The Northumbrian Pipers Society
What the Society does and how it can help you
About The Northumbrian Pipes
Scotland is not the only country with bagpipes! Bagpipes have been around for a long time and many European countries have their own types of bagpipe. There are several types of English bagpipes too. The Northumbrian smallpipes are the only English bagpipes with an unbroken playing tradition and they have a distinctive sound. The Half Longs or Border pipes are quieter than Highland pipes but louder than smallpipes.
See our pipes, hear them played, and find out more about why they are unique.
The Music
The sound of the Northumbrian Smallpipes has been likened to the singing of a lark (the chanter) over the buzzing of bees (the drones). The pipes are versatile: the music can be sad or lyrical, or players can use the closed staccato chanter to be playful bright and rhythmic. To quote Anthony Baines “It is perhaps the most civilised of the bagpipes”.
Border pipes sound more like Scottish pipes, but like the smallpipes they are an indoor instrument.
Kitchen concerts
Listen
A selection of pipers, both professional and amateur, who have music you can hear via their Soundcloud pages. [more…]
Tunes and Folios
Youtube
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Quick ViewNorthumbrian Pipers’ Society Junior Membership (Under 18)
NPS Memberships £0.00 now, and £0.00 on April 1st each year -
Quick View -
Quick ViewThe New Shields Garland Vol II
Piping Books and CDs - links to material sold through 3rd Parties £15.00
Performances Players and Events
There are Northumbrian Piping events happening all over the world where piping can be seen and heard, and workshops and courses running throughout the year. Find out where you can go to hear (or play) the pipes. Locate professional performers for your event. Find supportive groups in your region.
Pipe Makers and Fettlers
Unfortunately you are unlikely to find Northumbrian Smallpipes or Border Pipes in regular music shops. There are far fewer people playing our pipes than guitars or recorders, or even Highland pipes. Because of this the pipes are all hand made. They also need maintenance and careful adjustment – traditionally called “fettling”. Most pipers do their own basic maintenance but there are Fettlers to deal with more complex problems.
Beginning the Pipes
In principle the Northumbrian Smallpipes are simple to play – there is one note for each hole on the chanter. Get some pressure in the bag, uncover the hole and you hear a note. However playing requires the development of good coordination but also independence of arms and fingers. For most of us perseverance is important. You may be able to get a tutorial book from https://www.northumbrianpipes.com/shop but most people will do better if they can find a teacher. Some teachers offer online lessons. Many piping groups are very supportive, and the Northumbrian Pipers Society has a buddy scheme for members. A range of tunebooks can be bought from our shop, and members get a discount.
Teachers
Many teachers offer lessons online as well as in person.
Groups
Many groups are very supportive of beginning pipers.
Getting a set
How and where to obtain a set of pipes.
Join up
Sign up today to access discounts, pipe hire (GB only), and our newsletter.
Shop
Tune Books, Handbooks, CDs, Membership and links to other suppliers.