Lessons
Whether this is your first time taking any kind of music lessons or you are an experienced piano player, everyone starts somewhere. The first step in learning the bagpipe is to learn notes, finger movements, exercises, and a few wee tunes on something called a practice chanter. Most people will play exclusively on their practice chanter for about 6 months to a year. After a few benchmarks have been passed, students will move on to purchasing a full size bagpipe. Practice chanters are essential in every bagpipers life, even for those who have been playing for years. Every new tune is learned on the practice chanter and then perfected on the full size bagpipe.
“A good Scottish made practice chanter runs around $75. A good Scottish made full size bagpipe runs around $1,000-$1,300. The good news is that you don’t have to commit to the $1,300 purchase until about 1 year of practice.”
First Lesson : $20 (reduced price)
Wheaton believes that a coach and a trainee must mesh well and want to work together. That is why your very first 40 minute lesson is at a reduced price.
CHANTER : You must have a good Scottish or U.S. made practice chanter in hand for your first lesson. Visit www.ClaymoreImports.com to purchase your chanter. If you are local to AZ you can visit Claymore Imports in Scottsdale.
LESSON BOOK : Wheaton recommends the College of Piping “Tutor Book 1” or The Piping Centre “Tutor Book 1”
WHAT YOU WILL DO : Your first lesson will be learning how to hold the chanter properly, proper finger position as well as learning the "scale" which means learning all 9 notes and how to make them sound correct.
Second Lesson : Scroll to bottom to view prices
CHANTER : Wheaton recommends that before your first lesson you purchase a name brand Scottish made practice chanter. Wheaton's father owns a kilt and bagpipe store in Scottsdale and can help you pick out the right chanter for you. Do not buy a cheap knock off, it must be name brand. McCallum, R.G. Hardie, St. Kilda, Naill, Dunbar, Shepherd, etc. It does not matter if it is wood or plastic, both are good as long as it bears a good name brand. Check out my blog called "How To Choose Your First Practice Chanter".
LESSON BOOK : The College of Piping has an awesome app that lets you download the most popular lesson book of all time. The current cost is about $20 and is available in the App Store and Google Play Store.
WHAT YOU WILL DO : During your second lesson you will continue to work on proper posture, proper finger positions and the basic 9 note scale. You will likely learn something called "grace notes" and will explore different exercises.
Third, Fourth, Fifth Lesson - etc. :
Everyone moves along at their own pace. Everyone has different learning abilities, goals, and gifts.
Do you want to play for a special event soon?
Do you want to enter into a solo competition?
Do you want to play with a marching band or rock band?
Do you simply want a new hobby & increase brain function?
Wheaton will help you discover your pace and will encourage you to set goals and will follow up with you to make sure you have met them.
Prices
40 Minute Private Lessons (FaceTime or Skype)
First Private FaceTime Lesson : $20 (reduced price) - 40 minutes
1 x Private Lesson : $40 - 40 minutes
4 x Private Lesson Bundle : $160
60 Minute Private Lessons (FaceTime or Skype)
First Private FaceTime Lesson : $20 (reduced price) - 40 minutes
1 x Private Lesson : $50 - 60 minutes
4 x Private Lesson Bundle : $200
60 Minute Private Lesson at your place of business or your home.
Wheaton does travel to give private one to one & group lessons during the week Monday to Friday in the mornings & afternoons. Prices start at $95* an hour for North Phoenix and North East Peoria. Additional fees apply for locations outside of 10 miles, call or text for quote.
Payment Metods
Apple Pay, Venmo, Zelle
Location
Wheaton is currently located in Phoenix, AZ but does lessons via FaceTime or Skype. Wheaton will travel to your location in The Valley at a starting rate of $95*.
Available Time Slots
2024 - 2025
Monday - Saturday**
**Saturday 1 hour lessons start at a rate of $95* (virtual or travel in person)
Whether you need mornings, lunch time, after noon, just give Wheaton a call, text, or email to discuss time slots.
“While learning to play an instrument as a child provides life-long benefits to the brain, taking music lessons in your 60s – or older – can boost your brain’s health as well, helping to decrease loss of memory and cognitive function. ”
*Wheaton charges an added fee for traveling bagpipe lessons that are more than 10 miles away from his location. This added fee is to cover the cost of fuel/travel time and will vary based on time of day, day of the week, as well as distance. Please reach out to Wheaton for a quote.