Instructor

Finding the right instructor is likely the most important step in the early phase of learning hot to play the bagpipe. The best instructors are knowledgeable of the instrument (obviously!), but also of its history, the current trends, etc. The best instructors are also great teachers, a skill in itself. Lessons need to be productive and with tangible outcomes and progress, but also in the right direction (re-learning something is harder than learning it right the first time). Last, but not least, the best instructors are especially cognizant of multiple learning styles, and adapt to what works best for the student.

I recommend that the logistics for taking lessons are to be sustainable. Though many of today's greatest pipers have stories of their parents driving 1-2 hours in each direction to take a lesson, we fortunately today have plenty of access to information that can lead us to great local instructors. Alternatively, it is not uncommon to consider many of the remote-based learning options that exist today. I would recommend in this case a balance of remote vs. on-site lessons.