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Bagpipers offered free lockdown lessons with Former Red Hot Chilli Piper

Bagpipers offered free lockdown lessons with Former Red Hot Chilli Piper

Beginner bagpipers of all ages will be able to stretch their vocal cords from home this lockdown thanks to Strathallan School’s Director of Piping and Drumming.

Former Red Hot Chilli Piper Craig Muirhead is taking to YouTube this month to deliver chanter lessons to pipers in lockdown.

After what has been a challenging year for piping across the globe, the Director of Piping and Drumming at Strathallan School is keen to do what he can to help budding bagpipers start learning the basics.

The project, led by Mr Muirhead in collaboration with McCallum Bagpipes and FLUX Solutions, aims to get beginners of all ages and abilities playing the pipes, possibly fulfilling a New Year’s Resolution, or just doing something different during lockdown.

One of Scotland’s most experienced performing bagpipers, Craig is regularly invited to entertain His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and has been dedicating most of his time to inspiring young pipers and drummers at Strathallan School in Perthshire since joining in 2014. He said learning a new instrument might help give young people focus during the most recent lockdown.

He added, “The piping community is struggling right now and has been since the first lockdown last year. There is no cost for the lessons, we just want to share our passion for piping with anyone interested. All you need to do is sign up.”

The lessons are free for beginners of any age and any background and will take place live on YouTube with options to ask questions and supporting materials supplied to each participant.

Lessons start on Tuesday 12th January and Thursday 14th January. Those without a chanter can still order one from McCallum Bagpipes for £32.50.

Sign up for free chanter lessons here: https://www.pipingclub.com/

For those interested in finding out more about Strathallan’s Piping and Drumming programme, the school will virtually open its doors this month for its online Open Morning on Saturday 16th January.

More information about the leading co-educational day and boarding schools for 8-18 years-olds and registration can be found here: https://www.strathallan.co.uk/visit-us


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