My history with music & the bagpipes
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I started playing the bagpipes in 1996 while attending Wasatch Academy in Mt. Pleasant Utah. It is funny how one can fall into a talent. I was late signing up for my fine arts course and had two classes to choose from, bagpipes and knitting. After some deep thought and careful consideration, I settled on the bagpipes. At the end of the school year, I played the graduating class to commencement with my instructor, kilted and on a full set of bagpipes. With dedicated practice, this is an instrument that can be learned quickly.
My family has a strong musical background. My grandmother was a master piano teacher specializing in two piano work and my great-grandmother was a coloratura and sang at Carnegie Hall. I myself was active with the Arizona Children's Choir in my youth. When the Arizona Opera company needed children for a performance, we were the choir they turned to. I had the privilege to perform in Tosca and La Boheme.
I decided to attend St. Andrews college in North Carolina where one of the most prestigious pipe bands in the country is located. It was there that I really came into my own on the pipes. The opportunity to compete at the grade three level was a wonderful challenge and winning grade three competitions was quite the thrill.
Over the last twenty-five years, I have had the privilege to perform and compete with some of the most successful pipe bands in the country. I took my first student in 2000 and have been teaching ever since. In that time, I have developed a unique approach to teaching that ensures a strong foundation and quick progress. In recent years I have taught the bagpipes at McCallie Prep School in Chattanooga TN and am the official bagpiper for the McLemore Country Club.
I have competed with distinction all over the United States and am currently a Grade 1 level piper. As such, the quality of my performance from tuning to playing ability will be flawless. I take every performance seriously and realize that my inclusion in an event extends beyond the music; I am there to create a distinguished atmosphere. You can rest assured that every aspect of my performance will meet and exceed your expectations.
Are the bagpipes hard to play?
Yes and no. As with any instrument, it takes a lot of work to become proficient. With regard to the music theory behind the bagpipes, it is pretty simple. There are only nine notes to learn, no sharps or flats and no cords. This means that what you have to learn is not as involved, but learning these simple elements until they are second nature is paramount to becoming a competent piper. The transition from the practice chanter to the bagpipe takes a little getting used to because you have to think about the mechanics of playing the bagpipes and music at the same time. Long story short, this instrument is one that anyone can play if he or she has the time and drive to practice.
How long does it take to learn the bagpipes?
Not as long as you might think. It took me about eight months to be competent enough to perform at an event. Many of my students who really have the drive to practice daily are capable pipers within one year. An aspiring bagpiper starts on the practice chanter, a small, quiet instrument before graduating to a full set of bagpipes when they are ready.
What does a bagpiper usually play at an event?
That depends on the nature of the event. The bagpipes can have such an impact on the audience, whether it is a celebration or a more somber occasion. When I play at a funeral, Amazing Grace on the bagpipes is the most common request. When playing at a wedding, there are a lot of great marches to choose from, and yes, " Here Comes the Bride" is in my repertoire. If you have a special tune that you would like to here at your event, let me know. If it is playable on the bagpipes, it will be ready for your special day.
There are few events where the bagpipes are played that have as dramatic an impact on those in attendance than a funeral. The responsibility of the piper to provide a performance of exceptional quality is paramount. Having played at over a hundred funerals, Michael has the experience and repertoire to ensure that his performance will have the desired impact. Generally, Michael will play as the casket is being taken to the grave site and then again during or at the end of the service. Whatever expectations you have of the bagpipes at the service will be accommodated.
Michael has performed the bagpipes at funerals ranging from the small and intimate to large events with media coverage. Over the years he has developed relationships with fire departments, military, and police departments and considers it an honor to provide a unique send off for people who have given so much service through their lives. Michael is more than happy to give discounts to the families of those who have served with such distinction.
Michael takes his performance at a funeral very seriously. The responsibility of the bagpiper extends beyond the music. Standing perfectly still at attention during the funeral is important to add the air of formality and distinction is important. Even after the funeral is over, Michael will continue to stand at attention as people are leaving. As this is the final send-off for your loved ones, Michael takes his performance very seriously to ensure that the impact of the bagpipes and his presence only adds a positive impact on this unique event. The pipes will be tuned, the pipes will be played perfectly and the piper will look the part, both from the care and appearance of his attire to the nature of this standing at attention, nothing will be overlooked.
What is your fee for a performance?
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It depends on how far I have to travel and how long the performance will be. My fee generally ranges from $200 to $400. When you call, be sure to give me a sense of what impact you are hoping to have with the bagpipes. We will work together to make sure that my presence and performance has the desired effect. I am always willing to work with charitable organizations and if the price is an issue, let me know and I will try to work with you to ensure that the bagpipes can be part of your event.
Are bagpipes expensive?
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Not compared to many other instruments. To get a set of pipes that will last a lifetime and have remarkable tonal quality, the price is generally between $900 to $2000. Quality bagpipes are made of African Blackwood, one of the hardest woods in the world. With proper care of the instrument, these bagpipes are sure to be something that can be passed down through the generations. There are some people who have their pipes fitted with silver. This will certainly drive the price up, but the look and feel of a set of silver pipes is quite an experience. If ever you see a set of pipes for sale with a price range of $200 to $400, you are likely looking at a set that is not even worth that amount. This is an investment, one that will hold its value. There is no sense in wasting your money on bagpipes that are cheaply made.
Funerals
WEDDINGS
Few instruments can add to a wedding celebration like the bagpipes. From playing as the guests arrive to piping the newlyweds into there new union, the pipes are sure to have a dramatic effect. What better way to kick off the reception that with the bride and groom making a grand entrance with the bagpipes leading them into the party. Michael has played at wedding services from the conservative to the downright imaginative and the pipes are always a great compliment to the service. As always, if you have any special tunes in mind, let Michael know and if they are playable on the bagpipes, they will be ready to perform at the wedding.
When You make arrangements with Michael to have him perform at your wedding, the sky is the limit on how you want the pipes to add to your wedding. Michael does not charge by the hour or is ever in a rush to leave. Playing at the beginning of the wedding as guests arrive, piping the bride into the service and the newlyweds out, or perhaps giving a show at the reception allowing Michael to really shine with more of his fast tunes in his repertoire, the options are limitless.
One of the great aspects about the bagpipes is that there is no need for the instrument to be amplified. The bagpipes are the perfect addition to an outdoor wedding. Michael has played many weddings on the beach. While marching on sand is quite the challenge, it is well within Michael's scope of talents. Call Michael today for more information and to secure your most special of days on the calendar.
INSTRUCTION
It is never too late to learn the bagpipes. Michael has been tutoring bagpipe student for years and has an approach that ensures a strong foundation that will last a lifetime
Most people expect the bagpipes to be a very difficult instrument. As with any instrument, it does take time and effort to become an accomplished musician; the fundamentals of the bagpipes are surprisingly simple. With only nine notes, no sharps, flats or cords to learn, it is an instrument that can be learned by all.
Feeling comfortable playing the bagpipes takes a little time as there are some unique mechanics involved beyond the music alone, but once learned, it becomes second nature. Michael has developed a method to teaching the bagpipes that are efficient and ensures that the foundation of your understanding of the bagpipes is strong. Many of his students are competent within one year.
History
Michael's first experience in teaching the instrument came after only one year after learning the instrument. At the high school where he learned, his instructor Graham Baird left to continue his studies at Princeton Seminary. As his most advanced student, the responsibility to keep the program going fell to Michael. With over 15 years experience teaching the bagpipes, Michael has had the privilege to see many of his students develop into very competent pipers. One of his students has recently been accepted into the bagpipe program at the Citadel Military College and has established himself well in that program.
Michael has been given the position of Director of Bagpipes at the prestigious McCallie School in Chattanooga. With the support of the school and the interest in the program continuing to grow among the students, this is a wonderful opportunity to develop the bagpiping community in the South East. Michael has worked with people of all ages and musical backgrounds. Many of his most determined students have been in there 50's and 60's. With over a decade of experience teaching the instrument, Michael has an approach that ensures quick progress and a strong foundation
The Options
Michael offers lessons in a verity of formats that include lessons in his home, lessons in your home, or lessons online. If you live in the Chattanooga area, you will have the opportunity to meet with Michael in person. For the rest of the planet, Michael's skills as a teacher are available through video conferencing on Skype. Combined with practice sheets and other materials, taking lessons online has never been more effective. Michael has used this medium to teach for years and has had great success with online teaching.
All you will need is a practice chanter and instructional material that Michael will provide as well as special practices that he has developed to work in line with his teaching method. To give you an idea of how quickly one can develop, Michael was marching the senior class to graduation, kilted and on the pipes, only 9 months after first picking up the chanter. This instrument lends itself to fast progress and this will fuel the passion that will take you to the next level.
Please send an email or call if you have any questions.