Learner Piper Syllabus, Parts 1 & 2
Learning & Teaching
Hints for Learner Pipers
Drumming

1. A logical and progressive approach to teaching piping is aimed at. It is envisaged that the avoidance of learning too many purely finger exercises will be achieved, and that learners will quickly progress to playing simple tunes.
2. Once the scale and "Throw on D" exercises are successfully accomplished by the learner, then a simple tune will be presented. This will not be and exercise tune, but rather one which the band is playing.
3. Progressively more difficult tunes will be introduced, as each new fingering technique is mastered. These tunes will all be band repertoire tunes. Gracenotes, doublings, etc., will be learnt as they arise in these tunes, and from exercises provided by each individual tutor.
4. Band tutors will use their judgement as to when a learner is competent to progress to the next phase of instruction.
5. Emphasis must be placed on the learner fully mastering a stage before progressing.
6. Learners will progress to a new tune only by their own efforts.
7. It is important that learners concentrate early on sight-reading of music; and beating time to music with their feet.
8. Learners should understand that band tutors can demonstrate fingerings/techniques and provide help with exercises, tune timing/phrasing, etc., but cannot spend too much time with learners on band practice nights.
9. The responsibility is the learner piper's, to practice and master those assigned exercises/tunes at home.

1. Place fingers correctly on practice chanter, fingers straight.
2. Play basic scale fluently, both up and down, avoid crossing noises.
3. Beat feet while playing scale up and down, foot should hit the ground as each note is played.
4. Play various note sequences fluently from music, beating time with both feet.
5. Learn how to play "Throw on D."
6. Master first tune with emphasis on accuracy and correct timing. Play the tune slowly and correctly, beating time with feet.
7. Play basic gracenotes (g, d, e) on all relevant scale notes. Single and multiple gracenotes played as note is changed.
8. Master next band tune. Begin to blow bagpipes, striking-in, and attempting to keep a steady drone sound.
9. Master next tune, beating time to it.
10. Begin to appreciate different tune timings, note values and emphasis.
11. Master each new fingering movement as they are presented in new tunes, before progressing. continue to attempt to play those tunes properly learnt, on the bagpipes.
12. Learn how to march correctly while playing pipes. (See Band Administration section.)

At TMPD, we believe that the teaching of basic piping and drumming skills is extremely important and that it is the responsibility of each and every musician to pass on to aspiring musicians the skills learned from our predecessors.

Our approach has been developed over several years and the syllabus is documented to provide each learner with a clear and consistent progression of musical growth from scales and fingering on a chanter, past the first tune, around grace notes, through "throws on D", under a birl or two, and over a variety of doublings and, finally, onto the pipes.

It leads beginner pipers to "Blue Bells" and the "Marine Corps Hymn" and on down a list of approximately a dozen tunes within the first year. Each tune provides another musical element while reinforcing previous skills and expanding a learner's repertoire as quickly as is practical while ensuring the correct technical/musical skills are mastered. After several years our pipers should have about 80 tunes "under control."

Each practice contains time with pipers and learners, all with practice chanters around the practice table, with band members at comparable levels of ability. Toes are tapped to keep time, all the time, every time. The more experienced players work with the learners, passing on skills and experience.

At the same time, drummers use their drum sticks and practice pads, working with the standard Army Massed Band beatings.

Our piping manual contains information about the tuning of pipes and marching. These skills are reinforced during the second part of each practice when we practice tunes on our pipes while marching, with the learners "droning" or playing their chanters, as their experience allows. "Droning" is the playing of ones pipes with sufficient wind to play the drones, but not the chanter. during this latter part of the practice, the drummers join in providing the necessary rhythm to draw the pipers into a productive and coherent musical unit.

Following each practice, we generally retire "downstairs" for a social discussion of pipes and piping, drums and drumming, band lore and other tall stories.

At TMPD, we have a graduated approach to learning not only the music, but also the piping, drumming and marching skills needed to mould productive pipers and drummers. And we have fun while we do it!

• Learning to play bagpipes requires an enormous commitment and dedication in terms of focus, time and repetition. As a learner, you need to allocate at least one hour per day to chanter practice. Only you can make yourself practice. Daily practicing may be divided into two half hour periods - but get into the habit of chanter practice every day. It is not fair to yourself, your piping instructor, or your band if you do not make this effort. You must ecide on this basis if piping is really for you.
• The initial exercise stage in learning to play bagpipes is the most important for any learner. coordination and sight reading of music are the principal techniques which must be mastered before you can hope to make a useful contribution to your band. nly by taking your time, exercising slowly, accurately, repetitevely and regularly will you master the instrument.
• Always thoroughly master one step at a time, before moving to the next. do not be tempted to race through allocated exercises / tunes "to get to the next one". If you start off by hashing your finger work, you will never break your bad habits and, at best, will be a mediocre player.
• Regular, timely attendance at all band practice sessions is necessary for you to make steady progress in piping.
• You should never forget to regularly revise any exercises / tunes which you are assigned from the day you start to learn pipes.
• As you progress to playing pipes in the band, consider the following factors:
  • Are you competent to play with the band?
  • Will your musical contribution to the band enhance, or detract from, the band's overall performance?
• Often a band will use "dummy", or learner pipers to fill ranks. While sometimes this practice cannot be avoided, no one should expect to play in the band if his or her performance is not satisfactory in terms of the band's musical standard, whether that individual has previously "played" as a member of the band or not.

There are three types of drums used in a pipe band. These are Bass Drum, Side or Snare Drum and Tenor Drum.

Usually only one of these is carried by a pipe band. It is a very important instrument in the band because it:

a) Signals all music starts and stops.

b) Gives a steady rhythmic beat to keep time for other band musicians.

It is the heaviest drum and requires both strength and a good sense of rhythm in it's carrier.

This drum is carried in the centre of the band, behind the last row of pipers, and in front of the drum section.

A ration of one side drum per three or four pipers is the norm for most pipe bands. Side drummers provide a rhythmical complement to the pipe section, which involves playing a variety of beatings in a controlled manner, according to the tune being played. Pipe band snare drummers are amongst the best drummers anywhere.

Side drummers form the last row in a pipe band.

Two types of tenor drums are played in pipe bands:

a) Swinging Tenor - in which the tenor drum sticks are swung or flourished in coordinated movements, while rarely striking the drum; to add "spectacle" to a pipe band.

b) Alto Tenor - in which the drum is played in tandem with the bass drum to add should to the band. Not all bands either want or need an alto tenor drummer. There are usually from two to four swinging tenor drummers in an average size pipe band.

The Tenor drummer occupy the row between the bass and side drummers.

As with learning any musical instrument, learner drummers have to be dedicated to the task. They must be fully prepared to devote at least one hour per day - every day - to practice.

Equipment needed for practice:

1) Bass drummer - a pair of bass drum sticks and an open door.

2) Side drummer - a pair of snare drum sticks and a practice pad.

3) Tenor drumer - a pair of tenor drum sticks.

A tape recorder is very useful for playing drum beatings or pipe music while practicing drum exercises.

Usually the drummer provides the above items, while uniforms, equipment, and tuition are provided by the band.