Chapter 1: The Surprising Connection Between Bagpipes and Mental Health

Bagpipes often receive an unfair reputation around the globe. However, if you look deeper, you'll uncover an unexpected form of therapy...

Photo by Pearse O'Halloran on Unsplash

At thirteen, when I expressed interest in learning the bagpipes, a pianist friend questioned my choice, likening the sound to a distressed animal being attacked. Over the years, I’ve worked hard to counter such negative views. There’s a well-known jest that defines a gentleman as someone who can play the bagpipes but chooses not to. Quotes from literary figures like William Shakespeare and Jane Austen highlight this disdain. But how can an instrument so ridiculed be beneficial for mental well-being?

At first glance, it may seem that the Great Highland Bagpipes, often associated with Scottish pipe bands, would not contribute positively to mental health. They are loud, have a singular dynamic—unrelenting volume—and possess a limited nine-note range based on a pentatonic scale with a flattened low G. The accompanying drone can feel monotonous, and the selection of pieces is often confined.

So, why would anyone posit that playing bagpipes might enhance mental wellness? Isn’t it more likely that such an instrument would incite anxiety rather than calmness?

Think again. It's crucial to note that the Great Highland Bagpipes are not the only type of piping instrument available. Numerous varieties exist globally, such as the Irish uilleann pipes, which offer two octaves and can be tuned for a full chromatic scale, making them suitable for indoor play. Those who have watched Riverdance have likely seen the captivating uilleann pipes in action.

These days, I enjoy playing the Scottish smallpipes, which are also played indoors and utilize bellows instead of a mouthpiece, although they share a similar chanter with the Great Highland Bagpipes. You can watch a video of me performing with my friend Peter below.

The Scottish smallpipes are pleasantly quiet and delightful to play. As a beginner, managing the bellows with one hand while controlling the bag with the other can feel like a struggle, akin to wrestling with an octopus.

The first significant advantage of playing any instrument, including bagpipes, is that it draws your focus away from your worries. The act of making music shifts your attention to the notes and techniques, providing a temporary refuge from daily stress. It can feel like a rejuvenating escape in a turbulent world.

The second point to consider is that the repetitive drone, consistent volume, and limited range of the bagpipes contribute positively to mental health. When you engage with the instrument and allow yourself to be enveloped by its soothing sound, you enter a state of calmness and tranquility. The gentle grace notes enhance this experience, creating a mesmerizing effect.

Playing the Scottish smallpipes is like a mental massage. Instead of causing agitation, it promotes relaxation and soothes the mind. Whenever I feel anxious or off balance, I simply pick up my pipes and play for about twenty minutes, allowing the drones and grace notes to wash over me, restoring balance to my world. There's no need for medication adjustments or therapy appointments—just the music brings me back to equilibrium.

Chapter 2: The Rich Repertoire of Bagpipes

Contrary to popular belief, the repertoire for bagpipes is extensive. It includes a diverse array of marches, strathspeys, reels, slow airs, hornpipes, and jigs. Additionally, there is a sophisticated body of work known as Piobaireachd (often referred to as the classical music of Scottish bagpipes). One notable piece, Lament for the Children, is celebrated as one of the finest melodies in Western music history.

Appreciating Piobaireachd requires patience and dedication, but I believe many of its themes represent some of the most beautiful melodies known. Notable pieces such as Lament for the Earl of Antrim and Battle of Auldearn are certainly worth exploring.

However, some Piobaireachd can be quite distressing, like A Flame of Wrath for Squinting Patrick, which narrates a tale of revenge after the composer lost his son in a clan conflict. This piece is designed to evoke agitation rather than peace.

This brings us to a crucial question: how can Piobaireachd, often centered on sorrow and death, be beneficial for mental health? When performing, it is possible to disconnect from the story's context and instead concentrate on the music's execution and phrasing. Personally, I’ve never found this to be a challenge.

Moreover, there are many uplifting Piobaireachd, including joyful salutes that illustrate the beauty of nature, like Salute to the Little Waterfall, which mimics the sound of cascading water. Other pleasant pieces like The Bells of Perth also emphasize more lighthearted themes.

Lockdown Pipers: A Personal Journey

A decade ago, I stepped away from playing bagpipes due to my bipolar disorder. However, during the early days of lockdown, a good friend and skilled piper, Peter, encouraged me to return to the instrument. Surprisingly, the weekly Zoom sessions felt incredibly fulfilling, and I soon discovered that playing the pipes was more beneficial for my mental health than I had anticipated.

With consistent practice, I found structure in my day and eventually triumphed at the 2022 Lowland and Border Pipers’ Society Annual Meet in Linlithgow, winning three classes—Intermediate, Duet, and Pipes and Song. Below is a video of Peter and me performing together in the Duet competition.

This victory significantly boosted my mental health, providing a sense of purpose, confidence, and achievement. A picture of my Intermediate trophy can be found at the end of this article.

Anyone who claims that playing the bagpipes is detrimental to mental health likely does not understand the instrument. Instead of being a source of discord and stress, when approached mindfully, it can serve as a salve for the spirit.

Additionally, playing the bagpipes fosters social connections and a sense of community. Personally, after enduring the challenges of my illness, I needed a way to reconnect socially, and bagpiping became a catalyst for that transformation.

In my view, anyone with an appreciation for music who finds joy in the mesmerizing sound of droning, and is intrigued by the intellectual challenges of Piobaireachd should consider taking up the Scottish smallpipes. They offer structure, discipline, mental relief, and a renewed sense of hope. And perhaps, like me, you'll one day earn a trophy to celebrate your accomplishments.

Get started on your journey with bagpipes and experience the soothing effects for yourself! If you're interested in more of my bagpiping experiences, feel free to check out my book, ADVENTURES IN BAGPIPING, available on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback formats.