Aaron McInnes
Piper, teacher, and founder of Etive Pipers.
My Story
I picked up my first chanter at seven years old and never really put it down.
Growing up in Oban, I was lucky to learn from some exceptional pipers. Iain Hurst, Angus MacLennan, and more than ten years of private lessons with Angus MacColl shaped not just how I play, but how I think about piping. The music of Argyll has something special about it: a rawness and drive rooted in feel and musicality as much as technique, and that’s always stayed with me.
Along the way I won the Duke’s Medal twice, reached the finals of the MacGregor Memorial, and was named Oban Rotary Musician of the Year. I served as Pipe Sergeant with Oban High School Pipe Band, and I continue to play with the Oban Pipe Band. I’ve performed at Highland Games, recitals, weddings, and spent several years as piper to the Scotland China Education Network.
I love performing. But my favourite part of piping has never been the stage. It’s always been the teaching.
How I Teach
Every pupil at Etive Pipers learns to read music from day one. That’s where it all starts. Understanding the music on the page gives you the foundation to go anywhere with the instrument, and it’s something I put at the heart of everything we do.
From there, pupils progress through a structured pathway with clear goals at each stage. Traditional methods have their place, and I use them where they make sense. But I also want pupils to understand what they’re playing and why, to develop their ear, and to start making musical decisions for themselves. My background in psychology and primary education has shaped this. I’m drawn to child-led approaches where a pupil’s curiosity drives the learning, and my job is to ask the right questions and open doors.
What that looks like is different for everyone, and that’s exactly as it should be. For some pupils, competition sharpens their focus and gives them something to aim for. Several of my pupils are now placing at the top of junior competitions across Scotland. For others, the highlights are performing at events, playing in a group, or the creative side of the instrument: writing their own tunes, experimenting with harmony, playing alongside other musicians.
There’s a whole world in piping. I want every pupil to find their corner of it, and to have the skills and confidence to make it their own.
Thursday Evening Classes for young people in Oban
Open to ages 7–16, from complete beginners to confident pipers. If that sounds like the right fit for your child, I’d love to hear from you.
- Ages 7–16
- All levels welcome
- £5–7 per session