Practice chanter help

[pchandler]

Hi, first post here!

I just recieved my practice chanter and I'm having some difficulty playing. What is the correct way to breath while playing? A breath between each note? Thanks in advance

[Bagpiper]

Congratulations on getting your practice chanter.

Breathing should be natural and relaxed. You will play as long as you can and stop and take a breath. Eventually this should become like second nature. When you are new or out of practice, you lips can may tire quickly but that will pass with practice.

Your practice chanter reed could also be a little too strong. If you have access to an instructor, they can easily weaken the reed without destroying it.

As you gain additional experience you should be able to play several measures before stopping for a breath. This helps the tune sound more natural and less disjointed.

Good Luck.

[pchandler]

I appreciate the help, while I'm at it;

Whats the best way to keep moisture out of the chanter without using a water trap?

I have started on my first tune, Scots Wha' Ha'e. Sounds abit off but that's me. Do you know of any place I could find a recording of someone playing it? Everywhere I look it's just some modern rock band "The Real McKenzie's" or some such band

[Bagpiper]

If you talking about the practice chanter, just shake it out periodically. You do not need a water trap on a practice chanter.

If you are looking for Scots Wa' Ha'e and other great traditional tunes, pick up a copy of the Burt Mitchell's Tune Book and CD - Volume 1 (http://www.bagpiper.com/info/n-15/Vol-1-Pipe-Teachers-Assistant.html).

I believe Burt Actually sold the books to another company, but they are still be distributed. I have all four volumes and they are great reference material for tunes composition and how they sound. This is not a tutorial, but a collection of four music books with a cd of the music played on the practice chanter.

If you can read bagpipe sheet music, and play the basics, then you will appreciate playing along with the bagpipe music cd's.

Remember to check to see that the vendor is selling you both the Book and the CD together, because stores do sell them separately.