This bagpiping thing has really taken a hold of me and I'm just hanging on for the wild ride. I am really enjoying the challenge and rewards of learning this very complex instrument. It has been just over a year since I had my first lesson and in that time I have graduated from the chanter to pipes, competed once and have had about 50 lessons (once per week for the last year).
When you are really passionate about something and want to do well, you practice, get lessons, go to piping schools, listen to other pipers and if your lucky to be near a high caliber piper / instructor you jump at the chance to learn from them.
Fortunately here in the Northwest we have some of the best pipers in the world, one such piper is Jori Chisholm and he lives in Seattle. Starting in March I will be taking one lesson a week with him, in addition to my weekly lessons with Helen. Prior to getting started with Jori my intent is to list out my piping goals, get my practice routine established, and have clear objectives in place by the time I start working with Jori.
I'm really excited about this opportunity and can't wait until March for my first lesson. It will be challenging no doubt, but I think it will be very worth while too.