Pipers learn on what is called a practice chanter .
It's mouth-blown, made of wood or plastic, with holes in the body to finger the different notes. The chanter is used to learn new tunes as well as practicing exercises. All of the pipers the band use their chanters while the entire band is in the process of learning new material. As a piper you will use a practice chanter throughout your piping career. Making a connection with an instructor or a pipe band who is teaching beginners is an important first step in learning correctly.