[williecoyote]

I took lessons on them when I was in high school. You start out on a practice chanter. It will make your jaws ache!! After 6 months to 1 year you will be ready to try a full set of pipes.
It takes a bit of coordination to play. You have to blow in a tube to fill the bag with air. Then you have to squeeze the bag with your elbow to force air through the chanter, and drones, which makes sound. Before the bag is empty, you have to blow it full of air again, or the sound stops. All the while, you are trying to play a tune with your fingers on the chanter.
Scotland The Brave is usually played on Highland Bagpipes which are the louder ones. There are also parlor pipes which are for indoor use, and aren't as loud.