Information About Stuart - Bathgate teacher

Personal Description:

My name is Stuart . I am 49 years old and started to learn the bagpipes at the age of 8 when I heard someone playing at McCaig's Tower in Oban one summer night whilst on holiday and begged my dad to buy me my first practice chanter the next morning which he duly did. Upon return from Oban I very quickly enroled at Cumbernauld Caledonia Pipe Band for lessons. I progressed very quickly and was competing with the band aged 10. My ability soon outgrew the Cumbernauld band and I moved to Denny & Dunipace when I was 13 where I quickly went through the ranks ulimately being promoted to the Grade 1 band aged 16. I was also competing in solo competitions from the age of 10 in chanter competitions and quickly on to the actual bagpipes where I was very rarely out of the prize list. Over the years I managed to win various prestigious solo competitions and decided to try and further my craft further so attended yet more private tuition at the College of Piping in Glasgow and for many years attended a week long summer school in Bridge of Allan tutored by many of the top pipers still competing today. It was at this summer school that I was extended the invitation to audition for a place in the Power of Scotland Pipe Band which was one of the top bands in the World. I auditioned and was accepted and without hesitation accepted their invitation. After a few years though as I started working and was in a serious relationship with my then girlfriend the travelling through to Glasgow 2-3 times per week week started to become a bit of an issue as I still hadn't learned to drive. I decided to take a year out from competing but really missed it. I decided to go through to the World Championships in 1995 which were at Scotstoun as soon as I had finished work and got there just in time for the prize ceremony. I was then approached by a few of the pipers from Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band who recognised me and was basically kidnapped to go to the traditional after Worlds pub (The Snaffle Bit near Yorkhill in Glasgow). I was encouraged to play someone elses pipes in the pub that night and was then asked if I would fancy joining the band. I did, and played at the very top level of Grade 1 with Boghall for over 20 years. I also had a 5 year stint with The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and have travelled the World playing. I have since retired from competing due to some health issues but have 40 years of experience playing most of which was at the very highest level.

Tutoring Experience:

I have taught many people of all ages from the first time they pick up a practice chanter for the first time to more advanced players on the actual bagpipes who are looking to improve their technique and become better players.

Tutoring Approach:

There is no absolute! Everyone goes at their own pace but the more you practice, the quicker you see results. I've seen pupils who can progress from the practice chanter to pipes in 6-12 months and other who may take a few years, it's very much up to the individual and how much effort they want to put into it. I will always encourage as much as possible but ultimately I can't do it for you. Practice Practice Practice!