The Great Highland Bagpipe is a part of a fun and rich culture. As an instrument, it helps develop strong lungs, and  I have had a wonderful experience meeting new pipers, teachers, and musicians.  As I learn and journey into the bagipe world and culture, I will share experiences, inspirations, and revelations. In addition, I will provide links and bits of knowledge you might find interesting.

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Entry 3: With the pandemic, piping has gone from live competitions to virtual competitions. Check out I learned from these in my latest Bagpipe Beat.

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Earlier Entries:

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Entry 2: Getting Started with Piping:

What started me in piping was a single hour in a school assembly in Rockville, MD. The Peary High School Pipers visited, and I fell in love with the pipes, drums, and dancers. I had never heard them before, but when they said they were giving lessons, I jumped at the opportunity. 

"Mom and Dad, I want to learn to play the bagpipes."

They agreed under the condition that I still continued piano. I learned to play the chanter, transitioned to pipes, and we moved soon afterward. Who'd have thought that I'd pick them up again after over 40 years. I am so glad that I did.

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Entry 1: My first entry comes from the blog I wrote a year ago that was based on a profound statement my bagpipe teacher said in one of his lessons.   Check it out here:  "Why would you want to be mean to someone who is trying to learn something you love?"  ~Josh Blais

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And for those wanting to know a little about the background picture on this page, it comes from the book that introduced many of us into the playing of the bagpipes. Here is the blog with a little information on this book. The Highland Bagpipe Tutor

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#bagpipebeat

#livingwithgussto

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