Learning the Great Highland Bagpipe is one of the most rewarding musical journeys you can take, and it's never too early or too late to start. I teach students of all ages, from school kids picking up the practice chanter for the first time through to adults returning to the pipes after years away.
Your tutor is Damian Hodgetts, Damo the Piper, Pipe Major of the Bay of Plenty Pipes & Drums. With over a decade on the pipes, everything I teach is grounded in real playing, on the street, on the contest field and on stage.
Enquire About LessonsLessons are one to one and generally run for about an hour. This can be in my home, your home, or online via Zoom, Teams, Discord or the Messenger App.
Online lessons are exceptionally productive and of course you can receive tuition directly to you wherever you are, and all are individually tailored for you.
New to piping? Everyone starts on the practice chanter, a small, quiet instrument used to learn fingering and tunes before moving on to the full pipes. If you don't have one yet, a practice chanter can be supplied for the duration of your lesson.
In all cases you receive all materials from me including exercises, tunes, videos and recordings. Spaces are limited but please feel free to enquire.
I also offer a variety of group / Pipe Band sessions and workshops, offering wide ranging assistance with medley construction, ensemble, MSR playing, technique, sound set up and more.
Whether you are an absolute beginner, are wanting assistance with your solo material as you move through the grades, or just wanting to improve your playing, please get in touch.
No. Every piper starts on the practice chanter, which is inexpensive and quiet enough to play anywhere. A practice chanter can be supplied for the duration of your lesson, and when you're ready to move on to a full set of pipes I can advise you on what to look for.
Lessons generally run for about an hour, and every lesson is tailored to you, your goals and the pace you want to learn at.
All ages. Piping is a skill for life, and I've taught everyone from primary school students to adults taking up the pipes later in life.
Get in touch and I'll come back to you with lesson options and pricing. Spaces are limited, so if you're keen it pays to enquire early.
We connect over Zoom, Teams, Discord or Messenger, whichever suits you best, and I send you all the materials you need, including exercises, tunes, videos and recordings. All you need is a device with a camera and your practice chanter.
Where the practice chanter can take you. A few of my recent performances.
Iconic Aussie anthem reimagined on the bagpipes at a live performance
@damothepiper
Leading the Te Puke Sikh community parade with traditional bagpipe music
@damothepiper
For more videos, follow me on TikTok @damothepiper