To begin your Bagpipe learning experience, there are 5 things you will need:
1. A strong desire to learn.
2. An instructor.
3. A practice chanter.
4. An instruction book.
5. Time for, and dedication to regular practice.

1. Some desire, you must already have, or you wouldn't be here. But do remember that 90% of all who begin the journey into Bagpiping will drop out before they learn thier first 3 tunes. So you may wish to consider whether Piping is something you feel a "calling" for, or if it's just a passing fantasy.

2. Your instructor will be your best friend when it comes to your learning experience. It is strongly recommended that you find a Bagpipe instructor in your area. As this website continues to progress, there will be an increasing list of Bagpipe instructors and assistant instructors in various areas, as well as instructors and assistant instructors who are willing to conduct remote lessons, if you are unable to find an instructor in your area. A couple things to consider:

A. Different instructors may have different agendas. Some may have a specific band in mind, others may wish to groom you for competition, etc. Basic instruction will be pretty much the same, no matter what the goal. As you progress, you may find that your goals are different from your instructor's goals for you. It is good to communicate your intentions, and find out if your instructor can, and is willing to train you in the direction of your goals. If not, it may be time to consider a different instructor.

B. You should find an instructor whom you get along with. If you find a strong personality conflict with an instructor you have chosen, and it is affecting your learning experience, you may wish to move on.

C. If you feel that your instructor is working you too hard, this is not a legitimate "personality conflict." The Great Highland Bagpipe is considered to be the most difficult musical instrument in the world to learn correctly. If your instructor isn't pushing you to your limits, you'll probably never learn much.

3. Your practice chanter is where you will learn your tunes. Any instructor woth his salt will tell you not to even attempt to play tunes on the "Big Pipes" until you have learned at least 3, preferably 5 or 6 tunes proficiently on the practice chanter. But it doesn't stop there: Your practice chanter will be with you for the duration of your Piping career. You will continue to use it to learn tunes, carry it from place to place for practice, play it in times and places where you cannot play the "Big Pipes."

4. Your instruction book is where you will find your basic instruction in hard-copy. Your instructor and instruction book will work hand-in-hand. Your instructor will have a preference of which book he will prefer you to purchase. Most will prefer you to purchase the College of Piping Tutor vol. I. AKA, "The Green Book."

It is possible to teach yourself to play the Bagpipes up to a certain point, having only a practice chanter and instruction book. But if your're serious, at some point you are going to need an instructor to teach you the things you cannot hear, and cannot be conveyed through text only.

5. Practice is something you are going to have to do entirely on your own. No instructor can give you self-discipline or rearrange your work schedule for you.