As a beginning bagpipe player or piper, you have two goals in mind:

• Personal satisfaction
• Eventually joining the “Ypres Surrey Pipes & Drums”

Before one can play on the bagpipes (Pipes), finger placement is first taught. This is done on a “practice chanter,” which looks similar to a recorder but has different fingering. Knowledge of musical notation is not required; you learn this during training. After about two years, the training as a “Piper” is completed, and with sufficient skills one can join the “Ypres Surrey Pipes & Drums.”

Bagpipe Lessons

Lessons for pipers are given by instructors who are themselves actively involved in the band. They do this on a voluntary basis. The lessons themselves are free, but it is expected that a practice chanter is purchased. This costs around €50. In addition to buying a chanter, it is also expected that you participate in a minimum number of performances per year.

For more information regarding lessons, you can contact us by our contact form.

Most items purchased by the band are ordered via Kilts & More. If you want to buy a bagpipe yourself, it is best to first consult our Pipe Major or another band member.

As recognition, the piper receives a piper badge to attach to his or her uniform.

Lessons usually take place on Tuesday evenings between 5:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. There are currently several classes, each at a different level. As you progress, it may be that you are moved to another class.

Once you have sufficiently mastered the tunes and the bagpipes, you may join the band during rehearsals. These take place on Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Challenges of Learning the Bagpipes

Learning the bagpipes is not always easy. The Scottish bagpipe is one of the most difficult instruments, often underestimated when learning. As mentioned earlier, you do not need to know music at the start, but it is recommended to practice about 20 minutes every day. If this is not done, you will gradually notice that playing becomes more and more difficult.

Once you have become a fully-fledged piper, you may join the band. Lessons are still given, but these band rehearsals take place on Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. This is with the full band, rehearsing band sets, formations, and possibly additional pieces that are played together with other bagpipe groups or harmonies.