Starting off!

[Phil Smith]

A valuable tip! Thank you.

[KAD]

I too recommend the Manchester club- they're a really first-rate and helpful bunch. They have a tionol (piping workshop) in the fall and frequent meetings -- check their website. There's also a piper or two in York; try the Friday night folk session at the Tap and Spile or the Tuesday session at the Maltings to track them down.

Cheers,
KAD

[Doc Jones]

You'll find some pipers to be a bit on the "surley" side. After you've spent a few years trying to get the blasted things to sound like you want them to you'll fit right in.
Doc

Surely ye mean Surly don't ye

Shirley.


I believe Pat D'Arcy gives UP lessons via webcam. I've been meaning to do this but keep selling my pipes (occupational hazard) I always have sets here to play so don't have the withdrawal pains necessary to get serious about acquiring another personal set. I'm still mourning a few sets I sold due to financial need ( a Gallagher B 1/2 set) and an elbow ailment that kept me from piping for quite awhile (a much-loved Lynch 1/2 set).

Someday the the planets will line up properly and I'll have the angst, the dough and the right set available simultaneously.

But I digress (as usual)...

I think there would be some real advantages to a webcam lesson not the least of which would be that your teacher couldn't whack you upside the head if you continue making the same mistake.

Doc

[Patrick D'Arcy]

your teacher couldn't whack you upside the head if you continue making the same mistake.

Ve have arr vays!

Pat.

[Pyroh]

Phil Smith: By the way, Na Piobairí Uilleann (pipers.ie) has some tutor videos (I found them of great value) - as a student, I paid 19 euros (or pounds, not sure), "usual" membership costs 45. Anyway, there are tutors, some nice reading on the site, and you get a discount in NPU store (nevertheless, I must admit that even with 2-3 euros of discount, Claddagh records is often 5 euros cheaper).

[halfirish]

Hi Phil

Fáilte!

I'm a member of the Manchester group (NWUP). We have our monthly meeting this wednesday if you would like to come along. PM or email me. I'll introduce you to the gang.

I've been playing for about 3 years now and, although don't call myself a good piper yet, I have successfully helped a few newbies to get going and make a good start. I'd be happy to help. Also we could easily get together and try out a couple of tunes. I'm only in Rochdale, just down the road from you.

You'll also catch me on my blog: http://tradpipes.blogspot.com

Try and make this Wednesday's meeting.

[Phil Smith]

Thank you all, Since my first communication, and mainly as a result of messages received via this site, I have the Hannah Clark book and the beginners' DVD. Also a personal invite to the Manchester meet [thank you Tel]. So then, you're not all surly Basmatis!!! This is truly proving to be the start of an adventure! All the best, Phil

[Patrick D'Arcy]

So then, you're not all surly Basmatis!!!

No, I suppose not. There are a few onion bhaji's about though so don't forget your toothpaste!

Pat.

[Uilliam]

Heather Clarke

[Phil Smith]

Yes, I was so anxious to curry [?] favour that accuracy went out of the window! Am now enrolling in the recommended Alex Ferguson crash course-"Surliness In A Day [Or Your Money Back]".

[PJ]

I used to have difficulty with surliness until I discovered paper cuts and lemon juice.

[Joseph E. Smith]

Surliness is simply a state of being... without a governor.

[caedmon]

So, are best UP teachers of the "surly" variety? Or can one learn from a the "kindly old gentleman" sort, as well?

[Joseph E. Smith]

It depends entirely on ones perspective.

[carel]

indeed
I see you are doing well
Joseph