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 episo...
Nov 13, 2023•40 min
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!
Nov 06, 2023•27 min
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 ...
Oct 30, 2023•30 min
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 tunin...
Oct 23, 2023•27 min
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!
Oct 19, 2023•5 min
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!
Oct 16, 2023•7 min
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!
Oct 15, 2023•6 min
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!
Oct 15, 2023•7 min
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 c...
Oct 13, 2023•7 min
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... In depth “Bagpipe Tuning in Theory” module, with quizzes to test your knowledge Comprehensive “Bagpipe Tuning in Practice” module 90-Day Tuning Training Pl...
Oct 12, 2023•6 min
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 tu...
Oct 11, 2023•49 min
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 he...
Oct 02, 2023•50 min
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...
Sep 25, 2023•36 min
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 c...
Sep 18, 2023•33 min
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...
Sep 11, 2023•36 min
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 ...
Sep 04, 2023•14 min
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 answere...
Aug 28, 2023•48 min
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 t...
Aug 14, 2023•32 min
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 im...
Aug 07, 2023•29 min
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 c...
Jul 31, 2023•18 min
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'...
Jul 24, 2023•35 min
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 gener...
Jul 17, 2023•31 min
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 yo...
Jul 10, 2023•58 min
Enjoy the CALM Before Winter Storm ❄️ Dojo University is the largest and longest running online bagpiping and drumming school, but sometimes it's fun to meet up IRL (in real life) too... This week, Andrew and Jim chat about some upcoming Dojo in-person events, all timed to tie into some of the biggest events on the piping calendar around the world. The first is a three-day workshop running just before "Winter Storm", one of North America's most popular piping and drumming events. Tailored for be...
Jul 03, 2023•17 min
Catch up with Andrew and Carl during this week's "Friday Strike In."
Jun 30, 2023•57 min
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...
Jun 26, 2023•15 min
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 ...
Jun 19, 2023•1 hr 2 min
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 rethi...
Jun 12, 2023•19 min
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 gon...
Jun 05, 2023•42 min
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...
May 29, 2023•56 min
