The Keydet Teacher

To my knowledge, I am the only GHB teacher in western Maine (please correct me if you know otherwise). I start students from scratch and also teach pipers who have played before. I believe that a true piper must be taught properly, and I teach the way I was taught: with careful attention to the right way to play things, preventing bad habits from starting. This page gives my approach to instruction.

How often are lessons?

Lessons are generally once a week. Beginning pipers will last about 30 minutes, and more advanced pipers can expect a lesson to last an hour. Regardless of your level, you should expect to have homework when you leave.

When and where are lessons?

I teach piping and physics in the same classroom at Fryeburg Academy in Fryeburg, Maine. Physics lessons start at 8:00 am weekdays (click here for more information about getting into my physics class). Piping lessons take place in the afternoons and evenings during the week, and on weekends if I'm around. Contact me and we'll work out a time that is good for both of us.

How much do lessons cost?

My rates are $15 for a 30 minute lesson or $25 for an hour lesson. The first lesson for beginning pipers is free. I charge $75 plus travel expenses for a two-hour band workshop.

What will I learn first?

You'll start the way I did, with a sheet of excercises and basic finger movements that you will learn on the practice chanter. Once you have these mastered you'll learn a slow air for your first tune and we'll move on to more advanced exercises and other tunes.

How often should I practice?

For the first few months, I would like you to practice 15-30 minutes EVERY DAY, though I certainly won't stop you from playing more. At the early stage you I would rather you practice for a short time every day than for an hour at a time twice a week. Once you are on pipes you should play them three or four times a week (it's not good for them to sit without being played), and during competition season you should play an hour or so every day.

Are you a mean teacher?

Only if you don't practice.