Music to my father’s ears
When I was young my father desperately wanted me to learn how to play the piano. I gave it a try but it just wasn’t my thing…
Flash forward and none of my four, plus one (stepson) seemed any more interested in playing an instrument than I did.
Then our sixth (and last!) child came along. This one was different or should I say Unique, he’s quiet and always keeps to himself. At three-years-old he was diagnosed with autism. Unable to participate in team activities, he started piano lessons. He unenthusiastically played for about three years before moving on to the guitar. A few years went by and he lost interest in that as well.
Sorry Dad, it doesn’t look like the grandkids will be playing for you either.
You can only imagine my surprise when last summer this son, now eighteen came to me and asked if he could start playing bagpipes!
Bagpipes in Norway? Who would teach him? Where would we buy them? And how much do they cost?
I calmed down when he told me he could take lessons online and we didn’t need to buy bagpipes (yet). The first step in learning to play the bagpipes is on aΒ chanter. A chanter by itself doesn’t cost much.
He stuck with it for a whole year, didn’t lose interest and was really starting to sound good. Now convinced that he was serious, off to Scotland we went. We bought bagpipes, ordered a kilt and he attended an intensive bagpiping course in Glasgow.
That was two months ago. He practices everyday and I think he sounds great… Have a listen for yourself.
The first song is Corkhill, the second is Itchy Fingers and the third is Amazing Grace.
This is for you, Dad…
Posted on August 27, 2013, in Family stuff, Photos, writing and tagged Autism, bagpipes, music, video. Bookmark the permalink. 19 Comments.
He’s very good – are you sure you don’t have some Scottish ancestors?
We’ve all heard how the Vikings invaded the UK, so maybe he does have some Scottish blood in his veins. π
Dear Maggie,
My kids know I love the sound of homemade music in our house. You must be so proud, and I so understand the connection you must feel with your Dad when you hear your son playing. I really enjoyed all the recordings, but I do have a soft spot for Amazing Grace on the bagpipes!
Thanks, Naomi!
ps…
Amazing Grace is my favorite too π
Lovely music! It’s always a treat to hear someone play bagpipes. You must be so proud. Love the kilt too:)
Thanks, Jeannette! He really is something π
This has to be the most touching story of the year! Absolutely wonderful!!!
So impressive! I know you must be extremely proud parents! Tell him we look forward to MORE! And your dad is smiling * β₯
Thanks, Paula π
π
oh maggie, i really enjoyed this!! lucky you…music to my ears!!
This is amazing and I’m impressed how he discovered something that is so difficult to do in Norway and has progressed so far and so quick! Really enjoyed it!
Maggie – your son is remarkable! Bagpipes are very difficult to master! Please pass on my congratulations!
Thank you so much, I will.
What a lovely story and thanks for sharing the clips – loved listening to him play!
I’m glad you liked it and thanks for stopping by π
Fabulous, he’s got talent and a passion, bonne continuation!
He definitely has passion, thanks!
Oh my goodness that brought tears to my eyes. The bagpipes are really evocative. You must be so extremely proud and so must he. Thanks for sharing!