Seamus Ennis has long been regarded as one of the finest pipers of his generation. Though he died in 1982, Ennis's influence is still to be felt throughout the traditional music world, not least in the way he nurtured the likes of Liam O'Flynn.

A new book, The Master's Touch: A Tutor for the Uilleann Pipes by Seamus Ennis (Na Piobairi Uilleann), gives the apprentice piper a chance to learn from the maestro. Ennis spent much of his time working on this text but didn't live to see it in print.

Fourtunately, Wilbert Garvin and Robbie Hannan took up the task. Garvin is a lecturer in education at Queen's University, Belfast and Hannan is currently curator of musicology in the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra, Co Down. Both are accomplished pipers.

The book was formally launched during this year's Willie Clancy Summer School. The Northern launch will take place a week from tomorrow at 3 p.m. in the Ballydown National School at the Ulster Folk Museum. Wine is promised and I'm sure someone somewhere will have a set of pipes handy. Information: (08 01232) 428428