My Experience Learning the Bagpipes with Gary

Learning the bagpipes (with no previous musical experience) is a very rewarding and satisfying experience. It is also very challenging and at times a frustrating experience. I have been playing now for almost three years and wanted to write down my thoughts about this ongoing journey. I believe the most significant decision I made in the entire process was who I picked as my instructor…..Gary Guth. Looking back on the whole bagpipe learning experience, I can unequivocally say Gary made the difference in my success rather than my possible failure.

During my time with Gary, I have experienced his remarkable teaching skills and knowledge. Gary also has displayed great patience with me and an ability to keep me motivated when this instrument offers it’s biggest challenges. I have found these two qualities in him an absolute necessity for my bagpipe journey. Somewhere on this journey, I had something happen to me that I will always cherish: Gary became my friend and bagpipe mentor. Thanks Gary!

Frank Sharpe-Denver, NC

Gary, thank you for all you do.  You are such an inspiration to me, you have so much knowledge, talent, patience, and a seemlessly way to convey that to your students!  Thank you,

Carol Johnson-Jefferson, GA

I’ve been reading some of your blogs as they seem to always come at the right time!!! Like air efficiency a few months back, or the recent one I read learning a new tune. I use to be intimidated by new tunes but I think I get excited by them now, the challenge, indentifying the patterns and starting off slowly. I’ve been back playing for 18months and can easily read sheet music now and break down sun pulses etc. i am working on developing my repertoire which I guess just takes time, consistency and patience!! I started a jig called Donella Beaton and at first was quite overwhelmed but there are so many consistent patterns that by nailing the first part has opened up the next 3 quite quickly.

I am finding now that when I start on a new tune the process of getting through the first bar, phrase, line, part is happening quicker, probably due to the understanding of the Rhythm, patterns, and timing. Thanks again for the blogs they are great!!! I have been working on a few of my own tunes and am able to maintain my pipes so I am almost a Bagpiper!!!

 Jeremy Suggett-Sydney, Australia

I just wanted to take the time to thank you. I know you get paid and this is your job, but it’s been a long time since I’ve been really excited about something and I see myself getting a little better than the previous day. Especially in times like this, playing my chanter is one of the best parts of my day and I look forward to it. Anyway, thank you. We would all be a lot better if there were more understanding and patient people like yourself in the world and I just want to thank you for what you do and for putting up with me sometimes.

Chris Gomez-Desert Hot Springs, CA

Anna Campbell-San Angelo, TX