Free Bagpipe and Drumming Instruction

The Cincinnati Caledonian Pipes and Drums Band will gladly teach piping and drumming to everyone who is interested. Our doors are open to all who wish to learn and are willing to apply themselves and we welcome youth aged 8 - 18. Our primary expectations for all of our students are regular attendance, frequent practice, and commitment to play.

Lessons are normally once per week and have a duration of one hour.  We consider that given a good commitment level, pupils can be playing in the Pipe Band (at a beginners level) after 9-12 months of lessons.  The Band has practices and events for all levels.  All pipers and drummers playing in the Pipe Band are in teaching conditions, and we will train all pupils to eventually reach this stage.

After 10 - 12 months, most students will be ready to play with the band in public performances. By the second year a new drummer should be playing with the band in competition.

Piping

On Highland bagpipes, the band provides opportunities for both private and group lessons. More experienced band members provide lessons. Beginning students must purchase a practice chanter and lesson book. The practice chanter is played similarly to a recorder and serves for learning the fingering and embellishments. After about nine months, most students are ready to begin work on the bagpipe.

After mastering coordination of blowing with arm movement on the pipe, the students play simple tunes. At this point the student is ready to attend band practice and rehearse with the full group, and lessons apart from band practice become less frequent.

Piping pupils need a practice chanter. This is a very simplified version of the bagpipes (without drones and bag).  This is needed for the initial stages of all pipers, and it is also used for learning and practicing tunes, as well as for teaching.  Pipe band supply stores (many are available through the Internet) offer various models of practice chanters.  Expenses to get started are low, consisting of the cost of practice chanter and tutor book for piping students (about $100).

For more information about lessons contact the Student Coordinator.

Drumming

Drumming in a pipe band is a fun and exciting experience. A full pipe band drum corps includes a bass drum and tenor, alto, and snare drums. The highland style of snare drumming uses the traditional grip. The drumming is rudimental and reminiscent of military style drumming, though the road to excellence takes one through many twists and turns.

We have drum instructors for our band who will work with drummers to teach drum scores, improve precision, and teach the basics to beginners.

Snare drumming pupils need a practice pad and a pair of pipe band snare drumsticks.  Practice pads are easily available at any local store of music or percussion supplies, but the drumsticks are available at pipe band stores. Beginning drummers must purchase appropriate drum sticks and pads at a cost on the order of $50. Weekly lessons are free.

For more information about lessons contact the Student Coordinator.