Tuition
I’ve never played a musical instrument, will this be a problem?
Absolutely NOT! Amber has vast experience teaching complete beginners how to play the bagpipe! Trust Amber and the process, and you’ll be proficient on the bagpipes in no time!
Do I learn on the Bagpipe?
No; as the bagpipe is such a physically and mentally challenge instrument, we learn all the fundamentals on the practise chanter – which is a mouth blown chanter similar looking to a recorder. These range in price from $80-$500, made from plastic or blackwood and use a double bladed plastic reed to make a sound.
When do I get Bagpipes?
Amber likes her pupils to have 5 bagpipe tunes committed to memory (as in, you can play them proficiently without the music and along with Amber) before moving onto pipes. How long this process takes depends entirely on the individual- ranging from 6 months to 3 years. Amber has a firm belief that everyone individual learns at their own pace, and as long as they are following the process at home and enjoying their lessons then time does not matter!
What are the different parts of the bagpipe?
Please come back soon
Do you need big lungs to play the bagpipes?
Absolutely not- the bagpipe has an extra air chamber for you – the bag! Most bagpipers tend to breathe from their diaphragms too so don’t stress about this! Also, asthma suffers find that the constant blowing does help develop their lung muscles!
How hard is it?
How long is a piece of string? Like everything in life; if it was easy everyone would be doing it! If you are true to yourself and to your practise, this will only be as hard as learning any other new skill. Learning the bagpipes requires regular practises – not long practise sessions- as most of the technique is muscle memory which is acquired by repetition.
Where do lessons take place?
Amber teaches at Ballarat Grammar during the school days, where some private lessons take place and she is also available to come to you.
How do we pay you for lessons?
Lessons can be paid for in cash on the day, or bank transfer before the lesson.
Piper for Hire
How much will it cost to hire Amber for my wedding/event?
Prices are tailored for your event, so please do get in contact for an exact quote.
Up to 15 minutes; $150
Up to 30 minutes, $180
Up to 1 hour $200
Up to 2 hours $250
Above 2 hours, please contact us.
How do we incorporate Amber bagpipes into our event?
Wedding
- As the guests arrive at the wedding ceremony.
- Piping the bride down the aisle.
- During the wedding ceremony (e.g. the lighting of candles or signing of the register)
- As the guests arrive at the reception venue.
- Piping the guests into wedding dinner & Leading the bridal party to the top table.
- Playing whilst you cut your wedding cake.
Funeral
Piper performs outside as the funeral procession arrives at church, as the casket or urn is taken into church and guests enter, or simply as a prelude while guests arrive (if not coming in procession.)
Piper performs as casket or urn is taken to hearse and as guests exit.
Piper performs as guests gather at the cemetery.
Piper performs a final farewell tune, usually ‘Amazing Grace’ after the graveside benediction. Other tunes are also available for this if ‘Amazing Grace’ is not desired.
Events
Piping as guests, clients, prospective clients or employers arrive
Piping at the start of a corporate dinner
Piping official party in.
Piping as guests leave
Piping for Christmas parties
Piping for product launches and promotional events
Piping at Open Days
Piping for business conferences or presentations
Burns celebrations – piping in the haggis
Hogmanay (New Years Ever) Piping at the Bells
I don’t know bagpipe music, what are traditional tunes for my wedding, funeral or event?
Weddings
Mairi’s Wedding
Highland Cathedral
Theme from Braveheart
Amazing Grace
Scotland the Brave
Funerals
Amazing Grace
Going Home
Flowers of the Forest
The Mist Covered Mountains
Can I request tunes? And can you play any Pop tunes?
Of course! Amber enjoys a challenge and will endeavour to cover any pop tune you wish! She has been asked to pipe a bride down the aisle to ‘Time of my Life’ from Dirty Dancing, appeared on ABC Radio playing ‘Sweet Dreams’ by the Eurythmics.
Flower of Scotland
Auld Lang Syne
Happy Birthday
Mull of Kintyre – Paul McCartney
The Gael (Last of the Mohicans)
You’re the Voice – John Farnham
It’s a Long Way to the Top – ACDC
Wake me up – Aviccii
We Will Rock you – Queen
Pachabels Canon
Most Christmas Carols
What will Amber wear?
Amber always attends events in immaculate Traditional Highland Dress, unless otherwise requested. Please see pictures for examples.
How far can Amber travel for events?
Amber has travelled all over the world as a bagpiper. All travel expenses will be reflected in the price.
How do we pay for our event?
Amber requests a $50 non refundable deposit to secure your date. This can be paid by bank transfer, cheque or cash. The remaining balance is due on or before the day of your event. If you require an invoice please request one.