Private Lessons · Est. 1930
Bagpipe Lessons in Arlington Heights, IL
One-on-one bagpipes instruction for kids, teens, and adults at The Arlington School of Music — in person at our downtown Arlington Heights studio or online.
The Arlington School of Music is one of the few schools in the Chicago area with a dedicated bagpipe department. Students study Scottish and Irish piping with William Kissane, Head of our Bagpipe Department, learning a tradition with deep Chicago roots.
New pipers begin on the practice chanter, learning fingering, embellishments, and tunes before moving to the full Great Highland Bagpipe. Lessons cover tone, tuning, and maintenance of the instrument, and prepare students for solo competition, pipe bands, and performances at weddings, funerals, and ceremonies.
Piping students come to Arlington Heights from across Chicagoland — in a discipline this specialized, the right teacher matters more than the drive.
Your Bagpipes Teacher
What You’ll Learn
- Practice chanter fundamentals: fingering, gracenotes, and embellishments
- Transition to the Great Highland Bagpipe — bag control, blowing, and tone
- Scottish and Irish repertoire, from marches to airs
- Tuning, reed management, and instrument maintenance
- Preparation for pipe bands, competitions, and ceremonial performance
Bagpipe Lessons — Frequently Asked Questions
Do I start on the full bagpipes?›
No — every piper begins on the practice chanter, an inexpensive instrument for learning fingering and tunes. Students typically move to the full pipes after several months to a year of chanter work.
How much does it cost to get started?›
A practice chanter and tutor book are inexpensive — the significant investment in a full set of pipes comes later, and your instructor will guide you on when and what to buy.
Can adults learn the bagpipes?›
Absolutely — many pipers start as adults, often inspired by heritage or a pipe band. Kids can begin on the chanter around age 8–10.
Start Bagpipe Lessons This Week
The Arlington School of Music · 320 S Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60005 · Lessons Monday–Friday 3:00–9:00 PM, weekends by appointment.