The Omaha Pipes and Drums is a registered non-profit 501.C3 teaching organization providing FREE highland bagpipe and drumming lessons.

We meet most Saturday mornings at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church (84th & Pacific) with student lessons beginning at 9:00 am. All ages and abilities are welcome! No previous musical experience is necessary...but it helps.

                             

If you have ever wanted to learn to play the great highland bagpipes or drums, talk to us, or better yet, stop by during a practice.

Before you go out and buy something you don't need, talk to us. For pipers, you don't start out on the bagpipes...you begin on a practice chanter. A practice chanter is used by beginning students and advanced players alike. Practice chanters are used by beginners to learn techniques for fingering and blowing. Because pipers need to know their tunes by heart, practice chanters are also used when learning any new tune. Pipe band members practice together using practice chanters, both for practicing old tunes and for learning the tempo and notes to new music. Whether just beginning or an old pro, the practice chanter is essential in the musical progression on the bagpipes.

For older kids and adults, a long practice chanter is generally recommended, because the finger hole spacing is more similar to that of on the pipe chanter on the bagpipes.

                           

Practice chanters are available in Polypenco plastic or African blackwood. There are advantages and disadvantages to both materials. Polypenco plastic is very durable and easy to clean, as well as considerably less expensive. Some folks feel that blackwood practice chanters, in addition to being nicer looking, sound better, but to others, the difference is barely discernable. We will provide you with a tutor book.

Highland drumming is significantly different than marching band or drum corps. Again, talk to us before making a purchase.

Lessons are FREE but we ask that you respect our time and regularly attend lessons. We have a Grade 5 Student Band to provide students who have progressed to the pipes and drums an opportunity to learn the basics of playing in a band setting.