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Testimonials
"I felt it necessary to write and let you know how much I appreciate your teaching material. I have been on the practice chanter since March and had really become discouraged with my former two tutorial books that I was using. I was at the point where they were more confusing than help. Sad to say, but I was about discouraged to the point of giving up and I ordered your first three books and the accompanying CDs. After looking the material over, I can honestly state that your system takes the frustration out of learning and it is motivating. I wonder how many people have quit the chanter due to frustration, but would be playing today if they would have had this system? I'm about finished the first book and can honestly say your teaching method is like nothing I have experienced before for the pipes. The accompanying CDs are not an afterthought or an "add on" and are tied into the lessons excellently. Your lessons are detailed enough to where I actually feel like you are present during my sessions. I now call you my mentor. I do have one request if you can meet it. I would like an autographed picture of yourself if that is possible. Thanks and may the Lord bless you and your family."
Danny Hembree
Piping Student (Alabama)
"John Cairns' tutorial series is nothing less than astonishing, and there is nothing else like it. As an Internet-based bagpipe dealer, many of my clients are beginners who for one reason or another - often geographic - are not in a position to obtain regular face-to-face instruction on the road to becoming pipers. "Bagpipe Solutions by John Cairns" has turned what was a rough goat-trail for such persons into a freeway. Get on, pay attention, follow the signs, and arrive intact and happy at the destination, instead of ending far from the finish, stuck up to the axles in a muddy ditch. Bravo!"
Oliver Seeler
Universe of Bagpipes
"Dear John - Thank you! I have thoroughly examined each volume of Bagpipe Solutions by John Cairns Instructional Tutors for Light Music. The precision of thought is second to none. Even the smallest of concepts (excluded from most other programmed tutors), are given major importance in your work. For the educator in me, you have captured the essence of a sound teaching program; well tested methodology and logical sequencing of learning outcomes. My students are able to follow your curriculum from beginner to polished performer, knowing that assistance is only a page away. Congratulations to you and Bagpipe Solutions, I look forward to the remaining volumes with the same enthusiasm."
Ken Eller
78th Fraser Highlanders
Retired College Professor (Ontario)
"I am incredibly impressed with Bagpipe Solution's Tutors by John Cairns. These tutors are a "must have" for all adult learners. Information is very well presented and John covers most topics that would be of interest to adult learners. These books help build a solid foundation that will enhance and accelerate future learning."
Ringo Bowen
The Bagpipe Place (Ontario)
"Bagpipe Solutions by John Cairns is, by far, the most detailed and in depth approach to learning to play the bagpipes I have seen. Nothing is left to figure out, it's all there. I have already used the book with a raw beginner and the step-by-step approach covers all the aspects of learning to play the bagpipes. Gone are the days of learning to play and then learning to tune the bagpipe and read and write the music later."
Ian Lyons
Lyons Bagpipes and Highland Supplies (Australia)
"I really enjoyed Volume 1 and learned a lot. I particularly was interested in the section on how to learn music. The method you teach seems "intuitive" after you read it. In fact, I know several pipers that would be well served to read this section, as it would improve their play. The "building block" approach you have taken in designing your instructional method is unique and overdue. Most often "how-to" books are imprecisely structured which causes frustration and ultimately surrender…students give up. Your approach tells the student what they will learn, how they will learn it, why they should learn it, and most importantly, when they will know they have learned it. The tutorial (if followed correctly) reinforces correct technique over and over so bad habits are nearly eliminated. Additionally, the content of Volume 1 was comprehensive. I was surprised that you included sections on stretching and posture. These are habits that if established on the front end will serve the students well throughout the 12 volumes. Well done! I have placed a standing order with my retailer for each new volume confident that you will roll-out each new volume right at the time I have mastered the last."
Bill McGee
Beginner Piping Student (United States)
"This is a terrific manual, something that every teacher should have. The information is presented in such a systematic & easy-to-read manner that will certainly help students (young and old) in their learning and development as pipers, and will help them to avoid the most common pitfalls associated with being self-taught. I like the way you take nothing for granted and break everything down into component parts that, once mastered, will lead the student onto the next step successfully. The checklist at the back of the book makes obvious the tremendous amount of knowledge and skill that is being learned as student's progress through the program. The illustrations are excellent and I also like the exercises that will help you to prepare for playing the pipes."
Scott Williams
School Teacher
Piping Instructor (Nova Scotia)
"John has taken the smoke and mirrors out of learning to play. He has replaced it with a logical step-by-step, well-explained, direct approach. These manuals and aids will give the student clear and concise information to learn and improve at a rate that will build their ability and confidence. I would think they would be a great benefit to instructors as well. Most importantly, he has laid out reasonable goals to the student, to help overcome the frustration and second guessing that comes with learning so they continue, improve and ENJOY what they have chosen to do."
Charles Lenover
Piping Student (Ontario)
"Best educational resource for beginners that I have ever seen!"
Jim McGillivray
McGillivray Piping Partnerships (Ontario)
"The books are SUPERB! Most of this stuff has never been written down before."
Chris Hamilton
Tone Czar (Maryland)
"The first volume is quite impressive."
Jon Maffet
Pipers Hut (Ohio)
"Looks great, well done!"
Terry Lee
Tartantown (British Columbia)
"A very comprehensive and detailed tutor. One that I will look forward to using with my students."
Iain Macey
The Route to the Highlands (Michigan)
"I love your new tutorials. I wish I had had those books when I had my first lesson. I am looking forward to the entire series."
Shon Samson
Piper (Louisiana)
"I've now started to teach several students with John's book, and I have to say that compared to other tutorials, John's has a more thorough approach, making it an all encompassing tutor. It's quite easy to teach out of John's tutor, but, for the interested future piper who doesn't have time to take private lessons, this book takes you through the entire beginning process of learning how to play the bagpipe. I look forward to using all 3 volumes on all upcoming students, and hope to report back with more positive feedback."
"I am 56 years old and considered a musical person with both parents as professional musicians. Also having four children who are in university studying music, I have always wanted to play the bagpipes. I found it hard and purchased many instructional books. But then I was given John Cairns Bagpipe Solutions by my instructor with the CD demonstrations. What a difference this made, I now find it easy with the help of John's instructions. The most important issue to me was after taking a lesson from a excellent instructor I often forgot how to play many types of notes , this all changed thanks to John Cairns instructional tutor. Thanks John, you are the best!"
Robert Betts
Calgary, Alberta
"John, I was pleased to meet you and have you as an instructor last year. You are tremendous.
I do have a fuss to pick with you though. Why in the heck didn't you have your tutors out years ago when I was wanting to learn but had no access to anyone familiar with the pipes?
I have purchased your first three tutors and the detail you go into is wonderful. Do you have any idea how long it was before anyone told me how to clean my practice chanter reed? That is just one example I have already picked up. Some of the detail may be less necessary if the student is working with an individual instructor, but I am sincere when I say, I wish I had had your books about three years ago. Anyway, better late than never, but I am ready for Book 4.
John, thank you so much for putting all this together. I knew you were planning on something like this from your conversation last year, but did not realize the very basics you would go into. I think your first three tutors are invaluable and I can hardly wait to get the remaining ones. I think you are making an superb contribution to bagpipes and the people who love them and want to learn to play.
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Thomas H. Wootten
Piper, Arizona
"The bagpipe curriculum presented by Bagpipe Solutions by John Cairns is both thorough and comprehensive. For beginners, potential problems are eliminated before they manifest thus minimizing remedial work. Use of this curriculum programs a musician for success as exercises ensure competency long before the skill is required in a tune.
Learning to play the bagpipes consists of mastering a variety of tasks and these tasks are introduced and exhaustively explained at the most basic level.
From there, there is gradual progressive stepwise increase in demands. By mastering each stage, the student is not forced to play beyond their capacity and thus does not acquire bad habits. I have always told my students that you have to go slow to go fast and by this I emphasize that time spent mastering the basics will mean that they don't get bogged down as they advance to more complex music.
In addition to the curriculum's thorough introduction to all finger technique, I am impressed by the attention given to ear training exercises. The benefit of learning to recognize and expect a pleasing sound right from the start means bagpipe tuning will be easier and students and their audience will enjoy listening to their music. For me, whose main focus in my early instruction was finger technique, it is helpful to see so much emphasis on other aspects of music such as rhythm beat and sound. This all contributes to helping the students enjoy their own playing, right from the start.
For the non-beginner, the Bagpipe Solutions by John Cairns curriculum is a prescriptive resource. To play the pipes well requires a wide variety of skills in many different tasks. Very few pipers have nothing to work on or something that they haven't quite mastered along the way. For some it is tuning, for some it is timing, for some it is mastering the attack and cut-off, for some it is consistently being able to get through the tune without "memory glitches", for some it is learning how to analyze and play a piece of music they have never seen before, without asking someone, "How's it go?" With this well organized resource, it is easy to go back to a basic level and repair any deficits in skill so that one can progress as far as one is inclined. Every piper, no matter what level, can benefit from doing the stretches in Volume 1. When playing an instrument that is physically demanding, it is important to take care of your muscles.
By presenting tools to help learners master the basics right from the start, future limitations and roadblocks are removed, frustration and remedial work are minimized and students can enjoy their instrument. My students have enjoyed using the books very much and I enjoy playing with them as we all have a good comprehension of how to play correctly and musically."
Betty Anne Muckle, Teacher
Calgary, Alberta
"As a raw beginner, I found very helpful the detailed explanations on the care of the chanter, correct fingering, including pictures showing hands and chanter holes, and notes and exercises. The note counts and beat structures are also very well explained. The level of detail is very helpful to myself as I have never played any music before and I am retired."
Karen Bell, student
Calgary, Alberta
"Bagpipe Solutions by John Cairns has fantastic practice sets that teach proper finger technique. The doubling lessons force one to work on problem areas and improve overall play. The ear training is very unique and teaches one's ear to recognize proper intervals."
James Donaldson, student
Calgary, Alberta
"It would be nice if there were one magic trick to learn to go from a hack to a professional piper. Neither I nor my teacher has found such a miraculous short cut, but my teacher has introduced me to a "tool" that has been helpful in eliminating crossing noises, and improving rhythm, consistency, and playing on the beat. The tool is Bagpipe Solutions by John Cairns bagpipe curriculum.
I have only purchased Volume 1 so far and I can hardly wait to get the other volumes, to see what else can be eliminated or improved. I feel that is has been money well spent.
"
Ken Green, student
Stay Tuned……. More to Come!
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