Are you familiar with any Yoga? The deep breathing exercises will really help improve lung volume and give you a sense of what a full lung should feel like. I agree with the practice, practice, practice...15 minutes a day at least, it'll help keep up your condition as well as the pipes. Also in finding an instructor, a good global resource for pipers can be found at http://www.ceolas.org/instruments/pipes/teachers You can find instructors in your area. Also, get a Lunasa CD for inspiration! Elle