The "Expanded Edition"

of

The "How To" Manual  

for Light Music ( which was first published in 1999 )

With new, additional Exercises, and now has 25 Tunes

                  All Exercises and written material devised, and all Music

                                 Composed,  Arranged, Compiled by

Major Archie Cairns, MMM, CD

    Simple, easy-to-follow and effective instructions for learning to play the Great Highland Bagpipe, from an outright Beginner to the Advanced Piper. 

    Comes complete with a CD on which Archie provides examples of rhythms,movements,execution, etc, both on the practice chanter and by saying/singing the unique "neumonics" he devised. 

    Samples of the format and typesetting can been seen on the 4 Example Pages, as follows -   "Neumonics" - used to aid in understanding the

sound and method of playing:        

   Example #1  -  Doublings (page 40).

   Example #2  -  a Taorluath (page 52).

   Example #3  - "Tadahums" in Strathspey Rhythms and "Techums"

                              in Reels (page 54).

  Example #4  -   EXERCISES for :

                              a. Crossing Noises/Catch Notes (page 57);

                              b. Scalic Runs (page 63);

                              c. Arpeggios (page 36);

                              d. Strathspey Rhythms - Advanced (page 65).

  To view the Examples, click on the applicable button below.

    Although the original "How To" Manual was in its 4th printing, this "Expanded Edition" is the first printing.                                         

    THIS IS A PROGRESSIVE PROGRAM FOR ALL - FROM BEGINNERS TO ADVANCED PLAYERS - WITH SOME NEW AND DIFFERENT METHODS THAT INCLUDE:

          a. LEARN THE SCALE from the “TOP” Down;

          b. THEORY OF MUSIC to aid the understanding and reading of

                Pipe Music;

          c. FINGER TECHNIQUE – Execution/Gracenotes/Embellishments   

              explained and demonstrated fully;

         d. Using ARPEGGIOS/E'TUDES to help in learning Tunes;

         e. “SING FINGERING” – an easy method to help in learning/ 

                  memorizing Tunes;

          f. Using a METRONOME and NEUMONICS to read and play rhythms;

          g. Recommendations for your PRACTICE SCHEDULES/ROUTINES;

          h. TONE and TUNING – Explanations, Methods for developing               

                Breathing/Pressure control,  Tonal Exercises, tuning Drones        

                                      alone, then  Drones to the Chanter; and      

          i. PRACTICE GOOSE & BAGPIPE - Part Names/ Material

             Construction/ Assembly, Types/Models, Holding and Playing.

    A compilation of over 50 years teaching methods/materials that WILL ASSIST YOU in achieving your piping goals.

A "MUST" FOR EVERY STUDENT and 

A USEFUL  TEACHER’S AID!!

Example Pages:

To order copies of this Book, either: 

        a.  directly contact:

                        Fiona Cairns

                        15 Conway Drive

                        London, Ontario   N6E 2H4

                        Canada

                Telephone  -  519-686-6194,   or

        b.  E-Mail at:

                         eyeohs@yahoo.ca

    Note:  Clicking on this E-Mail address will immediately connect you.