Beginner Bagpipe Weekend - supported by The Bagpipe Society
Our popular Bagpipe workshop weekend returns in 2026, running alongside the Hurdy Gurdy Weekend, in a frenzy of reeds, drones and buzzing things!
This is a course for complete beginners. You will be finding out how the instrument works, posture, tuning, basic techniques, and simple repertoire to enjoy when learning to play. Most of the learning will be by ear with music scores provided to support your learning. We will aim to have a bit of fun too!
Instruments will be available for course participants to borrow. You will need to let us know when booking if you'll require a loan instrument.
Our thanks to the Bagpipe Society for their support of our beginner bagpipe weekend.
The Bagpipe Society was formed in 1986 to bring together players, makers, researchers and people who love the bagpipes. They've been a great support to Halsway in running this bagpipe workshop weekend over the years - thank you! It’s a great resource for pipers everywhere – check out their website here: www.bagpipesociety.org.uk
Who is it for?
This course is suitable for anyone interested in giving the pipes a try! Don’t be misled by the name ‘bagpipe’ - these aren’t the Great Highland pipes played by tartan-clad highlanders. There are many different types of pipe from around the world, and you’ll be getting to grips with the border pipes, which originated in England in the 17th Century. This course runs alongside the Intermediate/Advanced Bagpipe Weekend for those that are more experienced in their playing.
The Team
David Faulkner has been playing English Border Pipes for over 30 years. He has played with groups such as Jon Swayne’s Zephyrus and the Eel Grinders. David has toured in Europe, America and Canada. Highlights would be playing at the William Kennedy Piping Festival, the Saint Chartier Festival and the Newcastle Piping Festival. David runs piping courses and teaches pipes regularly. He also runs three community folk orchestras and conducts a mandolin orchestra!