What People are Saying About Bagpipe Lessons from Winter Taylor,
Atlanta Bagpiping Instructor

What do others have to say about Winter? Read on . . .

Lessons

Winter, Thank you for all your work in making this opportunity (The Youth Student Recital, January 10, 2010) possible. It is important to get out in front of an audience and this is always a very generous, supportive group! It is exciting to see everyone's growth as a player, they sounded great.

— From the Paynes

You've given me plenty to work on these last few lessons. I'm really working on those G grace notes and the taorluath/leumluath exercise are oming along fine. After spending 15 minutes doing the exercises, I was shocked at the evenness of the movement when I played Scotland the Brave (slow but even). Thanks.

— From Bob

I had just picked up my score sheet after competing in the 2/4 march. I have been working with Winkie on this march for 9 months now and competed several times but never finished in the top. This time I had finished second. The excitement overcame me and I rushed to Winkie to show her my score. In the process I ran right between a judge and a piper in the middle of his competition performance. I didn’t care. I got second! By the way I am 51 years old.

I hope this (above) conveys how I feel about what you have done for me. Culloden is just the beginning. I can see the headlines now - Oldest Man at 79 to Win World Piping Championship. His instructor of 30 years, Winter Taylor says, 'He finally listened to what I have been teaching him, slooooow down.'

— From Bob B of Atlanta, GA

My husband, Bob, has been in and out, mostly out, of piping for many years, and for good reason. I remember his playing while we were in college. It was less than stellar, to be kind. I was skeptical when he announced he wanted to get back into it and a little concerned about what the neighbors, our friends, and for that matter anybody who heard him would say. I considered changing my name. He has been working with Winkie for a year now. I actually asked him to play last week when our friends came over. That surprised even me.

— From Diane B., Bob B.'s wife

I have been playing bagpipes for several years but never actually took private lessons from an expert. Winter's one on one teaching helped me improve all my skills with her patience, persistence and understanding. Her "back to basics" approach taught me correct fingering, enhanced sight reading, proper timing and appreciation of the actual music.

My new confidence allows me to enjoy playing the pipes even more now. My band pipe major has repeatedly commented on my improved performances. Thank you Winter for being such a talented teacher."

— From Bob M of Carrollton, GA

Winkie, Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have had the good fortune of having you oversee my entire piping career. 3-½ years ago you handed me my first practice chanter at the APB Academy program. You got me into a great set of pipes a year later and cheered my first blow. You took a group of green students, started the APB Academy Pipe Band, and showed us what competing was all about. Who ever heard of players with 2 years total experience taking first place?

Now that I am competing with the Grade 4 band, your crash courses in blending, playing on the beat, and focusing are really paying off. Thanks to your patience, wisdom and guidance, I stay motivated week after week. My fingers are doing things I never thought they would do!

Most importantly, you pass on more than knowledge and playing skills. You are passing on a real understanding, an appreciation, and a passion for the music of the Great Highland Bagpipes.

— From Tom C of Marietta, GA