The Average Piper probably started as an adult. They probably were taught in a traditional manner and may have spent one or more years just on the practice chanter learning embellishments. Their first tunes were probably Scots Wa Hae, High Road to Gairloch, and 79th’s Farewell to Gibraltar. I can’t imagine anything more defeating.
The Average Piper was probably taught by other Average Pipers. Both the instrument and the music remain daunting and a bit of a mystery.
The Average Piper balances piping with other priorities. Understanding and proficiency are impacted by many circumstances. When they reach outside their immediate circle, they are often overwhelmed by the number and divergence of opinions. The Average Piper deals with many frustrations.
Hang in there! Tomorrow, we begin to drill down.
This from James Ingram…I wrote this in response: Piping is a lonely endeavor. The people that participate in it are most suited for pursuits like marathon running, weight lifting or long distance motorcycle riding. The goals and the rewards are mostly personal. As an average piper that started to play late in life I want to turn back the clock and undo the bad habits, the short cuts and the sloppy techniques. If I do this, if I start over, I will become overwhelmed with my lack of technical mastery and would give up in disrepair. As it stands I soldier on, doing my best and working to be the best grade four piper I can be.
My experience does afford me the opportunity to truly stand in awe of a grade one performance. It allows me to discern between good piping and not so good piping and it makes me a better piper than 99% of the population that never took the practice chanter in hand and started down that long road. Yes I admit it I am an “Average Piper” but when I play “Amazing Grace” I bring joy, stir the heart and bring on the tears. In times like this I am the best piper they know. What could be better than that?