I first heard the Northumbrian Smallpipes played by Jane Hair, a family friend, as a kid growing up in Whitley Bay, Northumberland (near to Newcastle in the North East of England) and fell in love with the mellow reedy sound. Since then I have always wanted to play them. In July 2005 I took delivery of the set pictured on the right and am attempting to master them.

For a brief history of the NSP (Northumbrian Small Pipes) follow this link.

To find out information about the Northumbrian Pipers Society, follow this link.

To follow my progress month by month, click on the links lower left for a recording of me playing (one month, three months, six months, etc.). This may be of interest to those contemplating learning themselves. For those with discriminating musical ears, I suggest buying a CD by one of the professional players instead.

Colin McNaught
Annapolis, Maryland