Learning to play the Great Highland Bagpipe

  • Bagpipe lessons at cost AUD$15 per week for a 45-minute group session. Available at Vineyard on Mondays (5.30pm-7pm) and at Moss Vale on Tuesday evenings (4pm-8pm).
  • Individual lessons are AUD$60 for 45 minutes, 45-minute ZOOM lessons are AUD$48, and 30-minute ZOOM lessons are AUD$36. Contact us for current availability time slots.
  • Tutors can come to you for a 45-minute private lesson at AUD$88. This option provides personalized instruction in the comfort of your own home.
  • Beginners start with a ‘practice chanter,’ costing around AUD$125 in polypenco plastic. Purchase from Berlsa Trading - Celtic Sales to begin your learning journey.
  • Access The Millennium Method online tutorial system at app.themillenniummethod.com.au. It offers extensive resources, helping you learn efficiently and effectively.
  • After mastering six basic tunes you’ll progress to playing the bagpipe, where you will master learning to “wind” the instrument correctly and playing your six tunes upon your pipe.

Learning to play the Scottish Snare Drum

  • Snare Drum lessons at SSPD cost AUD$15 per week for a group session on Mondays at Vineyard between 5.30pm – 7pm. Individual 45-minute lessons are AUD$60, while 30-minute ZOOM lessons are AUD$36, and 45-minute ZOOM lessons are AUD$48. House calls for a 45-minute lesson cost AUD$88.
  • Beginners start with pipe band style drum sticks, costing around AUD$35 per pair, and a practice pad and stand, costing approximately AUD$99. These can be purchased from Berlsa Trading - Celtic Sales.
  • On your drum pad, you will learn basic rudiments and exercises to develop ‘finger control’. These foundational skills are crucial for playing complete drum scores. Additionally, you'll learn to read drum music scores and tap your feet in time to the music.
  • Mastering the basic massed bands scores for 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, and 6/8 can take several months. Once you achieve competence in these scores, you may be invited to attend your first band practice and begin playing the scores on a drum.
  • During band practice, you will perfect your scores and learn to play cohesively with the drum corps. You'll also continue learning more complex rudiments and drum scores, preparing you for potential competition if desired.
  • When you reach a proficient level, a band may invite you to join. They typically provide a drum, harness, and uniform.

Learning to play the Flourishing Tenor Drum

  • Tenor Drum lessons at SSPD cost AUD$15 per week for a group session at Vineyard on Mondays between 5.30pm - 7pm. Individual 30-minute lessons are AUD$60, while 30-minute ZOOM lessons are AUD$36. Lessons can be scheduled at times that suit you and the tutor.
  • Beginners start with a pair of drum beaters costing approximately AUD$99. These beaters have laces attached for twirling. You can purchase your tenor drum beaters from Berlsa Trading - Celtic Sales.
  • Practice lessons focus on learning rhythm patterns that create the pulse of pipe band music. You will also be instructed on basic swings performed by tenor drummers in massed band settings and will include 'mirror work' to perfect your technique.
  • Mastering the basic massed bands scores for 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, and 6/8 can take around 4-6 months with weekly lessons and daily practice of 30 minutes. Practice should be divided into two 15-minute sessions: one for memorizing music scores and another for flourish techniques.
  • After mastering basic scores, you may attend band practices and begin playing on a drum. You will continue to learn more complex scores, rhythms, and flourishes. Proficiency may lead to joining a pipe band, which typically provides a drum and uniform.
  • Our principal Tenor Drum Tutor is Michael Smith, the 2011 Young Australasian Tenor Drummer of the Year, former Australian B Grade Champion, and NSW A Grade Champion. He competed with the Irish Grade 2 Mannorcunningham Pipe Band, achieving 4th place in drumming at the 2019 World Championships. Check out a performance here

The Millennium Method - Online Bagpipe Tutorial!

  • Encourages rhythmic precision with 'foot prints' and rhythm markers.
  • Simplified method for learning the Great Highland Bagpipe.
  • 25-step program enables playing tunes within 6 months.
  • Access to online tutor, print practice booklet, 500 exercises, and videos.
  • Comprehensive explanation with over 25,000 words.
  • Updated online tutor with color-enhanced features; available in Chinese.
  • Purchase for US$99.00; yearly renewal at US$15.00 after first 12 months.
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