Hello all!! Been a member here for about a year! Don't contribute a lot (cos don't have a lot to say!), but I do visit almost daily to see whats going on! And I have a conundrum....
Since I was a nipper, I've loved the sound of the Uileann pipes, specifically when playing slow airs....haunting.... But, as a nipper, and since I come from an area (Westmeath) where REAL traditional music isn't very prominent, I focused my attentions on Guitar ('cos I always loved that too!!!...) I've been playing that now for 18 years, and even if I do say so myself, I'm damn good at it!! In fact, I've just become part of a threesome, and we're doing our first gig in 2 weeks time (never gigged before in me life) singing Dylan, Bowie and what not.....But my admiration, and awe of the pipes never left me - own a few albums by Liam og O'Flynn, Davy Spillane, and numerous trad albums!
My question is.....am I too old to even start thinking about learning them? I know abuot the 21 years to master it, and even after then you still learn more about them....I am 31 now......
Also, I'm getting married this year, and can't afford even a practice set....Oh what to do!!
Thanks for your advice all! I'll try to contribute more in future I promise!!
It's never too late.
The piper in my band started when he was 32 (so you are already ahead....just) and he is now a superb piper who teaches Piping at Hammersmith Irish Center in London.
If you really want to do it you will. You'll need a good teacher though...are there any where you live?
Cheers Geoff!
Nah! I live in Laois now, and I'm not aware of anyone living near here that teaches, or even plays! But thanks for that. Gives me some hope! I do really want to do it - case of having the money and the facilities near hand!
Hi Edja.
Go for it, if you do the work you will learn.
31 I should be so lucky, I'm 46 on Sunday and there are still lots of Instruments I'm interested in learning to play playing.
Have faith in the learning system that evolution gave you, it's truly remarkable and everyone’s got it.
With any Bagpipe there is a lot of non-musical stuff that you have to learn just to get them to go, Uillean pipes because of there complexity are probably the most difficult pipes top set up but you WILL be able to learn.
3 basic learning principles that I have found to be true fore me,
1 You learn by doing
2 Enjoy your learning; if your not enjoying it stop and try again later
3 A little regularly is better than a lot infrequently.
You are at the start of a great journey into your musicality, which (if your lucky) will not stop till your dust.
There's a guy at our session who can't be more than 23 who's pretty nifty with the pipes (and a whistle or two), so I'm sure you can get something out of them in the short span of life remaining to you.
Go for it - if you can pony up the dough (the practice sets I've seen advertised don't come cheap, and I don't suppose the Chinese have started making a discount version yet).
Like you, I've always been a huge fan - I was saying to someone just the other day it has to be the best instrument to finish a set of tunes on (followed closely by whistle, then fiddle we decided) since you can put such nuances into a single note.
Mind you, you'll be putting in a few late nights practicing if you want to catch up with the likes of yer maun Spillane.
Its never too late. I'm 56 and have my half set of pipes for a year with serioius practicing for the last 4 months. There are less expensive practice sets around, David Daye's penny chanter, Patrick Murray ( although he has stopped production, they pop up on ebay), Andreas Rogge in Germany, and as Harper_Lad says,Seth Gallagher here in the States. With the $/EU conversion, Seth's may be the best going around. Also join Na Piobairi Uilleann. Go to Willie Week in Milton Malby. And its not 21 years anymore, its now 7 years practice, 7 years learning, 7 years playing AND 7 years waiting for your pipes to show up.
One more, then I have to go to work
Check the Chiff and Fipple's web site for info, pipes to be bought and general goings on, There is also Pat D'Arcy's Uilleann Obsession page ( shameless plug, since he is part of our So Cal Pipers Club ) and the Uilleann Pipe List. all three are wonderful references for Uilleann piping.
You can pick up whistle in while waiting to get tunes in your head. At least for me,muscle memory seems to transfer over from playing pipes to whistle. Don't know about the reverse. Get the best practice set you can afford. A good chanter can always be transfered to another bag and bellows.
Now that I got to work-
Buy the Heather Clarke Uilleann pipe CD tutor as well as the at least the first two NPU teaching videos. Or check ScoilTrad's teaching CD with Sean Potts.
I was almost 31 when I started Irish flute with no classical training in my past and I live 3,000 miles across the pond from Ireland. Three years have gone by and things are progressing well. It takes a ton of time and dedication. Being obesessive-compulsive is also a plus. But it's been really fun and I don't regret it. So don't worry about the age thing. I know a wonderful piper and pipe maker who didn't start playing the pipes until he was 29. You may live far from a pipe teacher, but you *do* live in Ireland, you lucky man : )
If you decide to really go for it, a practice set will become available from somewhere, somehow. I have piper friends who have financed their pipes and/or borrowed pipes....when there's a will, there's always a way.......best of luck!
Edja -- no, it's not too late -- it's never too late to enjoy trying something you've always wanted to do! You go, girl! Try taking up the whistle until you've saved up enough for your first set. While not the same, the fingerings are similar enough that you can get a headstart on it, and you'll have an idea of the effect of wind and pressure upon the tone and phrasing. Def hang out at the uilleann pipe chat boards and such, and keep an eye out for used sets to buy.
Buy the very best set you can find, too -- cheapos aren't worth the heartache, and they'll be very discouraging to play because a horrible instrument is very difficult to play and make it sound good.
Oh, good, I guess that means it not too late for me either, right? Man, that would be so much fun to play, but they sure do cost a lot. Maybe if I start saving now, I can have enough by the time I go to college.
BTW -- every piper I know plays low whistle too. Why?
Because they're very similar to the chanter, Max, though sometimes a bit more of a reach and the fingerings are slightly different. Almost every piper usually plays the whistle as well -- it's an easy transfer, you see.
Max -- try this. Open a savings account JUST for your uilleann pipe fund. Every month or so, stuff another $25 in it. NEVER touch that account. Whenever you have an extra $25 (if there's such a thing), bung it into the account. Whenever you get a gift of cash, bung it into the account. Maybe allocate 50% of all funds you make from playing music to go into the fund. By the time you hit college, you'll be able to afford your practice set, and if you've been particularly good about it, maybe even a full set.
when you are dead it will be too late... unless you are a hindu or buddhist and then just make sure you do it in your next life... I am almost thirty and at the pipes a year now and it is well worth the work/poverty/frustration/skin welts/burst blood vessels
There are some very good practice sets available that won't break the bank. We picked up a loaner set for our session, so everyone who wants to can give it a try. We got a Patrick Murray practice set for $380 USD. It plays well in tune, has good tone, and is loud enough to cut thru at the session.
Yeah, I should start saving now. I've gone back and forth wanting to play the pipes for quite a while now. First, I guess I should find someone down here that plays them, so I can take a look, and make sure it's for me. Too expensive to take chances, like with a whistle.
and ask for their help in finding an instructor and a practice set. You may have to travel to Dublin for lessons.
And if you don't play the whistle, start immediately. It's a great learning tool for pipes as well as an instrument in its own right.
You have 3 or four things in your favor - climate, location, resources, and prior musical experience. You know how hard it is to gain any proficiency on a musical instrument, so you're mentally prepared for a struggle. That's good : )
There's a reason why irish pipes are rarely seen or heard in dry, hot places - the reeds don't work! You won't have that problem in Laois, although periodic adjustments will be necessary.
And with the pipers' club, you don't have to learn in isolation like a lot of other wannabe pipers do. So go for it.
BTW - See if Brian MacNamara has time to teach, I hear he's living in Dublin these days. He's a great piper and a good teacher. You might also try Kevin Rowsome (yeah, he's a Rowsome, one of The King's grandkids).
Hot and Dry??? Reeds in southern California during the Santa Ana winds makes you turn on the room humidifier or go back and play fiddle. By all means go find Brian McNamara- my favorite teacher. He's wonderfully adept at listening to ugly sounds and still makes you feel like you've done well during the lesson. Wonderful teacher.
One more comment- really
I think the reason we start later (unless you inherit $$ or pipes or both) is that they are so $$$ expensive$$ so you need a real job ( well almost a real job) to save and get some cash together.
Yeah, that's the problem. I don't have a real job. Thanks for the link, cthuilleannpiper. I will contact them ASAP. I have been playing the whistle for more than a year now, and the low whistle for about 8 months.
My original post was directed at Edja, not Max. Sorry for the confusion.
don't be too discouraged, Max, but you should get a room humidifier if you're gonna play pipes in SoCal. You should also contact the Southern California Pipers' Club and the Seattle Club if you haven't talked to them yet. Keep at the whistle and try to score the cash by any legal means at your disposal, it won't be easy but you can do it.
SoCal Piper's club site is linked to the notorious Uilleann Pipes Obsession Page http://www.uilleannobsession.com. In fact most anything to do with piping, including links to all of the various piping clubs around the world, can be found there. Pat D'Arcy created a tremendous resource for all us disciples of the evil octopus, many thanks to him for that.
Oh course there's always the "American" way of getting the things you want: Buy now, pay later. Seriously, I would have to take out a home equity loan if I was ever to put myself on David & Benedict's waiting list for a set of pipes : )
time to pony up the big (pick monetary unit of choice): There is a Koehler and Quinn 3/4 B set on sale, NOW, for $8K. see the chiff and fipple site. Really big SIGH
If you have to ask...etc... So we don't eat for a really long while and I can ride my road bike to work.
how does a newbie flute player know this? I live 45 minutes from their shop and have been very lucky to attend their house sessions...joy joy joy..........
Playing is for your heart and your spirit...and of course that's timeless and priceless. I'm taking my first pipe lesson at 41 next week and I can't begin to describe the joy and happiness that I'm feeling.
Uileann Pipes...too late?
Uileann Pipes...too late?
Hello all!! Been a member here for about a year! Don't contribute a lot (cos don't have a lot to say!), but I do visit almost daily to see whats going on! And I have a conundrum....
Since I was a nipper, I've loved the sound of the Uileann pipes, specifically when playing slow airs....haunting.... But, as a nipper, and since I come from an area (Westmeath) where REAL traditional music isn't very prominent, I focused my attentions on Guitar ('cos I always loved that too!!!...) I've been playing that now for 18 years, and even if I do say so myself, I'm damn good at it!! In fact, I've just become part of a threesome, and we're doing our first gig in 2 weeks time (never gigged before in me life) singing Dylan, Bowie and what not.....But my admiration, and awe of the pipes never left me - own a few albums by Liam og O'Flynn, Davy Spillane, and numerous trad albums!
My question is.....am I too old to even start thinking about learning them? I know abuot the 21 years to master it, and even after then you still learn more about them....I am 31 now......
Also, I'm getting married this year, and can't afford even a practice set....Oh what to do!!
Thanks for your advice all! I'll try to contribute more in future I promise!!
Edja
# Posted on March 23rd 2004 by Edja
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
It's never too late.
The piper in my band started when he was 32 (so you are already ahead....just) and he is now a superb piper who teaches Piping at Hammersmith Irish Center in London.
If you really want to do it you will. You'll need a good teacher though...are there any where you live?
Good luck with it ...it will be worth it.
# Posted on March 23rd 2004 by Geoff Pollitt
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
Cheers Geoff!
Nah! I live in Laois now, and I'm not aware of anyone living near here that teaches, or even plays! But thanks for that. Gives me some hope! I do really want to do it - case of having the money and the facilities near hand!
# Posted on March 23rd 2004 by Edja
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
Hi Edja.
Go for it, if you do the work you will learn.
31 I should be so lucky, I'm 46 on Sunday and there are still lots of Instruments I'm interested in learning to play playing.
Have faith in the learning system that evolution gave you, it's truly remarkable and everyone’s got it.
With any Bagpipe there is a lot of non-musical stuff that you have to learn just to get them to go, Uillean pipes because of there complexity are probably the most difficult pipes top set up but you WILL be able to learn.
3 basic learning principles that I have found to be true fore me,
1 You learn by doing
2 Enjoy your learning; if your not enjoying it stop and try again later
3 A little regularly is better than a lot infrequently.
You are at the start of a great journey into your musicality, which (if your lucky) will not stop till your dust.
Good luck
PP
# Posted on March 23rd 2004 by Pied Piper
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
Edja,
There's a guy at our session who can't be more than 23 who's pretty nifty with the pipes (and a whistle or two), so I'm sure you can get something out of them in the short span of life remaining to you.
Go for it - if you can pony up the dough (the practice sets I've seen advertised don't come cheap, and I don't suppose the Chinese have started making a discount version yet).
Like you, I've always been a huge fan - I was saying to someone just the other day it has to be the best instrument to finish a set of tunes on (followed closely by whistle, then fiddle we decided) since you can put such nuances into a single note.
Mind you, you'll be putting in a few late nights practicing if you want to catch up with the likes of yer maun Spillane.
# Posted on March 23rd 2004 by bc_box_player
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
Haha Laios? Isn't there some ackronym or something that spells out Buffolo, ahh sure maybe Im just thinking that.
But about the piping thing, I seem to notice most people start on the pipes further on in life than at a young age.
Just my two cents worth.
AHHH, I just wish Seth would hurry up with My set!
Johnathan
# Posted on March 23rd 2004 by Harper_Lad
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
Its never too late. I'm 56 and have my half set of pipes for a year with serioius practicing for the last 4 months. There are less expensive practice sets around, David Daye's penny chanter, Patrick Murray ( although he has stopped production, they pop up on ebay), Andreas Rogge in Germany, and as Harper_Lad says,Seth Gallagher here in the States. With the $/EU conversion, Seth's may be the best going around. Also join Na Piobairi Uilleann. Go to Willie Week in Milton Malby. And its not 21 years anymore, its now 7 years practice, 7 years learning, 7 years playing AND 7 years waiting for your pipes to show up.
have fun-fel
# Posted on March 23rd 2004 by I_Fel
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
One more, then I have to go to work
Check the Chiff and Fipple's web site for info, pipes to be bought and general goings on, There is also Pat D'Arcy's Uilleann Obsession page ( shameless plug, since he is part of our So Cal Pipers Club ) and the Uilleann Pipe List. all three are wonderful references for Uilleann piping.
You can pick up whistle in while waiting to get tunes in your head. At least for me,muscle memory seems to transfer over from playing pipes to whistle. Don't know about the reverse. Get the best practice set you can afford. A good chanter can always be transfered to another bag and bellows.
# Posted on March 24th 2004 by I_Fel
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
Now that I got to work-
Buy the Heather Clarke Uilleann pipe CD tutor as well as the at least the first two NPU teaching videos. Or check ScoilTrad's teaching CD with Sean Potts.
Done- had to get that out of my head
# Posted on March 24th 2004 by I_Fel
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
I was almost 31 when I started Irish flute with no classical training in my past and I live 3,000 miles across the pond from Ireland. Three years have gone by and things are progressing well. It takes a ton of time and dedication. Being obesessive-compulsive is also a plus. But it's been really fun and I don't regret it. So don't worry about the age thing. I know a wonderful piper and pipe maker who didn't start playing the pipes until he was 29. You may live far from a pipe teacher, but you *do* live in Ireland, you lucky man : )
If you decide to really go for it, a practice set will become available from somewhere, somehow. I have piper friends who have financed their pipes and/or borrowed pipes....when there's a will, there's always a way.......best of luck!
Joyce
# Posted on March 24th 2004 by JMH
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
Edja -- no, it's not too late -- it's never too late to enjoy trying something you've always wanted to do! You go, girl! Try taking up the whistle until you've saved up enough for your first set. While not the same, the fingerings are similar enough that you can get a headstart on it, and you'll have an idea of the effect of wind and pressure upon the tone and phrasing. Def hang out at the uilleann pipe chat boards and such, and keep an eye out for used sets to buy.
Buy the very best set you can find, too -- cheapos aren't worth the heartache, and they'll be very discouraging to play because a horrible instrument is very difficult to play and make it sound good.
Have fun! Otherwise, why do it at all?
Good luck!
# Posted on March 24th 2004 by Zina Lee
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
Oh, good, I guess that means it not too late for me either, right?
Man, that would be so much fun to play, but they sure do cost a lot. Maybe if I start saving now, I can have enough by the time I go to college.
BTW -- every piper I know plays low whistle too. Why?
-Max
# Posted on March 24th 2004 by Max Becher
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
Because they're very similar to the chanter, Max, though sometimes a bit more of a reach and the fingerings are slightly different. Almost every piper usually plays the whistle as well -- it's an easy transfer, you see.
Max -- try this. Open a savings account JUST for your uilleann pipe fund. Every month or so, stuff another $25 in it. NEVER touch that account. Whenever you have an extra $25 (if there's such a thing), bung it into the account. Whenever you get a gift of cash, bung it into the account. Maybe allocate 50% of all funds you make from playing music to go into the fund. By the time you hit college, you'll be able to afford your practice set, and if you've been particularly good about it, maybe even a full set.
# Posted on March 24th 2004 by Zina Lee
P.S.
Besides which, at the rate the makers make pipes, if you order them now, maybe you'll even get them by college. ;)
# Posted on March 24th 2004 by Zina Lee
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
when you are dead it will be too late... unless you are a hindu or buddhist and then just make sure you do it in your next life... I am almost thirty and at the pipes a year now and it is well worth the work/poverty/frustration/skin welts/burst blood vessels
# Posted on March 24th 2004 by mackers
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
Lads,
Thanks for the encouragement! I think I'll start putting little bits aside!
Zina_Lee - just to let you know, I'm a fella!!!
# Posted on March 24th 2004 by Edja
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
Oooops...sorry, Edja! LOL Well, you go anyway, dude. *smirk*
# Posted on March 24th 2004 by Zina Lee
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
There are some very good practice sets available that won't break the bank. We picked up a loaner set for our session, so everyone who wants to can give it a try. We got a Patrick Murray practice set for $380 USD. It plays well in tune, has good tone, and is loud enough to cut thru at the session.
# Posted on March 24th 2004 by Will CPT
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
Really! I'll have to keep that in mind, Will...there ya go, boys. That'd only take a year and a half of saving up.
# Posted on March 24th 2004 by Zina Lee
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
I should clarify that the Murray set was used (but in excellent condition). Keep an eye on ebay, and over at the chafing nipples uillean board.
# Posted on March 24th 2004 by Will CPT
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
Yeah, I should start saving now. I've gone back and forth wanting to play the pipes for quite a while now. First, I guess I should find someone down here that plays them, so I can take a look, and make sure it's for me. Too expensive to take chances, like with a whistle.
-Max
# Posted on March 24th 2004 by Max Becher
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
No. Contact these people immediately:
http://www.pipers.ie/en/default.lasso
and ask for their help in finding an instructor and a practice set. You may have to travel to Dublin for lessons.
And if you don't play the whistle, start immediately. It's a great learning tool for pipes as well as an instrument in its own right.
You have 3 or four things in your favor - climate, location, resources, and prior musical experience. You know how hard it is to gain any proficiency on a musical instrument, so you're mentally prepared for a struggle. That's good : )
There's a reason why irish pipes are rarely seen or heard in dry, hot places - the reeds don't work! You won't have that problem in Laois, although periodic adjustments will be necessary.
And with the pipers' club, you don't have to learn in isolation like a lot of other wannabe pipers do. So go for it.
BTW - See if Brian MacNamara has time to teach, I hear he's living in Dublin these days. He's a great piper and a good teacher. You might also try Kevin Rowsome (yeah, he's a Rowsome, one of The King's grandkids).
# Posted on March 24th 2004 by Hanley
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
Hot and Dry??? Reeds in southern California during the Santa Ana winds makes you turn on the room humidifier or go back and play fiddle. By all means go find Brian McNamara- my favorite teacher. He's wonderfully adept at listening to ugly sounds and still makes you feel like you've done well during the lesson. Wonderful teacher.
# Posted on March 24th 2004 by I_Fel
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
One more comment- really
I think the reason we start later (unless you inherit $$ or pipes or both) is that they are so $$$ expensive$$ so you need a real job ( well almost a real job) to save and get some cash together.
# Posted on March 24th 2004 by I_Fel
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
Yeah, that's the problem. I don't have a real job. Thanks for the link, cthuilleannpiper. I will contact them ASAP. I have been playing the whistle for more than a year now, and the low whistle for about 8 months.
-Max
# Posted on March 24th 2004 by Max Becher
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
My original post was directed at Edja, not Max. Sorry for the confusion.
don't be too discouraged, Max, but you should get a room humidifier if you're gonna play pipes in SoCal. You should also contact the Southern California Pipers' Club and the Seattle Club if you haven't talked to them yet. Keep at the whistle and try to score the cash by any legal means at your disposal, it won't be easy but you can do it.
SoCal Piper's club site is linked to the notorious Uilleann Pipes Obsession Page http://www.uilleannobsession.com. In fact most anything to do with piping, including links to all of the various piping clubs around the world, can be found there. Pat D'Arcy created a tremendous resource for all us disciples of the evil octopus, many thanks to him for that.
# Posted on March 24th 2004 by Hanley
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
We just discussed this same topic recently over at the Chiff and Fipple - you would be amazed how many of us started in our 30's
Check it out
http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?t=17437&highlight=age
Jeff
# Posted on March 24th 2004 by anima
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
Lads - the responses here have been most encouraging! Thanks a million for your time!
Nw, when do I get paid again?...........
# Posted on March 24th 2004 by Edja
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
Oh course there's always the "American" way of getting the things you want: Buy now, pay later. Seriously, I would have to take out a home equity loan if I was ever to put myself on David & Benedict's waiting list for a set of pipes : )
But I know it would be worth it!
Joyce
# Posted on March 25th 2004 by JMH
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
time to pony up the big (pick monetary unit of choice): There is a Koehler and Quinn 3/4 B set on sale, NOW, for $8K. see the chiff and fipple site. Really big SIGH
If you have to ask...etc... So we don't eat for a really long while and I can ride my road bike to work.
# Posted on March 25th 2004 by I_Fel
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
the person who ends up with that set will be very lucky indeed!
# Posted on March 25th 2004 by JMH
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
how does a newbie flute player know this? I live 45 minutes from their shop and have been very lucky to attend their house sessions...joy joy joy..........
# Posted on March 25th 2004 by JMH
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
"My original post was directed at Edja, not Max. Sorry for the confusion."
Oops. Duuuh. There I go again, assuming that the world revolves around me.
-Max
# Posted on March 25th 2004 by Max Becher
Re: Uileann Pipes...too late?
just to add my two sense
Playing is for your heart and your spirit...and of course that's timeless and priceless. I'm taking my first pipe lesson at 41 next week and I can't begin to describe the joy and happiness that I'm feeling.
cheers
jenn
# Posted on March 28th 2004 by jenaceae