I started piping at age 13 and was taught initially by my parents, then in group classes with John Wilson. I joined the Guelph Pipe Band in 1974 and played with them when they won the top grade North American Championship at Maxville in 1976. I also competed as a solo competitor and was successful in the top Amateur Grade, winning the amateur piobaireachd events at both Maxville and Cambridge, as well as various light music prizes.

I stopped piping when I went to law school but remained connected through the Piobaireachd Club and through my then-husband’s piping.

I started teaching in 2002 at St. Andrew’s College in Aurora. Through that affiliation and through private teaching I have now worked with probably 250 beginners. I love teaching beginners, but I also love teaching more advanced players, and I particularly love teaching piobaireachd!

I prefer my students be at least 10 years old. No maximum age.

Although I’m happy to teach in-person, online or a combination of those two, for complete beginners I would want to have at least the first few months in-person.

My current rate (2023) is $50/hour. Beginners generally start with half-hour lessons at $25 apiece.

Happy to answer any questions you may have – just email me!

-Ellen