Participation in the NHPB is open to people of all ages and abilities. No prior musical experience is required to learn and tenacity and practice are key to success.

Those interested in learning pipes should NOT purchase a set of bagpipes. Rather, beginners start with a year on a recorder-like instrument called the 'practice chanter', on which they learn fingerwork. After approximately a year, competent players will develop the skills to move up to a full set of bagpipes. Accomplished pipers continue to use their chanters to learn new tunes and polish tunes already in their repertoire.

Learning bagpipes or drums requires a very modest initial investment for a chanter (~$65) or drum pad. The practice instruments are quiet, generally no louder than a human voice. We have several contacts of instructors for anyone interested in learning bagpiping or Scottish drumming

The band also supports life-long learning of piping and drumming by providing financial support of continuing lessons and workshops. Local instruction and regional workshops are available and strongly encouraged.