 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
her love of piping with everyone, from those who are
putting their fingers around a practice chanter for the
first time to students who play in bands and compete at
Highland Games. The learning process fascinates her,
and she finds she learns as much teaching as her
students learn taking lessons.
In 2003, Marsha began teaching at the encouragement
of Roddy MacLeod, Principal of the National Piping
Centre in Glasgow, Scotland, and Ken Eller, formerly of
the 78th Fraser Highlanders of Toronto. In 2003 and
2004, she was asked to assist with beginning students
at the summer school of the National Piping Centre at
Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA. In 2005,
2006, and 2007, she was a Student Teaching Assistant at
the school. Marsha holds the Tutor Certificate with the
Scottish Institute of Piping. She enjoys teaching
immensely, and considers it her primary calling.
Marsha's studio is in her home, located just off I-395 at
King Street in Alexandria, VA. The studio is light, roomy
and well equipped. She has a large music library, a
large CD lending library, and a computer dedicated to
BMW Gold, the bagpipe music program.
Lessons are given during the weekday and in the
evenings. Weekend lessons are scheduled around
church services, Highland Games, and band functions,
which take priority. Students with allergies are reminded
that Marsha's dog Lady sleeps under the teaching
table during lessons, and Hudson the cat visits
from time to time. The birds greet you as you enter.
Marsha teaches beginners through intermediates, from
casual players to those with an eye towards
competition and band membership. Students range in
age from teens through mature adults. Almost no one is
too old to learn. Anyone whose hands are able to cover
the holes on a practice chanter is usually ready to start
lessons. A previous musical background, although
helpful, is not necessary. Bagpipes have their own
peculiarities which make learning to play them quite
different from learning other instruments.
Beginners learn correct techniques upon which to
build a solid foundation. Marsha emphasizes correct
execution of the many embellishments found in piping,
proper rhythms and tempos, good expression, steady
blowing, pipe maintenance, and other fundamentals of
piping musicianship.
Marsha teaches Light Music, which includes marches,
strathspeys, reels, horpipes and jigs, and Piobaireachd,
the classical form of pipe music.
Guiding Marsha in her teaching are Paula Glendining,
Chris Hamilton, and Winter Taylor. She also has several
non-piping music and non-music educators who offer
assistance when needed.
Marsha welcomes new students. Contact her with
further questions, or to schedule a lesson.
