Scottish Great Highland Bagpipe

Reviews write a review

• "Great Teacher"

  • 
  • • 5/5 stars
  • Michael Malmros
  • Portland, OR

  Review of Michael Johnston, October 14, 2008

  Michael Johnston is an excellent teacher. He combines a thorough technical knowledge of the pipes with a keen understanding of the music AND with much patience, transfers this knowledge to a student of any age. I started learning the pipes at age 58; there is hope even for older folks like me. Piping is great fun and very enjoyable.

  less

  Michael Johnston is an excellent teacher. He combines a thorough technical knowledge of the pipes with a keen understanding of the music AND with much patience, transfers this knowledge to a student of any age. I started learning the pipes at age 58; there is hope even for older folks like me. Piping is great fun and very enjoyable.

  ---

• "Excellent teacher"

  • 
  • • 5/5 stars
  • Joe Milton
  • Hillsboro, OR

  Review of Michael Johnston, September 23, 2008

  My 13 year old son and I have both been taking bagpipe lessons with Michael for a year now. I was a bit apprehensive about learning an instrument in my 40's, but Michael has exceeded our expectations and provided a comfortable yet challenging learning experience.

  He follows the time-honored tradition of starting out on the practice chanter for many months before even picking up the bagpipes. His lessons progress naturally and every week we add more and more advanced techniques. The lessons typically consist of reviewing the work we learned the previous week, performing solo and as a group, then learning and practicing the next lesson. There is the occasional discussion of bagpipe maintenance, tuning techniques, or what to expect at competitions and performances, and Michael is always willing to share his knowledge and experience. He is also very patient when we struggle with certain fingering techniques and that's much appreciated.

  Now, after a year, we are able to play a number of tunes on the Great Highland Bagpipes and loving it (although we still have a LOT to learn!)

  less

  My 13 year old son and I have both been taking bagpipe lessons with Michael for a year now. I was a bit apprehensive about learning an instrument in my 40's, but Michael has exceeded our expectations and provided a comfortable yet challenging learning experience.

  He follows the time-honored tradition of starting out on the practice chanter for many months before even picking up the bagpipes. ...

  more

  ---

see all reviews