Bagpipe lung easily prevented, says College of Piping instructor

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your pipes is an easy and effective way to prevent bagpipe lung, says a part-time instructor at P.E.I.'s College of Piping.

Bagpipe lung, which occurs when players inhale fungus and mould from bagpipes that have not been properly maintained, made the news this week after the death of a U.K. man.

• 'Bagpipe lung' death a warning to wind instrument players

Uses your drone brushes

Shanae Rogers has been playing bagpipes for 13 years and is a part-time instructor at the College of Piping.

"Regular maintenance and cleaning of the pipes is really necessary," said Rogers.

"You don't want the fungus and the mould to build up."

Rogers said there are drone brushes that can be used to clean the chanter and the drones. The brush also dries the pipes, inhibiting the growth of pathogens.

Rogers recommends cleaning the pipes after every playing, but noted players can tell if their pipes are building up moisture.

"The pitch changes. So you would know if they are wet or if there is moisture in them," she said.

Rogers doesn't know anyone who has ever had an issue with bagpipe lung.

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