Where young pipers find their sound.
A youth piping programme in Oban, built on understanding music, finding your own style, and playing with real feeling. Six groups, one high standard.
New here? Come along for a free taster Thursday — no cost, no commitment.
Thursday nights, every week
Six groups, one path.
I place every pupil where they'll feel confident and challenged. Everyone starts on the chanter and grows into the pipes at their own pace, with the next step always in reach.
On the chanter
First notes on the chanter, and reading music from day one.
Embellishments, control and timing. Music reading getting stronger.
New styles, listening skills, and getting ready for the pipes.
On the bagpipes
The big step to the bagpipes: steady sound, stamina, the full instrument.
Expression, technique, and the confidence to play out.
Complex tunes, other styles, and writing music of their own.
One Thursday evening at Oban Pipe Band Hall, term time. Every pupil comes for their own group's slot.
We don't just copy.
We learn to interpret, express and enjoy music.
The aim is to create well-rounded musicians who enjoy the process of learning and playing music: musical, not mechanical. Here is what that looks like in a lesson.
Understand the music
I teach pupils to read the notes from day one, not just mimic someone else. It sticks, and it guides every new tune they meet.
Find your own style
Room to interpret, phrase, and even compose. The tune is theirs to play, not just a pattern to copy back.
Guided by the pupil
Progress at your own pace, and have a say in the tunes we learn. My goal is to foster independence and enjoyment, so players can explore the music for themselves.
A real standard
Warm, but never soft on the craft. Clean technique and honest feedback, with performances to play towards.
Practice doesn't stop at the door.
Every pupil gets their own members area: the tunes to play along with, a practice log to keep the streak going, and a way to record a clip and send it straight to me for feedback. One place, any phone.
Our young chanter players, in front of sixty people at the first Etive Showcase, playing the tunes they'd just learned. Then they watched the older groups take the stage, and saw exactly where all this leads.
Don't take my word for it.
“My son is so lucky to be part of this amazing wee group of musicians. The teaching, support and mentoring is top class!”
“This is a fantastic group that is really inclusive whether you're just starting out on the chanter or have been playing the pipes a while.”
“Very well organised with goals and targets for them to achieve. Their successes are recognised and celebrated.”
Before you ask.
The things parents ask most, answered straight. Anything else, just ask.
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