I've been playing for flute for several years now, and am thinking about learning the pipes, and was wondering if the transition would be easier because I'm a flute player? Another question is where could I rent some (In Chicago)?
Not really! If it's any help to you, Peter Horan the famous Irish Flautist has a set of Pipes but I have never seen him play them.
OTOH I make flutes for a hobby but am far better on the Chanter. I noticed right away that most of the difficulty with the move was the grip and with that OC came tension in the rest of the hand.
Put his another way, I can burn it up on a simple TinWhistle but can barely play an air on one of my own home made flutes, the Chanter is another story alltogether.
If i can unwind my hands I can nearly play the odd roll as I murder dance tunes on it, and I have been playing about 20 years.
If you have lots of time to learn, go for it. If you are over 40 forget it.
I'm an almost 40 flute player and have just taken up pipes. There's a few differences, but the most important thing is to get a competent teacher; any small errors that don't get ironed out at the learning stage will become problems later.
It can be done, but it won't be easy. Nothing is easy with pipes until you've been at it for a while, and even then they will drive you crazy once in a while. It's possible you may have an easier time than someone who is a complete neophyte to irish music.
That aside, the UP chanter is not a flute and should not be played like one. It takes a few years of consistent practice to really develop crisp articulation and speed.
As to renting pipes: sorry, there are no resources for that. IF money is a real concern (and having been to college I know it is for students like yourself) I suggest that you acquire a Daye penny chanter set, a Pat Sky budget set, or an Uilleann Pipeworks of Boston practice set - these are known quantities, and they (usually) work pretty well in Chicago's changeable climate.
Come to either the Cullen's Bar or the Grealey's Pub session sometime, I'm usually there, mixing it up with the fiddles and accordions.
Thanks for all the advice. I'm thinking twice about the pipes now, I have never even tried them. I just love the sound. When are those sessions cthuilleannpiper?
I ve had a practice set for 7 years. Im pretty terrible still It's the whole self tought thing... not a good idea with this monster.
My biggest obstical is moving back into through octives..Cant get it!!!!! ARGH From a fellow flute player, your going to need your thinking cap...good luck
Pipes...easy?
Pipes...easy?
I've been playing for flute for several years now, and am thinking about learning the pipes, and was wondering if the transition would be easier because I'm a flute player? Another question is where could I rent some (In Chicago)?
# Posted on May 25th 2007 by Flute86
Re: Pipes...easy?
Not really! If it's any help to you, Peter Horan the famous Irish Flautist has a set of Pipes but I have never seen him play them.
OTOH I make flutes for a hobby but am far better on the Chanter. I noticed right away that most of the difficulty with the move was the grip and with that OC came tension in the rest of the hand.
Put his another way, I can burn it up on a simple TinWhistle but can barely play an air on one of my own home made flutes, the Chanter is another story alltogether.
If i can unwind my hands I can nearly play the odd roll as I murder dance tunes on it, and I have been playing about 20 years.
If you have lots of time to learn, go for it. If you are over 40 forget it.
Best of luck!
# Posted on May 25th 2007 by Schlongbow
Re: Pipes...easy?
I'm an almost 40 flute player and have just taken up pipes. There's a few differences, but the most important thing is to get a competent teacher; any small errors that don't get ironed out at the learning stage will become problems later.
# Posted on May 25th 2007 by Wurzel
Re: Pipes...easy?
It can be done, but it won't be easy. Nothing is easy with pipes until you've been at it for a while, and even then they will drive you crazy once in a while. It's possible you may have an easier time than someone who is a complete neophyte to irish music.
That aside, the UP chanter is not a flute and should not be played like one. It takes a few years of consistent practice to really develop crisp articulation and speed.
As to renting pipes: sorry, there are no resources for that. IF money is a real concern (and having been to college I know it is for students like yourself) I suggest that you acquire a Daye penny chanter set, a Pat Sky budget set, or an Uilleann Pipeworks of Boston practice set - these are known quantities, and they (usually) work pretty well in Chicago's changeable climate.
Come to either the Cullen's Bar or the Grealey's Pub session sometime, I'm usually there, mixing it up with the fiddles and accordions.
# Posted on May 25th 2007 by Hanley
Re: Pipes...easy?
Thanks for all the advice. I'm thinking twice about the pipes now, I have never even tried them. I just love the sound. When are those sessions cthuilleannpiper?
# Posted on May 26th 2007 by Flute86
Re: Pipes...easy?
In Chicago, look up piper Kieran O'Hare who can get you acquainted with the instrument, maybe let you have a crack at them yourself...
# Posted on May 26th 2007 by maze
Re: Pipes...easy?
I ve had a practice set for 7 years. Im pretty terrible still It's the whole self tought thing... not a good idea with this monster.
My biggest obstical is moving back into through octives..Cant get it!!!!! ARGH From a fellow flute player, your going to need your thinking cap...good luck
# Posted on May 26th 2007 by lamh trom