuss where you can purchase these at the session. Practice chanters retail from NZ$85.00.
What do I need to bring to the lessons?
Your practice chanter, music book and a notebook at least A4 size. Manuscript paper is also encouraged. I particularly like the large manuscript paper.
How long are lessons?
Bagpipe lessons start at 30 minutes. When I feel the student is ready we move to 45 minute lessons. Every student is different so it really depends on the individual. When the student has been on the bagpipes for over a year, the lessons can be extended to 1 hour.
How long before I get onto the pipes?
Generally we spend at least 6 months on the practice chanter before even looking at a set of pipes. Progress is different for each student and it depends on the student’s individual practice as to how quickly she or he progresses.
Do you offer catch-ups for missed lessons?
I can offer catch-up lessons on a case-by-case basis. Because specific times are set aside for specific student, a student who does not attend a lesson will simply miss the benefit of that lesson. I will use that time to plan for the student’s progress. Lessons will be charged per term, not per week. This can be negotiated depending on the frequency of the lesson, i.e. weekly or fortnightly.
I’m not based in Christchurch, can I still learn the bagpipes with you?
Yes, as long as you have a reliable Internet connection, I can offer you lessons over Skype. Contact me to discuss arrangements.
