The Dojo engages thousands of bagpipers around the globe, by harnessing the power of the internet to help connect those in the world who share a specific passion; enriching one's life through bagpipes.
Andrew Douglas and the Piper's Dojo Team
Pipers everywhere struggle with seemingly perpetual problems like crossing noises, often doing 'reps' to fix them. But they're not even close to working out the actual cause of their issues... This week, we dived into the ups and downs of scale navigation (see what we did there?) – and along the way, took some wild turns into the history of gracenotes, the frustrations of teaching, how to progress from parade piping, and even Oprah... Got a question or topic you'd like answered in a future episode? Leave a comment or email it to support@pipersdojo.com!
Ever noticed there are certain bagpipe tunes that seem to become – and stay – wildly popular? This week, we're chatting about "viral" bagpipe tunes and trends. Where do they come from, what causes them, and why do certain tunes become so popular when there are other arguably "better" tunes out there? Got a question or topic you'd like answered in a future episode? Leave a comment or email it to support@pipersdojo.com!
Playing the bagpipes is a complex thing – so when figuring out where to focus on for improvement, maybe we can learn some lessons from the emergency room... This week, we're discussing how to triage your "performance killers", by diagnosing the most fundamental issues in your playing and prioritising what to work on in iterative rounds of improvement. Pssst – we've recently launched our new, comprehensive bagpipe tuning course, “The Great Bagpipe Tuning Algorithm”, which contains everything you need to know about the theory and practice of bagpipe tuning, as well as a 300+ page textbook, 90-day training plan, and 11+ hours with some of the world's top players! Check it out here: pipersdojo.com/tuning Got a question or topic you'd like answered in a future episode? Leave a comment or email it to support@pipersdojo.com!
Frustrated at the neverending struggle to keep your bagpipes in tune? You're not alone! But many pipers think that once you ‘solve' tuning, you can move on… when really, even the best pipers in the world are still refining their approach to tuning. So how do you switch despair at the endless road to something you can not just live with, but enjoy doing? Changing how you think about tuning is the best way forward… This week, we're discussing how to “fall in love” with the process of bagpipe tuning, rather than hating the problem. Because bagpipe tuning isn't a ‘set and forget' skill – as any top pipers will tell you, it's something they're still working on, even after a lifetime of playing at the very top levels in the world… Interested to learn more? We've recently launched our new, comprehensive bagpipe tuning course, “The Great Bagpipe Tuning Algorithm”, which contains everything you need to know about the theory and practice of bagpipe tuning, as well as a 300+ page textbook, 90-day training plan, and 11+ hours with some of the world's top players: http://pipersdojo.com/tuning Got a question or topic you'd like answered in a future episode? Leave a comment or email it to support@pipersdojo.com!
Lincoln Hilton, founder of Modern Piping and online sensation, walks us through his trial and error tuning journey as a young piper coming up through the grades. This clip is an excerpt from Lincoln's hour-long interview, included as part of our new course on bagpipe tuning: "The Great Bagpipe Tuning Algorithm". Visit https://pipersdojo.com/tuning today to learn more!
The great Jim McGillivray tells us a bit about his tuning process and how he uses a "pressure variance test" to check he's nailed his bagpipe tuning. This clip is an excerpt from Jim's hour-long interview, included as part of our new course on bagpipe tuning: "The Great Bagpipe Tuning Algorithm". Visit https://pipersdojo.com/tuning today to learn more!
How do we optimize the pitch of our pipes, and time it perfectly with the actual performance? P/M Robert Mathieson and I discuss in this interview clip. This clip is an excerpt from Robert's hour-long interview, included as part of the new course. Visit pipersdojo.com/tuning today to learn more!
Your surroundings – particularly temperature changes and humidity – are vital considerations for any tuning process. World champion piper Callum Beaumont explains how important these are for him to think about when preparing to play at high-level competitions. This clip is an excerpt from Callum's hour-long interview, included as part of our new course on bagpipe tuning, "The Great Bagpipe Tuning Algorithm". Visit https://pipersdojo.com/tuning today to learn more!
Do you find it harder to hear your bass drone than your tenors when you tune? As it turns out, so does Jack Lee! So how does he manage this and the rest of his tuning process, to get that trademark beautiful tone every time he plays? Jack is one of many world-leading pipers we've interviewed for our brand new Bagpipe Tuning Suite of online courses, designed to help you finally crack the code of bagpipe tuning! This clip is an excerpt from Jack's hour-long interview, included as part of the new course. Visit pipersdojo.com/tuning today to learn more.
How would Matt MacIsaac teach you to tune? Matt's one of many, many world-leading pipers we've interviewed for our brand new Bagpipe Tuning Suite of online courses, designed to help you finally crack the code of bagpipe tuning! Visit pipersdojo.com/tuning today to learn more. Inside the “Great Algorithm” Bagpipe Tuning Suite you'll receive...
Introducing the Bagpipe Tuning Suite that helps you finally crack the code of bagpipe tuning! Visit https://pipersdojo.com/tuning today to learn more. Inside the "Great Algorithm" Bagpipe Tuning Suite you'll receive... --In depth "Bagpipe Tuning in Theory" Module, with quizzes to test your knowledge --Comprehensive "Bagpipe Tuning in Practice" module --90-Day Tuning Training Plan --11 full-hour interviews with many of the world's greatest pipers (!!!) --300+ Page Full Color Textbook --"How to tune your pipe corps" expansion course. --Triple-your-money-back guarantee Course Details: --Tuition: Just $169 until October 22nd. --Payment Plans: 2- and 3-month payment plans available. --Level: Beginner through Advanced (any piper on the full pipes needs to understand "the algorithm"). --Setting: Online/Virtual --Course Length: 15-20 Hours Visit https://pipersdojo.com/tuning today to learn more
Ever heard someone say "real pipers don't use a metronome"? This week, we're discussing how rhythm is the most foundational skill any musician – including bagpipers – needs to develop. But do some people just naturally have better rhythm? Can you develop it? And how do you know when you've got it right? Pssssst... We're launching our new, comprehensive bagpipe tuning course VERY soon at Dojo U, for everything you'll ever need to know about bagpipe (and band!) tuning – more info will be posted here very soon: http://pipersdojo.com/tuning Got a question or topic you'd like answered in a future episode? Leave a comment or email it to support@pipersdojo.com!
Feel like you're flying blind when you tune your pipes? We have so many variables to manage while we're listening to our tuning – and chances are, especially if you're just starting out, you're not entirely sure what you're actually listening for... This week, we're discussing how to think of bagpipe tuning as an 'algorithm' – and if maths or computers aren't your thing, don't worry! At its core, an algorithm is just a series or set of instructions that achieves an intended result – and having a uniform set of inputs and processes to follow could help you develop the skills needed to have a breakthrough with your tuning, once and for all... Interested to learn more? We're launching our new, comprehensive bagpipe tuning course very soon at Dojo U, for everything you'll ever need to know about bagpipe (and band!) tuning – more info will be posted here very soon: http://pipersdojo.com/tuning Got a question or topic you'd like answered in a future episode? Leave a comment or email it to support@pipersdojo.com!
Is your tenor drone sharp? Is your C flat compared to your drones? Are your drones flat or sharp compared to your low A? Who cares?! This week, Andrew and Jim discuss the "who cares" model of bagpipe tuning – where it doesn't matter whether you know instinctively whether your pipes are in tune, or even which way you need to shift a tuning pin or tape to fix the tuning. Instead, it's important to become comfortable with the *process* of testing, trial and error, and perfecting a system that you can replicate each time you play, and get faster and better at each time. Interested to learn more? We're launching our new, comprehensive bagpipe tuning course very soon at Dojo U, for everything you'll ever need to know about bagpipe (and band!) tuning – more info will be posted here very soon: http://pipersdojo.com/tuning Got a question or topic you'd like answered in a future episode? Leave a comment or email it to support@pipersdojo.com!
For better or worse, digital tuners are widely used in the piping world. They're easier than ever to access, with many smartphone apps now available. And they're a useful reference tool that can show you what pitch your reeds are sounding at. But most importantly – what CAN'T your digital tuner tell you? This week, Andrew and Jim discuss the pros and cons of bagpipe tuners, when they're good, when they're not, and when you need to "put down the ducky" if you want to be a better bagpiper... Got a question or topic you'd like answered in a future episode? Leave a comment or email it to support@pipersdojo.com!
It's the instrument we all started on, and a very different one to the full pipes... but for something that's mostly used for practice, does it actually matter if your practice chanter is blackwood or polypenco (plastic)? Long or short? Tuned or not? This week, Andrew and Jim discuss all things practice chanter, including what to look for and what to consider when you're buying your first, or in the market for a new one... Got a question or topic you'd like answered in a future episode? Leave a comment or email it to support@pipersdojo.com!
While rushing and lack of control are huge problems for beginners and intermediates, if we roll it back a step further – do you actually know where the beat is supposed to go in the first place? Bagpipe music isn't always written in a way that makes that easy to answer. So this week, Andrew and Jim discuss where to place the beat in bagpipe music, how embellishments likely developed, and whether we should be prescribing where to place the beat at all... Got a question or topic you'd like answered in a future episode? Leave a comment or email it to support@pipersdojo.com!
Have you ever hit a wall in your piping? It could be because your foundations need fixing... This week, Andrew and Jim look at the root causes of player stagnation, which usually aren't fixed by doing more reps, or trying to play faster, or any of the many other ways we tell ourselves we'll get better if we just keep pushing. Often, the best way to progress is actually to take a step backwards – by methodically fixing fundamental gaps in skill, from the ground up. Think you're too far advanced to need this approach? You may be suffering from "bagpipe status disease" – and you're holding yourself back as a result... Got a question or topic you'd like answered in a future episode? Leave a comment or email it to support@pipersdojo.com!
Are you a "wet blower"? Many pipers seem to inexplicably have a bagpipe that accumulates WAY more moisture than their bandmates... but before you get too attached to that as part of your piping identity, you might want to hear what we have to say about the "myth" of wet blowing... On this week's episode, we explore some other variables that may be at play for "wet" blowers, like condensation, proper instrument maintenance, efficient setup, and environmental conditions, which can significantly impact moisture levels. Got a question or topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Leave us a comment or send an email to support@pipersdojo.com!
Is there a difference between band and solo chanters? Does it matter if you choose an African blackwood or a polypenco (plastic) chanter? And does the hole size of a chanter make any real difference to the sound? This week, Andrew and Jim are busting every myth you've ever wondered about bagpipe chanters, and touch on the traumatic moment that so many pipers have experienced – that bone-chilling CRACK when you turn a blackwood chanter from the bottom... Got a question or topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email support@pipersdojo.com!
Ever heard of the pitch–time continuum? If you haven't, that's not surprising, because Andrew made it up... but it's a great way to visualize what happens inside your pipes as you play, what effect heat and moisture have on whether your reeds go sharp or flat, and why the darned things never seem to stay in tune! On this week's episode of Dojo Conversations, Andrew and Jim discuss bagpipe tuning – one of the (if not the single) most frustrating topics for any beginning or intermediate piper. We'll look at how your pipes change over time, what causes this, and some suggestions for ways to prepare for and solve these issues when you're playing. Interested to learn more about tuning? We can't say too much yet, but we're developing something HUGE and very exciting that is coming soon – and we think it will have an enormous effect on your ability to tune your own bagpipes. Watch this space... Got a question or topic you'd like covered in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you – leave us a comment or email support@pipersdojo.com!
How do you plan the perfect practice session? Should you practice more on the practice chanter or the full pipes? And would the formula change depending on whether you're a complete beginner or have been playing for a while? This week on Dojo Conversations, Andrew and Jim dive into a listener question from Brad, all about how to structure a practice session for optimal improvement. They dive so deep they go all the way through to how you'd teach a beginner to get started on the bagpipes in general, among many other tangents (just for something different)...
Is there a better feeling in the world than buying new stuff for your piping obsession? So what should every piper be adding to that list? Should you stick to the maintenance essentials? Stock up on the latest gadgets and gimmicks? Or is there more to consider before you get out your wallet and rush to the closest supply store? This week on Dojo Conversations, Andrew and Jim discuss in detail the joys and pitfalls of bagpipe retail therapy, including a list of must-haves for every piper – but you might be more surprised at what's NOT on the list... Got a question that you'd like answered in a future episode? Leave us a comment on this video, or email it to us at support@pipersdojo.com.
Catch up with Andrew and Carl during this week's "Friday Strike In."
Do you rush to play your strathspeys at breakneck speed, regardless of the grade you play in? You're not alone. Many pipers believe you 'lose the strathspey feel' if you play these tunes too slow... but does that mean that pipers in lower grades should still aim for the same speeds as the pros? This week on Dojo Conversations, Andrew and Jim discuss a reader question about strathspey tempos, and what judges (and audiences) REALLY want to hear... and whether that's actually the best thing for the player, or for the continuing health of the piping community at large. Got a question of your own that you'd like answered? Leave a comment or email it to us at support@pipersdojo.com.
Bob Ross was a wholesome TV personality who taught viewers to paint beautiful landscapes along with him. But what does painting (even when coached by a vocal equivalent of a lava lamp) have to do with bagpiping? This week on Dojo Conversations, Andrew and Jim discuss Bob's approach to painting – to start with the broad strokes, adding complexity and detail over time – and how the very same approach applies to every creative pursuit... including (and perhaps especially) bagpiping! Got a question you'd like us to cover in future episodes? Leave a comment or email support@pipersdojo.com! ____ Dojo University is the longest-running and most successful online bagpiping and drumming school in the world. We teach thousands of students around the world how to play good music – mastering the art of learning and playing the bagpipes and drums in the process – in a highly accessible way that is completely unlike anything else you'll find online or in person, anywhere in the world. We created Dojo U because we noticed that too many pipers and drummers were struggling out there in the world. Bagpiping should be a joyful experience, each and every day you pick up your instrument. If it's not, we strive to fix that before it's too late. And whether you're a complete beginner, a parade or experienced player, a pipe major or drum sergeant, or a pro-level competitor... you can free yourself from musical frustration at Dojo U. At Dojo U, we do things a little differently to how you may have approached learning to play the bagpipes before. One of the key reasons for our ongoing success is that we're always evolving, improving, and growing. We'd love to welcome you back and show you around! Find Andrew and the Piper's Dojo Team here: Dojo University Online Bagpipe School: http://pipersdojo.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/pipersdojo Twitter: http://twitter.com/pipersdojo Instagram: http://instagram.com/pipersdojo SnapChat: pipersdojo
If you compete and don't win, have you failed? Failure is something we all fear – but putting yourself out there really is the only way to learn and grow as a piper. And the cool thing about failure is that it moves the needle towards a future success. This week on Dojo Conversations, Andrew and Jim discuss the idea of "failure" in bagpiping and pipe bands – and how different piping is as a "subjective" art form to some other more objective pursuits, like basketball and other sports. Let's rethink "failure" as what it really is – progress towards incremental improvement! Got a topic you'd like us to discuss on a future episode? Leave a comment or email it to support@pipersdojo.com! #bagpipes #bagpipers #pipeband #pipebandlife
Though many pipers struggle, it doesn't have to be this way. Finding true joy in your bagpiping all really boils down to one simple equation... but you'll have to tune in to find out what it is! This week on Dojo Conversations, Andrew and Jim discuss another chapter of Andrew's book Finding Bagpipe Freedom, this time looking at the simple equation that guarantees a way to finding joy in the process of learning to become a better bagpipers. Because if you can't enjoy the process... you're not gonna make it as a bagpiper! Got a topic you'd like us to discuss on a future episode? Leave a comment or email it to support@pipersdojo.com!
Becoming a great player is clearly possible, as many pipers achieve it. But it's easy to feel like we're getting stagnant or plateauing in our progress. So could becoming a world-class piper really be simple enough to boil down into 100 words? Absolutely! Here they are: ~~~~~~~~~~ "Every day: listen to masterful bagpipe music, interact with bagpipers better than you, play at least one tune on full bagpipes. Most days: hone essential fundamentals, in this order of priority: 1. Rhythmic Accuracy 2. Scale Navigation 3. Gracenote Quality 4. Blowing Mechanics/Posture 5. Tuning drones together 6. Maintaining optimal blowing pressure. 7. Tuning drones to chanter 8. Avoiding “Mental Blowing Anomalies” 9. Embellishment 10. “Expression” Technique Practice as wide an array of tunes as humanly possible. Be wary of routine! Keep practice very short, singularly focused, and objective. Afterwards, play strictly for enjoyment. Regularly put yourself in new, challenging musical situations. Play for self-expression, never for accolades. ~~~~~~~~~~ This week on Dojo Conversations, Andrew and Jim discuss Andrew's 100-word blueprint for improving at bagpipes. It's at the heart of his personal experience and piping philosophy, and forms the core of Dojo University's approach to teaching (the "Five Phases to Bagpipe Freedom"). So could you adopt this blueprint to become a world-class piper yourself? Tune in to find out...
Does your band care more about dressing up than the sound they produce? Would you rather be in a Grade 5 band focused on improvement, or a Grade 2 band obsessed more with status? How do you get a top grade attitude in a lower grade band – even if you don't compete? In this week's episode of Dojo Conversations, Andrew and Jim discuss a reader question about a band's attitude, and how it can make or break the success or failure of your organisation. As Lao Tzu once said, “If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.” So how do you set your band up to have a great, "Grade 1" culture and attitude? Tune in to find out... Got a question you'd like Andrew and Jim to discuss on the show? Add your comment here or send it to support@pipersdojo.com.
Ever watched an expert make something look so easy you think you could do it? It's a phenomenon every learner experiences – because you don't know what you don't know. Then as you learn more and do more, even though you're getting better, you start to realize there's a gaping chasm between your current skill level and where you want to be. In this week's episode, Andrew and Jim dive into more of the ideas from Finding Bagpipe Freedom, including a cool way of conceptualizing learning called the hierarchy of competence...
Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, as Oscar Wilde's old saying goes... but people often forget the second half of that quote: “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” In other words, if you're truly great, the mediocre will imitate you. So when you're creating something, like music, should you be aiming to simply copy what your instructors or great pipers play? Or should you want to create your own unique sound? In this week's episode, Andrew and Jim dive into more of the ideas Andrew explored in his first book, Finding Bagpipe Freedom, including how to use the bagpipes as a form of technology like any other – one that you can use as a tool to express yourself, rather than just copying what others have written or done before you. After all, isn't that the true definition of Bagpipe Freedom?
Many pipers dismiss piobaireachd – classical piping – as too nerdy, obscure, hard, or just plain boring to learn... but this couldn't be further from the truth! In this week's episode, Jim and Andrew chat with one of piobaireachd's most enthusiastic champion, Dan Nevans, who's a passionate advocate that piobaireachd is for everyone (coincidentally, also the title of his popular book). • Check out Dan's book "Piobaireachd is for Everyone" here: https://dnpiping.com/book • Join us for a piobaireachd-themed takeover of the Dojo in May 2023 – kicks off Friday 5 May: https://dojouniversity.com/theme • Learn more about Dojo University and how to join: https://pipersdojo.com
Ever wondered how two guys running a piping class in a New York church basement turned into the world's longest running and largest online piping school? Over more than 10 years in business, the Piper's Dojo (and now Dojo University) has grown into a cross-continental online juggernaut of piping and drumming education – but it certainly didn't start that way. In this week's episode, Jim (Heritage Bagpipes, Droning On podcast) and Andrew jump in the Delorean for a quick tour back to Dojo's origins, and look at how it's evolved over the past decade. _____ The Dojo engages thousands of bagpipers around the globe, by harnessing the power of the internet to help connect those in the world who share a specific passion; enriching one's life through bagpipes. This channel is our way of providing as much value as possible to the bagpipe world by sharing knowledge, taking your questions, interviewing pipers at all stages of development, and just generally talking bagpipes with the e-world. We hope you'll subscribe and join us on our mission to help the world play this great instrument as a true extension of their Selves. Andrew is also a prolific "real world" teacher and bagpipe performer. You can watch several of his performances and workshops on this channel. Find Andrew and the Piper's Dojo Team here: Dojo University Online Bagpipe School: http://pipersdojo.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/pipersdojo Twitter: http://twitter.com/pipersdojo Instagram: http://instagram.com/pipersdojo SnapChat: pipersdojo
Do you consider yourself a musician – not "just" a piper? Do you feel like you can express yourself freely through your bagpipes? Unfortunately, for most pipers, the answer is no. In 2021, Andrew published his first book, Finding Bagpipe Freedom, which explored the process any piper can follow to achieve musical "freedom", and how to break bad habits to do it. This week, Andrew and Jim discuss the introduction of the book, looking at the main reasons we want to play the bagpipes in the first place, and how we can fix the fundamentals that make those goals possible. ____ The Dojo engages thousands of bagpipers around the globe, by harnessing the power of the internet to help connect those in the world who share a specific passion; enriching one's life through bagpipes. This channel is our way of providing as much value as possible to the bagpipe world by sharing knowledge, taking your questions, interviewing pipers at all stages of development, and just generally talking bagpipes with the e-world. We hope you'll subscribe and join us on our mission to help the world play this great instrument as a true extension of their Selves. Andrew is also a prolific "real world" teacher and bagpipe performer. You can watch several of his performances and workshops on this channel. Find Andrew and the Piper's Dojo Team here: Dojo University Online Bagpipe School: http://pipersdojo.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/pipersdojo Twitter: http://twitter.com/pipersdojo Instagram: http://instagram.com/pipersdojo SnapChat: pipersdojo
How do you know when you're ready and capable of playing gigs for money? How much should you charge? How do you find gigs and put yourself out there? How should you plan for and charge clients? Andrew and Jim delve into the pennies and dimes of putting yourself out there as a piper for hire on this week's episode of Dojo Conversations.
Can you play a march properly without actually marching? Does marching as you play actually help? Do you need to dance to play a strathspey in time? ...and what happened that one time Andrew tried to dance? On this week's episode of Dojo Conversations, Andrew and Jim dive into the art of marching, its benefits and drawbacks, and how moving as we play affects our rhythm and the groove of the tune. ____ The Dojo engages thousands of bagpipers around the globe, by harnessing the power of the internet to help connect those in the world who share a specific passion; enriching one's life through bagpipes. This channel is our way of providing as much value as possible to the bagpipe world by sharing knowledge, taking your questions, interviewing pipers at all stages of development, and just generally talking bagpipes with the e-world. We hope you'll subscribe and join us on our mission to help the world play this great instrument as a true extension of their Selves. Andrew is also a prolific "real world" teacher and bagpipe performer. You can watch several of his performances and workshops on this channel. Find Andrew and the Piper's Dojo Team here: Dojo University Online Bagpipe School: http://pipersdojo.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/pipersdojo Twitter: http://twitter.com/pipersdojo Instagram: http://instagram.com/pipersdojo SnapChat: pipersdojo
Why do we use tape on bagpipe chanters? What's the 'right' way to use tape? Can you do tape 'wrong'? Can you have too much? What did they use before tape existed? On this week's episode, Andrew and Jim (Heritage Bagpipes, Droning On Podcast) delve into the sticky subject of bagpipe chanter tape, looking at its many uses, what to do, what NOT to do, and much more.
So you've checked your chanter reed is the right strength, your bag's airtight, and as far as you can tell, you're not leaking air anywhere else. Then why are you still struggling to maintain pressure and tone?! Calibrating your drones is the fourth step in setting up your pipes to be completely air-efficient – and therefore comfortable to play. But do you know how to calibrate your drone reeds properly? On this week's episode, Andrew and Jim (Heritage Bagpipes, Droning On Podcast) talk you through our "drone reed calibration" process, from making sure your drones are set up to perfectly complement your chanter reed, to matching drone reeds, plus how marriage counselling could help your pipe band (believe it or not!) and much more. ____ The Dojo engages thousands of bagpipers around the globe, by harnessing the power of the internet to help connect those in the world who share a specific passion; enriching one's life through bagpipes. This channel is our way of providing as much value as possible to the bagpipe world by sharing knowledge, taking your questions, interviewing pipers at all stages of development, and just generally talking bagpipes with the e-world. We hope you'll subscribe and join us on our mission to help the world play this great instrument as a true extension of their Selves. Andrew is also a prolific "real world" teacher and bagpipe performer. You can watch several of his performances and workshops on this channel. Find Andrew and the Piper's Dojo Team here: Dojo University Online Bagpipe School: http://pipersdojo.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/pipersdojo Twitter: http://twitter.com/pipersdojo Instagram: http://instagram.com/pipersdojo SnapChat: pipersdojo
An airtight bag is step 1 for a bagpipe that's easy to play. But do you know how to check if your bag is airtight? Does it matter that much whether you play hide or synthetic? Does duct tape work as a stopgap solution? And what should you do when you think you've done "everything right" and STILL can't get it to hold air properly? Andrew and Jim delve into all of these, plus 3D printed bagpipes, hemp compressors, and much more in this week's episode of Dojo Conversations. ____ The Dojo engages thousands of bagpipers around the globe, by harnessing the power of the internet to help connect those in the world who share a specific passion; enriching one's life through bagpipes. This channel is our way of providing as much value as possible to the bagpipe world by sharing knowledge, taking your questions, interviewing pipers at all stages of development, and just generally talking bagpipes with the e-world. We hope you'll subscribe and join us on our mission to help the world play this great instrument as a true extension of their Selves. Andrew is also a prolific "real world" teacher and bagpipe performer. You can watch several of his performances and workshops on this channel. Find Andrew and the Piper's Dojo Team here: Dojo University Online Bagpipe School: http://pipersdojo.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/pipersdojo Twitter: http://twitter.com/pipersdojo Instagram: http://instagram.com/pipersdojo SnapChat: pipersdojo
Do you record yourself when you practice and perform? So many of us are daunted just by the idea of it, but recording is a must if you want to improve at anything. In this week's episode of Dojo Conversations, Andrew and Jim discuss the many, many benefits of recording yourself, as well as a few practical tips about what gear works best, and how to use it for optimal sound on your recordings. ____ The Dojo engages thousands of bagpipers around the globe, by harnessing the power of the internet to help connect those in the world who share a specific passion; enriching one's life through bagpipes. This channel is our way of providing as much value as possible to the bagpipe world by sharing knowledge, taking your questions, interviewing pipers at all stages of development, and just generally talking bagpipes with the e-world. We hope you'll subscribe and join us on our mission to help the world play this great instrument as a true extension of their Selves. Andrew is also a prolific "real world" teacher and bagpipe performer. You can watch several of his performances and workshops on this channel. Find Andrew and the Piper's Dojo Team here: Dojo University Online Bagpipe School: http://learn.dojouniversity.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/pipersdojo Twitter: http://twitter.com/pipersdojo Instagram: http://instagram.com/pipersdojo SnapChat: pipersdojo
What kind of birl do you play? Do you know all the ways you can execute one? Is there a "best" way? On this week's episode of Dojo Conversations, Andrew and Jim delve into everything you want to know about birls – including how pipers in the distant future will play, and the rare and mysterious "birl on B"... ____ The Dojo engages thousands of bagpipers around the globe, by harnessing the power of the internet to help connect those in the world who share a specific passion; enriching one's life through bagpipes. This channel is our way of providing as much value as possible to the bagpipe world by sharing knowledge, taking your questions, interviewing pipers at all stages of development, and just generally talking bagpipes with the e-world. We hope you'll subscribe and join us on our mission to help the world play this great instrument as a true extension of their Selves. Andrew is also a prolific "real world" teacher and bagpipe performer. You can watch several of his performances and workshops on this channel. Find Andrew and the Piper's Dojo Team here: Dojo University Online Bagpipe School: http://dojouniversity.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/pipersdojo Twitter: http://twitter.com/pipersdojo Instagram: http://instagram.com/pipersdojo SnapChat: pipersdojo
Should you ever lick your reed? Why do pipers lick (or shave, or poke, or manipulate in any way whatsover) their reeds in the first place? Andrew and Jim (Heritage Bagpipes / Droning On Podcast) delve into the dos and don'ts of reed manipulation on this week's episode of Dojo Conversations. ____ The Dojo engages thousands of bagpipers around the globe, by harnessing the power of the internet to help connect those in the world who share a specific passion; enriching one's life through bagpipes. This channel is our way of providing as much value as possible to the bagpipe world by sharing knowledge, taking your questions, interviewing pipers at all stages of development, and just generally talking bagpipes with the e-world. We hope you'll subscribe and join us on our mission to help the world play this great instrument as a true extension of their Selves. Andrew is also a prolific "real world" teacher and bagpipe performer. You can watch several of his performances and workshops on this channel. Find Andrew and the Piper's Dojo Team here: Dojo University Online Bagpipe School: http://learn.dojouniversity.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/pipersdojo Twitter: http://twitter.com/pipersdojo Instagram: http://instagram.com/pipersdojo SnapChat: pipersdojo
Is there a "right" or "wrong" way to hold your chanter? Why do some of the world's best pipers seem to hold their chanters the "wrong" way to how most of us are taught? Andrew and Jim (Heritage Bagpipes, Droning On Podcast) do a deep dive on finger position, posture, and much more in this week's episode of Dojo Conversations. Note: A few of the descriptions in this episode relate to visuals in the video version of this interview – visit our Facebook page or YouTube channel to see the on-screen prompts as well. ____ While we've got you – do you ever get frustrated, dizzy or out of breath when you play your pipes? Far too many pipers struggle in "bagpipe hell" with an instrument that's way too hard to play, and no idea how to fix it. So join us in March 2023 for "make your bagpipes easy" month at Dojo U. We're taking over our entire online bagpipe school for the whole month of March this year to focus on making your bagpipes easy to play. Join us for: – 3 months of premium membership for the price of 1 – Live online workshops with piping legends Jack Lee and Richard Parkes – 10+ of our regular weekly live classes will be dedicated to making over your bagpipes – Optional 1:1 lessons with Dojo instructors to help target issues you're working on – Dedicated workbook to help guide you through the process Visit dojouniversity.com/theme for all the details! __________________
Where do embellishments come from? What can go wrong with a grace note? Do you need to play tunes exactly as they're written? Does the way we write embellishments negatively impact our playing? Andrew and Jim (Heritage Bagpipes, Droning On Podcast) dive into these questions and much more in this week's show as they discuss the best ways you can diagnose and then "clean up" your embellishments. ____ The Dojo engages thousands of bagpipers around the globe, by harnessing the power of the internet to help connect those in the world who share a specific passion; enriching one's life through bagpipes. This channel is our way of providing as much value as possible to the bagpipe world by sharing knowledge, taking your questions, interviewing pipers at all stages of development, and just generally talking bagpipes with the e-world. We hope you'll subscribe and join us on our mission to help the world play this great instrument as a true extension of their Selves. Andrew is also a prolific "real world" teacher and bagpipe performer. You can watch several of his performances and workshops on this channel. Find Andrew and the Piper's Dojo Team here: Dojo University Online Bagpipe School: http://learn.dojouniversity.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/pipersdojo Twitter: http://twitter.com/pipersdojo Instagram: http://instagram.com/pipersdojo SnapChat: pipersdojo
Can anyone actually tell if you play the wrong grace note? And does it really matter which grace note you play on different notes and embellishments? Andrew and James Moyar (Heritage Bagpipes, Droning On Podcast) delve into the grace note system, how experienced players can 'compress' tunes and embellishments into their memory, and how grace notes likely evolved in the first place.
The piping world has an epidemic of bagpipes that are hard to play. But can playing a hard reed ever be good for you? In this week's episode of Dojo Conversations, Andrew and James get to the bottom of 'piper's snot' and whether 'majoring in the minors' with a hard reed is a good idea for most players... ____ The Dojo engages thousands of bagpipers around the globe, by harnessing the power of the internet to help connect those in the world who share a specific passion; enriching one's life through bagpipes. This channel is our way of providing as much value as possible to the bagpipe world by sharing knowledge, taking your questions, interviewing pipers at all stages of development, and just generally talking bagpipes with the e-world. We hope you'll subscribe and join us on our mission to help the world play this great instrument as a true extension of their Selves. Find Andrew and the Piper's Dojo Team here: Dojo University Online Bagpipe School: pipersdojo.com Facebook: facebook.com/pipersdojo Twitter: twitter.com/pipersdojo Instagram: instagram.com/pipersdojo SnapChat: pipersdojo
Can a judge actually tell if you aren't playing all your drones? Should you use all of the tuning time you're allowed? How much does tune selection REALLY matter? James Moyar(Droning On Podcast, BagpipeSwag.com, Heritage Bagpipes)quizzes Andrew for a judge's perspective on what they look for when you're competing. ____ The Dojo engages thousands of bagpipers around the globe, by harnessing the power of the internet to help connect those in the world who share a specific passion; enriching one's life through bagpipes. This channel is our way of providing as much value as possible to the bagpipe world by sharing knowledge, taking your questions, interviewing pipers at all stages of development, and just generally talking bagpipes with the e-world. We hope you'll subscribe and join us on our mission to help the world play this great instrument as a true extension of their Selves. Andrew is also a prolific "real world" teacher and bagpipe performer. You can watch several of his performances and workshops on this channel. Find Andrew and the Piper's Dojo Team here: Dojo University Online Bagpipe School: http://pipersdojo.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/pipersdojo Twitter: http://twitter.com/pipersdojo Instagram: http://instagram.com/pipersdojo SnapChat: pipersdojo
Pipers at all levels of ability and experience can find pesky crossing noises creeping into our playing. Do you know the different kinds, how to eliminate them, and what causes them? The answer, especially to the last one, may surprise you... __________________ The Piper's Dojo Weekly Show, Dojo Conversations, brings you weekly advice about how to be a better bagpiper. This episode was first livestreamed on Facebook – so like our Facebook page (The Piper's Dojo, linked below) to tune in live to our weekly streams, subscribe to our YouTube channel, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! The Dojo engages thousands of bagpipers around the globe, by harnessing the power of the internet to help connect those in the world who share a specific passion; enriching one's life through bagpipes. This channel is our way of providing as much value as possible to the bagpipe world by sharing knowledge, taking your questions, interviewing pipers at all stages of development, and just generally talking bagpipes with the e-world. We hope you'll subscribe and join us on our mission to help the world play this great instrument as a true extension of their Selves. Andrew is also a prolific "real world" teacher and bagpipe performer. You can watch several of his performances and workshops on this channel. Find Andrew and the Piper's Dojo Team here: Dojo University Online Bagpipe School: http://learn.dojouniversity.com Piper's Dojo Bagpipe Supply Store: http://pipersdojo.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/pipersdojo Twitter: http://twitter.com/pipersdojo Instagram: http://instagram.com/pipersdojo SnapChat: pipersdojo
Did you know that embellishments aren't just a collection of grace notes mashed together? They may look that way when they're written out in sheet music, but there's a bit more to them than that. They're actually rapid-fire combinations of melody notes and grace notes used to embellish a bagpipe tune. And to get anywhere near close to playing them well, there are three key things you're going to want to master... __________________ The Piper's Dojo Weekly Show, Dojo Conversations, brings you weekly advice about how to be a better bagpiper. This episode was first livestreamed on Facebook – so like our Facebook page (The Piper's Dojo, linked below) to tune in live to our weekly streams, subscribe to our YouTube channel, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! The Dojo engages thousands of bagpipers around the globe, by harnessing the power of the internet to help connect those in the world who share a specific passion; enriching one's life through bagpipes. This channel is our way of providing as much value as possible to the bagpipe world by sharing knowledge, taking your questions, interviewing pipers at all stages of development, and just generally talking bagpipes with the e-world. We hope you'll subscribe and join us on our mission to help the world play this great instrument as a true extension of their Selves. Andrew is also a prolific "real world" teacher and bagpipe performer. You can watch several of his performances and workshops on this channel. Find Andrew and the Piper's Dojo Team here: Dojo University Online Bagpipe School: http://learn.dojouniversity.com Piper's Dojo Bagpipe Supply Store: http://pipersdojo.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/pipersdojo Twitter: http://twitter.com/pipersdojo Instagram: http://instagram.com/pipersdojo SnapChat: pipersdojo
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