Resources
Here is a collection of resources that our community has used and recommends to other hoping to learn more about uilleann piping and the culture and history surrounding it.
Online/Video Resources
NPU Tutor videos
The NPU has been producing a series of instructional video for some time. Each video teaches a specific tune and ranges in skill from beginner to advanced. You can find them here:
NPU DVD Series
These are excellent DVDs teaching the many aspects of piping technique and maintenance. Each volume covers an increasingly advance topic, starting with simple first time tunes, and finishing with regulators.
Art of Uilleann Piping Vol. II
Art of Uilleann Piping Vol. III
Art of Uilleann Piping Vol. IV
The Heart of the Instrument - Reedmaking Masterclass
OAIM.ie
The Online Academy of Irish Music is an excellent resource for all Irish instruments. They happen to have two incredible pipe instructors with video lessons on their site, Tom Delany and Mikie Smyth. If you are a club member, you will be able to use our club log in information to access these videos. However, a membership is very affordable so consider supporting them with your own account as well!
Audio Resources & Apps
Here are some applications that can help you learn music more efficiently by slowing down an audio file:
Youtube - Use the gear icon to slow down the playback speed, allowing you to more easily analyze tunes and follow along
Anytunes - Apple/Android - This app allows you to slow down music with out changing the pitch. It also allows you to loop sections of a tune and speed it up with each repeat, helping you learn the tune and increase your tempo
Amazing Slow Downer - PC/Android - This app is similar to Anytune, but works on Windows and Android platforms
Other DAW's such as Audacity or Reaper can also slow down and manipulate audio files to help you better learn a tune
Pipers Metronome – Apple / Android – This is an advance metronome developed by Jori Chisolm, a Scottish piper in Seattle. It allows you to set several types of rhythm patters, from jigs and reels to hornpipes and marches. As well as create patterns that you can save and share with others. It’s not cheap, but it’s a great app!
Podcasts
Blarney Pilgrim - Sadly they are no longer producing episodes, but their backlog is full of incredible interviews and music from tome irish musicians.
Wetwotwaag - A series on the bagpipe and it's history
Books
Of course this is a short list, so if you have any resources that have helped you along your own journey, feel free to share it with us all! Give us a shout at hello@irishpipersclub.com
