Shows
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience459 - Peek Behind the Curtain at the Dojo with Carl Donley (Dojo Conversations Episode 129)Is this the man behind the curtain at the Dojo?
This week, Andrew and Jim welcome Carl Donley, who’s been a mainstay co-running Dojo University with Andrew from nearly the beginning!
We’ll chat about how Piper’s Dojo went from a scrappy side project to the giant online piping school it is today. From humble beginnings and evolving roles to the game-changing tech that helped them bring their vision to life, Carl takes us behind the scenes of the Dojo’s digital journey. You’ll hear how he and Andrew’s layered teaching method has c...2025-06-0948 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience456 - Can YOU Master the Tuning Game? (Dojo Conversations Episode 126)What if you could practice tuning... WITHOUT your bagpipes?
This week, Andrew and Jim are test-driving Andrew's new tuning game – and launching a special 30-day tuning challenge where participants can WIN a set of McCallum SL4 MacRae bagpipes!
To join the Tuning Game Challenge for your chance to win, visit https://pipersdojo.com/tuningchallenge
Tuning pipes is complex – you're chasing a moving target as you juggle rising temperature, building moisture, and trying to blow steady while you listen for the "wah wahs" to chase that perfect tone.
And whether you're a begin...2025-05-1958 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience455 - Can You Guess The Movie From The Bagpipes? (Dojo Conversations Episode 125)Get ready to put your bagpipe pop culture knowledge to the test!
In this episode, Jim's cooked up a game that’s equal parts fun and maddening: he plays short clips of bagpipes from movies, TV shows, and songs, and Andrew has to guess where they're from. Can he do it? Can you?
This episode is a wild ride through some of the most unexpected (and iconic) bagpipe moments in media. Play along at home and see if you're better at this than Andrew (low bar? You decide).
Along the way, they chat ab...2025-05-1236 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience452 - Could Fear of Being Wrong Be Blocking Your Piping Progress? (Dojo Conversations Episode 122)Ever hold back in a practice session because you're worried you'll mess it up?
Or stay quiet in band because you're afraid your idea might be wrong? In this episode, we’re diving into a powerful idea from philosophy called fallibilism—the belief that no matter how much you know, you could still be wrong.
And honestly? That’s a gift. Especially in a pursuit like piping, where tradition runs deep and gatekeeping can shut down growth.
We’re talking about why embracing mistakes, questioning ‘the rules,’ and letting go of the fear of being wro...2025-04-2146 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience451 - Why Mentorship Matters (Dojo Conversations Episode 121)It's easy to assume that mentorship is most crucial during childhood. But what about those who discover piping later in life?
Whether you're a beginner at 40 or picking it up again after years, having a mentor can make all the difference.
This week, Andrew and Jim are diving into the importance of strong mentors in your piping journey, throwing back to Andrew’s early piping journey including his first contests, experience with piping at a boarding school, and the influential great pipers who were strong mentor figures in his life.
Got a topic yo...2025-04-1435 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience449 - How To Start a Pipe Band (Dojo Conversations Episode 119)Ever thought about starting your own pipe band? Where would you even begin?
This week, Andrew and Jim dive into the nitty-gritty of building a band from the ground up. Picking a name, sorting out uniforms, finding a practice space—it’s all on the table. Andrew shares some real-world advice on organizing rehearsals, setting up a beginner program, and making sure band dues actually cover costs. And let’s not forget the heart of any good band: community.
Got a question or topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a commen...2025-03-3140 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience444 - Why Learning Bagpipes Feels Harder Before It Gets Easier (Dojo Conversations Episode 114)Ever tried something new and thought, "Easy! I could do that"—only to fail spectacularly? That’s the hierarchy of competence in action. It’s the universal journey from complete ignorance to effortless mastery. And guess what? You’ve been through it more times than you can count.
This week, Andrew and Jim break down the hierarchy of competence, explaining the four stages: unconscious incompetence, conscious incompetence, conscious competence, and unconscious competence. They stress the importance of moving beyond conscious competence to perform skills effortlessly, applying this concept to various aspects of bagpiping, such as learning new tunes an...2025-02-2455 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience443 - Our Top Hacks For Grade 5 Pipe Bands (Dojo Conversations Episode 113)Are lower-grade pipe bands missing out on easy wins by focusing on the wrong things?
This week, Andrew and Jim chat through how lower grade pipe bands (Grade 4 and 5) can improve their sound with minimal effort. They start by dissecting a Reddit user’s advice, then dive into Andrew’s top observations as a competition judge and instructor for lower grade bands, breaking down the low-hanging fruit for bands to drastically improve their sound and performances – by reducing mistakes, tuning drones properly, and playing clean embellishments.
Got a question you’d like covered in a future ep...2025-02-1732 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience436 - Another Year In The Bag (Dojo Conversations Ep 106)Happy New Year – almost!
This week Andrew and Jim revisit some of the highs, the lows, and everything in between – including Jim's hair, which is basically a third host at this point – as we reflect on the pod's progress so far... and some of the exciting plans (and guests) we're cooking up for 2025!
Here's what we cover in (a LOT) of detail this week: 00:00 Happy New Year Reflections 00:20 Reviewing Past Episodes 02:24 Episode 55: Can Rest Be Productive? 03:34 Episode 56: How to Simplify Tunes 05:39 Episode 57: What's the Real Cost of Bagpiping? 07:38 Episode 58: Freeing Up You...2024-12-3046 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience435 - St Blow's Blessings for the Season(ing) (Dojo Conversations Ep 105)In this festive episode, Jim and Andrew present another AI-penned Christmas poem: 'A Piper's Night Before Christmas,' featuring Jolly St Blow, the mythical Highland Loon, and an oddly defensive AI author... Enjoy, happy piping and Merry Christmas from all of us here at the Piper's Dojo!
Here's what to expect in today's episode:
00:00 Holiday Greetings and Reflections
02:02 AI-Generated Christmas Special
03:19 Piper's Night Before Christmas
09:11 Analyzing the Poem
11:55 Saint Blow and the Highland Loon
18:26 Toonie Tradition and School Memories
19:49 Concluding Thoughts and Thanks2024-12-2321 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience428 - 11 Simple Habits That Will Overhaul Your Piping (Dojo Conversations Episode 98)What if 11 small changes could make an enormous difference to your piping progress?
This week, Andrew and Jim dive into the 11 commandments of mastery – Andrew’s blueprint of habits that lead to great bagpiping, but are applicable to all mastery-oriented pursuits. They look at the importance of mastering fundamentals to achieve creative freedom, common pitfalls that learners face, and why a growth mindset is essential to any form of progression.
Here’s what we cover in this episode: 00:00 Setting Up the Scene 00:53 The 11 Commandments of Bagpiping 01:11 Universal Concepts in Mastery 02:05 Disagreements in the Bagpipe...2024-11-0451 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience423 - Solving the World's Piping Problems (Dojo Conversations Episode 93)It's another Reddit deep dive!
This week, Andrew and Jim discuss questions pipers have posted to Reddit – about whether you should play standard settings in solo competitions, and how judges should treat you as a competitor if you don't; Andrew's personal recommendations for the best piping albums of all time; and when it's appropriate to share recordings of Grade 1 band sets on social media. Finally, they tackle the topic of maintaining lip strength without pipes, debunking some myths and suggesting practical approaches to practice.
00:00 Introduction and Today's Agenda 01:02 Judging Etiquette and Feedback 03:12 Pl...2024-09-3032 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience419 - The Story of the Dojo (Dojo Conversations Episode 89)This week, Andrew and Jim reflect on how the Dojo evolved from an idea about teaching a piping school in semesters online at the dawn of online classroom software, into what is now the world's largest and longest running online piping and drumming school.
Andrew reflects on how he the journey from thinking of the idea on his honeymoon, the original in-person classes, initial skepticism, and the ultimate formation and evolution of the Piper's Dojo.
This week, we cover: 00:00 Imagining Alternate Careers for Andrew 01:33 The Birth of Dojo University 02:29 Recreating the Piping...2024-09-0241 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience417 - The Intensity Equation (Dojo Conversations Episode 87)Ever had a workout where you pushed it way too far? You may be surprised to learn you can do something similar when you’re playing your bagpipes…
This week, Jim and Andrew discuss the consequences of overdoing physical activities and how it relates to playing bagpipes. Jim shares his recent experience with shoulder pain from felling trees and lifting weights, while Andrew introduces the concept of the 'intensity equation.'
The conversation explores how to balance intensity without sacrificing form in various aspects of life, including workouts, bagpipe practice, and overall well-being. They also chat...2024-08-1926 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience415 - A North American Piper’s Guide to Scotland (Dojo Conversations Episode 85)Is it worth the cost and effort for North American pipers and drummers to visit Scotland?
Do general Scottish people care about the World Pipe Band Championships?
Will you be a social pariah if you play your bagpipes in public Scotland?
This week, Jim and Andrew chat through some practical advice for North American bagpipers traveling to Scotland, including packing tips, overcoming jet lag, and must-visit destinations such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, and the Highlands.
Additionally, they discuss cultural differences, customs regarding bagpiping, the local busking scene, and the etiquette of bringing...2024-08-0539 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience413 - How To Be A Great Piper on Autopilot (Dojo Conversations Episode 83)What if you could play your bagpipes without ever worrying about tuning or technique again? How much faster could you improve if you didn't have to think about every little step in your bagpipe practice? Couldn’t you then focus on being creative in your expression, rather than getting hung up on technicalities?
This week, Jim and Andrew look at the importance of systematic practice, focusing on mastering fundamental skills like rhythmic accuracy, grace notes, and melody patterns. Andrew introduces the idea of 'defensive bagpiping,' drawing parallels to defensive driving, and the necessity of automating basic sk...2024-07-2257 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience412 - Portant Parade Principles (Dojo Conversations Episode 82)Like death and taxes, parades are an inevitable part of life for a piper. They can be long, hot, and exhausting. But they can also be a lot of fun if you approach them the right way! So how do you set yourself up for the best possible parade gigs?
This week, Andrew and Jim cover crucial tips for a successful parade, including proper bagpipe maintenance, organized tuning routines, and short, manageable sets. They also discuss practical logistics like meet-up points, dealing with detours or delays, hydration, strategic placement within the parade, dealing with parade frustrations.
2024-07-1536 minPiper's Dojo Audio ExperienceHow To Play Embellishments Like You Mean It (Episode 77)Do your embellishments enhance your playing, or detract from it?
This week, in Part 2 of their deep dive into Chapter 9 of Andrew's book Finding Bagpipe Freedom, Andrew and Jim explore the contrast between technical proficiency and audience appreciation in bagpipe embellishments. They look at the importance of playing with intention, the balance between tradition and creativity, and the importance of purposeful practice.
Got a topic you’d like to see covered in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: support@pipersdojo.com!
Here’s what we covered this week:
00:00 Intr...2024-06-1029 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience406 - Do You Need To Play Tunes With All The Embellishments? (Dojo Conversations Ep 76)Why do pipers at all levels obsess over embellishments and deep-and-meaningful expression, when they can’t play to the beat, or without crossing noises?
This week, Andrew and Jim jump back into Andrew’s book, Finding Bagpipe Freedom, to discuss Chapter 9, which is all about the importance of mastering the basics before delving into embellishments. Because as Leo Burnett says, it’s better to do the obvious, simple thing, but to do it uncommonly well. Got a question you’d like answered in a future episode? Leave a comment or email it to us via support@pipersdojo.com. 2024-06-0334 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience402 - 10 Clues Your Pipe Major Sucks (Dojo Conversations Episode 72)Pipe band can be a source of joy, fun, and fulfilment. But the person in charge matters… and it can be really demotivating when weaknesses in their leadership start to affect your enjoyment of this hobby we all know and love…
This week, we’re revisiting an article Andrew wrote in 2020 called, you guessed it, “10 Clues Your Pipe Major Sucks”. Despite the clickbait title, the point is really about leadership – in a pipe band setting, or any other. Andrew and Jim dive into their own experiences playing under various pipe majors, good and bad, and the importance of leadershi...2024-05-0636 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience400 - Play It Like You Sing It (Dojo Conversations Episode 70)Learning tunes can be hard, especially if you struggle with sight-reading. But there's a step that makes it much easier – and helps speed up a bunch of other skills too, including your ability to play the right rhythm and melody.
This week, we're discussing the concept of 'playing it like you sing it'. While some people can feel a bit silly or uncomfortable singing a tune out loud, there's a profound connection between singing and playing an instrument. And when you combine multiple senses and physical movements – like foot tapping, head nodding, and visually following the music – it can...2024-04-2241 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience394 - Listener Q&A: Tiny Pipers, Moving Tunes Onto Pipes, and Finding A Kiwi Tutor (Dojo Conversations Ep 64)This week, we're diving into the mailbag to answer your submitted questions!
First up, we talk through how to help a young piper's transition to pipes, and how to adapt the instrument for small pipers.
Next - transitioning tunes from the practice chanter to the bagpipes, and the challenge of mastering 'Scotland the Brave'.
And finally - a letter from a New Zealand listener outlines their journey and challenges in learning bagpipes, expressing a desire for more tailored feedback and the obstacles posed by time zone differences for live classes.
Got a q...2024-03-1137 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience392 - Dialling Into 4 Layers of Bagpipe Sound (Dojo Conversations Ep 62)Ever wondered why your drones seem to make a bunch of different sounds when you strike in (or if you don't cut them off quickly – an auditory experience affectionately know as "the dying cow")?
This week, Andrew and Jim explain the four distinct layers identifiable within drone sounds generated by the bagpipe: a squeaky unpredictable sound triggered by low pressure (layer one), a gurgly or raucous sub-layer (layer two), the optimal stable tone (layer three), and no sound at all (layer four), resulting from excessive pressure. Andrew and Jim underline the importance of bagpipe calibration and maintenance in...2024-02-2623 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience391 - Are You Getting The Most Out Of Band Practice? (Dojo Conversations Ep 61)Most of us show up for band practice like clockwork each week – maybe even a few times a week. But are you showing up in all the right ways to improve your own playing, and contribute to the improvement of your whole band?
This week, Andrew and Jim – who both have plenty of experience playing in and leading bands at all grade levels – chat through the importance of individual players coming to practice with their instrument and personal skills honed so the group can focus on ensemble-specific issues and strategies during practice-time, rather than working on their individ...2024-02-1929 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience390 - Do You Play in the "Tone Zone"? (Dojo Conversations Ep 60)"Just blow tone!" Sound familiar? Most of us know we should be blowing a certain way to sound better, but many pipers don't know how to really get into the "tone zone".
This week, Andrew and Jim delve into the importance of identifying and playing within the instrument's sweet spot for optimal sound quality, eliminating the risk of choking or squeaking. The duo talks about the impact of drone tuning, and how setting drones slightly sharper than perfectly in tune can subconsciously encourage fuller blowing. They underscore how items like hitting the sweet spot should become second na...2024-02-1222 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience389 - Do You Own or Rent Your Piping Skills? (Dojo Conversations Episode 59)Do you want to sound just like your favourite pipers? Maybe we all do, to start with. But after a while, most pipers realise that true satisfaction comes from being able to create any musical ideas or interpretations that you want to – not just copying others.
Having this kind of freedom is the ultimate goal of any musician – and any bagpiper.
But when we skip early skills and rush through to play the pipes, it can be hard on the ol' ego to go back to the basics to re-learn them. But that mastery of the e...2024-02-0548 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience388 - How Can You Free Up Your Piping Bandwidth? (Dojo Conversations Episode 58)As pipers we have to juggle a lot of skills, usually all at once. Remembering tunes, playing with good rhythm and clean fingerwork, tuning, blowing good tone, marching... the list goes on.
But how do you put them all together without maxing out your 'piping bandwidth' – your mental capacity to do many things simultaneously?
This week, Andrew and Jim chat through the chapter of Andrew's book, Finding Bagpipe Freedom, that tackles how to juggle all the essential piping skills at once to be an excellent player. It's tricky, but not impossible, as long as you fol...2024-01-2935 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience387 - What's the REAL Cost of Bagpiping? (Dojo Conversations Episode 57)
How much money should you be budgeting for your bagpiping? At a minimum there are reeds, pipe bags, and other parts all need to be replaced regularly – and then there's new chanters, travel, lessons, and much more. It can add up pretty quickly to a lot more than you thought when you started as a fledgling piper...
This week, Andrew and Jim talk through a bagpiping budget – the outlay for equipment and travel, the importance of good maintenance and care, and the cost-benefit of more expensive options versus cheaper alternatives for durability and performance.
Got a question for a future episod...2024-01-2019 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience386 - How to Simplify Tunes (Dojo Conversations Episode 56)Ever heard “you’re not a REAL piper unless you play with all the embellishments as written”?
Embellishments are lovely – but they’re the crown moulding, while foundational skills like rhythm, scale navigation, and so many others are vital to master first…
This week, Andrew and Jim look at how to go back to basics with your tunes, by learning to effectively simplify them. They use Bonnie Anne to give a step-by-step explanation, starting with rhythm, then integrating melody notes and grace notes. Each successive layer becomes more complex, with emphasis on learning on...2024-01-1551 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience385 - Can Rest Be Productive? (Dojo Conversations Episode 55)Do you ever feel burned out at the end of competition season?
This week, Andrew and Jim look at the merits of rest. It's a necessity in the fitness world to recover and restore yourself to be stronger – so could the same be true for your piping? High-pressure performances and competition can certainly be draining if you're pouring time into them, and the downtime can have negative effects on your motivation and creativity. But consistency is really important to stay motivated – so could taking a short sabbatical reinvigorate you, or could it be a fast track to thro...2024-01-0825 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience384 - Everything Auld Is New Again (Dojo Conversations Episode 54)Should 'auld' episodes be forgot and never brought to mind? Not a chance!
As 2024 dawns, we're taking a moment to pause and reflect – it's been just over a year since the podcast went live, so this week Andrew and Jim revisit some of the highs, the lows, and the bits we can't remember as we look back on the Dojo Conversations journey so far... and where we're headed in 2024 and beyond!
If you have a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode, leave us a comment or send it to support@pipersdojo.co...2024-01-0142 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience383 - A Highland Piping Christmas Carol (Dojo Conversations Episode 53)'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the Dojo, we've enlisted AI for some festive mojo!
This week, Andrew and Jim detour for a special Christmas episode, enlisting the writing and artistic talents of very special guest to pull together the most bagpipey version of A Christmas Carol and The Grinch ever conceived (by AI)... Wishing all our followers and listeners a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
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Dojo University is the longest-running and most successful online bagpiping and drumming school in the world.
We teach thousands of students around...2023-12-2413 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience382 - Jack Lee on Cruise Journey North (Dojo Conversations Episode 52)This week, Andrew and Jim welcome special guest and piping legend Jack Lee to talk all things piping, drumming and… cruising?!
The upcoming Piper’s Dojo and Piping Hot Summer Drummer collaboration 'Cruise Journey North' departs from Seattle to Alaska on May 4th, 2024, with regular classes, private sessions, tune workshops, tune composition sessions, and opportunities to interact with local pipe bands in Alaska, all mixed in with a luxury cruise holiday in the idyllic American north.
Learn more about how this all came about, as well as a preview of a fun new tune composed just...2023-12-1829 minPiper's Dojo Audio Experience379 - Are Your Bagpipes Playing You? (Dojo Conversations Episode 49) Do your bagpipes fit your body – or do you make your body fit to your bagpipes?
Continuing last week's conversation about posture, this time Andrew and Jim challenge the idea that bagpipes are hard to play – according to Andrew they should be easy to play, always, but we all know that's often easier said than done... especially for newer players. So they follow up with some great tips on how to work on your posture, whether you could 'wear your bagpipes to outer space', and how to improve your maintenance systems to make sure you never have to worry about playi...2023-11-2745 min
Piper's Dojo Audio ExperienceLincoln Hilton on the frustrating trial and error of learning to tuneLincoln 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!2023-10-1905 min
Piper's Dojo Audio ExperienceCallum Beaumont on how environment affects your tuningYour 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!2023-10-1507 min
Piper's Dojo Audio ExperienceMatt MacIsaac shares some of his tuning process (clip from longer interview)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 Plan
11 full-hour interviews with many of the world’s greatest pipers (including the one this clip is from!)
300+ Page Full Color Textbook
“How...2023-10-1206 min
Piper's Dojo Audio ExperienceNEW Tuning Suite: Decoding the "Great Bagpipe Tuning Algoritm"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...2023-10-1149 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience364 – Why won't my bagpipes EVER stay in tune?! (Dojo Conversations Ep 34)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...2023-07-2434 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience362 - Your Ultimate Bagpipe Shopping List (Dojo Conversations Episode 32)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...2023-07-1058 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience358 - What Do Bob Ross and Bagpipes Have In Common? (Dojo Conversations Ep 29)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!
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Dojo University is the...2023-06-191h 01
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience357 - How To "Fail" Like A Champion (Dojo Conversations Ep 29)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 topi...2023-06-1218 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience356 - A Simple Equation For Joyful Bagpiping (Dojo Conversations Ep 28)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...2023-06-0541 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience355 - How to be a world-class bagpiper... in 100 words (Dojo Conversations Ep 27)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:
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"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. Embell...2023-05-2955 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience354 - How To Get A Grade 1 Band Attitude (Dojo Conversations Ep 26)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 head...2023-05-2226 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience352 - Are you making music, or just mimicking? (Dojo Conversations Ep 24)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 Bagp...2023-05-0835 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience350 - The Dojo Origin Story (Dojo Conversations Ep 22)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.
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The Dojo engages thousands of bagpipers around the gl...2023-04-2422 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience349 - Are You Free to Play What You Want? (Dojo Conversations Ep 21)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.
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The Dojo en...2023-04-1744 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience348 - How Do I Find and Charge for Gigs? (Dojo Conversations Ep 20)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.2023-04-1030 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience347 - Does Marching Help You Play in Time?(Dojo Conversations Ep 19)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.
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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...2023-04-0410 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience345 - How Do I Make My Pipes Air Efficient? (Dojo Conversations Ep 17)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 yo...2023-03-2037 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience344 - Is Your Bag Airtight? Or Do You Just THINK It Is...? (Dojo Conversations Ep 16)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.
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The Dojo engages thousands of bagpipers around the globe, by harnessing the...2023-03-1321 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience343 - This Recording May Be Used For Training Purposes(Dojo Conversations Ep 15)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.
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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...2023-03-0626 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience342 - Birling Around (Dojo Conversations Ep 14)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"...
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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 va...2023-02-2710 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience341 – Should You Lick Your Chanter Reed? (Dojo Conversations Ep 13)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.
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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...2023-02-2018 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience339 - How to clean up your embellishments (Dojo Conversations Ep 11)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.
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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.
...2023-02-0617 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience337 - Can Hard Reeds Be Good For You? (Dojo Conversations Ep 9)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...
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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...2023-01-2310 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience336 - What a Judge Wants (Dojo Conversations Ep 8)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.
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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...2023-01-1223 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience335 - Crossing Noise Secrets (Dojo Conversations Episode 7)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...
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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 enga...2022-12-1809 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience334 - To fix your embellishments... stop playing embellishments (Dojo Conversations Ep 6)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...
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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...2022-12-0908 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience333 - Sight-read any bagpipe tune effortlessly (Dojo Conversations Ep 5)Sight-reading is something a lot of pipers struggle with, especially if you didn't learn how to read music before you started learning to play bagpipes.
But it doesn't have to be hard. This is my simple, straightforward approach to sight-reading. It's a bit like juggling – you can quickly master it, if you just tackle it one ball at a time.
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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 to receive notifications when our weekly streams go live; subs...2022-12-0113 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience332 - How to "hemp edit" your bagpipes (Dojo Conversations Ep 4)Hemp is finicky. Day to day, your joints' tightness can change quite a bit, so when it comes to technique, my golden rule: it has to be fast.
Watch as I demonstrate how to wrap hemp on your drone or reed seats for a ‘hemp edit’ – when your pipes are already hemped, but just need a little tune up to get them nice and tight to play again.
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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 to receive...2022-11-1714 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience331 - The #1, foolproof, top-secret reed manipulation trick (Dojo Conversations Ep 3)Licking, poking, pinching... what's the best way to sound absolutely incredible every time you choose a new reed? In this video, Andrew steps you through how to deal with challenging reeds, and the best way to manipulate them to sound incredible...
The Piper's Dojo brings you weekly advice about how to be a better bagpiper. Like our Facebook page to receive notifications when our weekly streams go live; subscribe to our YouTube channel; or follow, rate and review wherever you tune in to your favorite podcasts!2022-11-1007 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience330 Extras - Q&A Wrap Up on Moisture and Reed Strength (Dojo Conversations Ep 2.1)We had some great questions submitted about our last two podcasts in the Dojo Conversations series, a new weekly show where we do a quick dive into some tips on a different piping topic each week. Andrew held a quick follow up Q&A session to answer these, as the submitters probably aren't the only ones curious about these...
Got a question for us? Want us to cover a specific topic in future? Add a comment to this podcast, or send it to us on any of our social channels!
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The Piper's Dojo brings you weekly advice about how to...2022-11-0813 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience330 - Got Moisture Problems? You Might Be Overlooking These 3 Things(Dojo Conversations Ep 2)We need a certain amount of moisture in our bagpipes. But too much can be a major problem. Too many players reach straight for moisture control systems and fancy gadgets to manage it, but that's treating the symptom, and not the cause. Let's delve into the real causes of moisture issues, including the stuff we need to do when we’re NOT playing...
The Piper's Dojo brings you weekly advice about how to be a better bagpiper. Like our Facebook page to receive notifications when our weekly streams go live; subscribe to our YouTube channel; or follow, rate and review wh...2022-11-0310 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience329 - Finding the Right Chanter Reed: The Scotland The Brave Test (Dojo Conversations Ep 1)How do you know if your bagpipe chanter reed is the right strength for you? This simple test is a pretty foolproof way to find out... listen as we step you through how to do it, some of the factors that contribute to the the reed strength you need, and some of the pros and cons of easy vs hard chanter reeds.
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The Piper's Dojo brings you weekly advice about how to be a better bagpiper. Like our Facebook page to receive notifications when our weekly streams go live; subscribe to our YouTube channel; or follow, rate and review wherever...2022-11-0312 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience326 - Tube vs. Gauge Style Manometer - Will I Ever "Get" Rhythm (Weekly Strike-in) - 01.14.202201:20 - Why is a tube-style manometer better than a gauge?
24:25 - Will I ever "get" rhythm "down"?
33:53 - Is Piobaireachd required to become a "real" piper? --> What IS a real piper?
If you enjoyed this, you should try a Dojo University Premium Membership. Our premium membership features over 50 courses, 17+ live classes each week, social interaction channels, feedback on your playing, weekly challenges, and more! Try one month for just $1 by visiting DojoUniversity.com/testdrive today!2022-01-1442 min
Piper's Dojo Audio ExperienceFree Online Workshop this Sunday Nov 14 - 11 Reasons Pipers FailRegister now at https://dojouniversity.com/workshop
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As you may have heard, I am putting together some free workshops this winter for anyone who'd like to attend. The first one will be this November 14th, at 1pm New York Time, called "11 Reasons Pipers Fail."
So, what's this workshop all about? Frankly, it's been a tough one to put into words.
Have you ever achieved a goal, but still felt empty? Have you powered through to the finish line, just to realize (usually immediately) that you were wrong about where the real finish line actually was?
Cramming for a big test...2021-11-0902 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience319 - Long Form Chat with Ross Miller - 04.30.2021Ross hails from Linlithgow, West Lothian where he is the official Town Piper. He studied Bagpipes, Scots Song and Whistles at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. In July 2017 he graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Traditional Music - Piping. Ross was a finalist in the 2019 BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year competition.
A World Champion piper, Ross began piping aged 7 and was the Pipe Major of the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland. He competed with the world famous Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band for many years. He is now a member the Grade 1...2021-04-301h 29
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience318 - Long Form Chat with Greig Canning - 04.28.2021Greig Canning is a piper with the two-time grade 1 World Champions, Inveraray and District Pipe Band.
He is a regular prize winner and ‘A grade’ competitor on the highland games circuit, regularly competing at the Argyllshire Gathering and Northern Meeting.
Greig is a full-time bagpipe instructor for West Lothian Council, and the pipe major and instructor of the West Lothian Schools Pipe Band.
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If you enjoyed this, you should try a Dojo University Premium Membership. Our premium membership features over 50 courses, 17+ live classes each week, social interaction channels, feedback on your playing, weekly challenges, and more! Try one month for just...2021-04-281h 03
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience290 - Foolproof Reed Selection for Beginners - 03.25.20How do you know what reed to chose when you are a brand new piper? Your instructor said the reed was easy, but is it right for you? What do you do if the reed squeals, gurgles, or doesn’t make a sound at all?
Andrew explains a foolproof way to choose your very first reed and every one after that. Stop struggling and start playing your new pipes!
Visit DojoUniversity.com today and become a member!
Join us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter… wherever you do your social media!2020-03-2603 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience285-Transitioning to the Pipes Without Frustration-2.27.20Are you a new piper just starting bagpipes? Do you feel like you are going to pass out every time you play? Should transitioning to the bagpipes be so hard?
Andrew and Carl assuage your fears with a simple process to make your transition a success. Spend less time frustrated and more time playing pipes.
Check out the new Transitioning to the Bagpipes Course: https://pipersdojo.lpages.co/transitioning-to-the-bagpipes-v2-course-flash/
Visit DojoUniversity.com today and become a member!
Join us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter… wherever you do your social media!2020-02-2704 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience284 - One Simple Tweak to Learn a Tune Successfully - 2.19.20Do you have issues with basic rhythm, scale navigation, or gracenote quality? Do you play embellishments because everyone else does? Could playing the simplified version of a tune help you get better as a piper?
Andrew explains why playing a simplified version of a tune is a very good idea. Using the reel, Ca’ the Ewes, he demonstrates the process all pipers should use to learn and play tunes starting with a simplified version.
Visit DojoUniversity.com today and become a member!
Join us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter… wherever you do your social media!2020-02-2011 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience279 -Is Circular Breathing Necessary? - 01.28.20Have you tried circular breathing? Do you need to know how to circular breathe to become a better piper?
Carl and Andrew discuss the advantages of circular breathing and whether it is important for pipers.
Visit DojoUniversity.com today and become a member!
Join us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter… wherever you do your social media!2020-01-2802 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience266 - One Simple Issue That Makes Your Bagpipe Playing Sound Mushy - 11.12.2019You are playing the right notes, you’ve worked on eliminating crossing noises, you play with a metronome, and you accurately play all rhythms, but your tune still doesn’t sound crisp and clean. And you can’t bring your tunes up to band tempo. What’s wrong?
Andrew articulates the one fundamental that could be holding you back from reaching that next level of playing. It may surprise you that this tiny issue has been around almost since you started learning pipes. Take a few minutes to allow Andrew to show you how to make mushy music a thing of the p...2019-11-1314 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience239 - Long-Form Chat with Andrew Donlon (MacMillan Pipe Band) - 1.19.19Today Andrew sits down with Andrew Donlon, Pipe Major of the MacMillan Pipe Band and ultra-successful American soloist. We talk about the ins and outs of pipe band life and generally have a great time.
To become a Dojo University member, visit DojoUniversity.com today.2019-01-291h 06
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience200 - Andrew Douglas, 3rd Place, Piobaireachd Conference Double-MSR - 04.01.2017Andrew plays: Abercairny Highlanders, John MacDonald of Glencoe, John Roy Stewart, Atholl Comers, Little Cascade, Alick C. MacGreggor.2017-04-2410 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience199 - Andrew Donlon, 2nd Place, Piobaireachd Conference Double-MSR - 04.01.2017Andrew Plays: David Ross, Inveran, Delvinside, Islay Ball, Man from Glengarry, Pretty Marion.2017-04-2410 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience135 - A Piper’s Christmas - 12.03.2014In this week’s episode, we’ll talk about everything a piper needs to know to have a great Christmas! Gift Ideas, great music, and more! December 3rd, 2014.2017-04-2429 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience133 - “Systems,” Not Skills, will make you a piper - 11.12.2014In some respects, you could say the Dojo method of learning pipes is all about systems. Let’s dive into what that means in today’s session. November 12th, 2014.2017-04-2457 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience119 - Inside the “Underneath” Suite by Andrew Douglas - 07.16.2014This week, we’re going to listen to one of Andrew’s most involved compositions, and look into the written score for analysis! This should be super fun this week.2017-04-2451 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience084 - The Top 50 Tunes Everyone Should Know - 10.16.2013This week, we’re going to try something different. We’re going to poll our presenters and audience members and figure out the following – what are the top 50 tunes every piper and drummer should know? Sure, maybe we don’t have all the tunes playable yet, but should at least be able to whistle them! October 16th, 2013.2017-04-2455 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience074 - Pipe Hacks, New Toys, and More! - 08.07.2013This week, we’ll take a break from the you-be-the-judge season and look into some fun DIY bagpipe projects, some new techno toys we’ve discovered, and we’ll talk about how to avoid piper-stagnation during the summer season. August 7th, 2013.2017-04-2453 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience057 - Derek Midgely - 04.10.2013Scottish piping versus the rest of the world! What is it that makes piping out of Scotland so good? We’ll talk about this with special guest Derek Midgley, a local eastern U.S. piper who’s been burning up the solo boards in Scotland over the last few years. April 10th, 2013.2017-04-2458 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience053 - Springtime Development Tips and Tricks - 03.13.2013Spring Training! It’s time to get into form for the coming performance season. Whether you’re an active competing soloist or do the gig circuit, the warmer months always bring a flurry of activity for the piper. March 13th, 2013.2017-04-2459 min
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience028 - Live (Partly) from Invermark, and “Ask Andrew Anything” - 07.25.2012We’re visited by John Fisher, Reid Maxwell, and Donald Lindsay live from Invermark. Also, Andrew plays a lot of his own music, and some “lost” bootleg tapes! Don’t miss out on some funky jams. July 25th, 2012.2017-04-241h 13
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience015 - "You're Doing it Wrong," Drone Swabbing, and Route 66 - 04.18.2012In today’s episode: We listen to two tracks by Celtic Bands that are taking a new approach. Andrew and Vin talk about two PipeHacker articles. Carl goes over all the basics of drone swabbing. Andrew talks about what’s happening at Dojo U. Lastly, attention is paid to the awesome Pipes and Sticks on Route 66 project spearheaded by John MacDonald. April 18th, 2012.2017-04-241h 03
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience014 - PipeHacker.com, Rab Wallace, I got a Kiss of the King's Hand, the Piper's Third - 04.11.2012In today’s episode: Carl and Andrew discuss how things are going at Dojo U. Vin introduces PipeHacker.com, and discusses upcoming projects. Andrew responds to Rab’s harsh words to him in the Voice. Donald Lindsay talks about the history behind the piobaireachd “I got a Kiss of the King’s Hand.” Andrew gives a quick tip on how to tie a slip-knot in your hemp. Lastly, Carl reviews “The Piper’s Third Hand.” April 11th, 20122017-04-2455 min
Piper's Dojo Audio ExperienceBagpipe Nation - 013 - Grade 3 Bands At Fair Hill Games - 05.26.2011In this recorded episode, hosts Andrew Douglas and Vince Janoski play desktop judge and review the Grade 3 band performances from this past weekend's Colonial Highland Gathering at Fair Hill, Maryland. May 26th, 2011.2017-04-2333 min
Piper's Dojo Audio ExperienceBagpipe Nation - 012 - Practicing For Success - 04.28.2011In this recorded episode, hosts Andrew Douglas and Vince Janoski talk about how to practice for success. Andrew unlocks the methods for creating an effective practice routine that will drive you toward personal improvement in your bagpiping. April 28th, 20112017-04-2348 min
Piper's Dojo Audio ExperienceBagpipe Nation - 011 - Spring Training Workshops And Competition Extinction II - 04.14.2011Hosts Andrew Douglas and Vince Janoski talk about this weekend's Oran Mor Spring Training workshops and delve further into the problem and solution to possible bagpipe competition extinction. April 14th, 20112017-04-2327 min
Piper's Dojo Audio ExperienceBagpipe Nation - 010 - Grade 4 Full-Piobaireachd Rule - 03.31.2011Hosts Vince Janoski and Andrew Douglas chat with special guest Nate Wahlgren in a lively discussion on the current logic of the EUSPBA's Grade 4 full-tune piobaireachd rule—what it might do to competitors, how many contests have canceled the event entirely, and what is in store for the future in an alternate bagpiping universe. March 31st, 2011.2017-04-2358 min
Piper's Dojo Audio ExperienceBagpipe Nation - 009 - Jack Lee Talks Reeds - 03.24.2011Hosts Vince Janoski and Andrew Douglas chat with special guest Jack Lee about the finer points of working with chanter reeds, why he began making his own, and the skinny on the "poke, lick, and shave!" March 24th, 2011.2017-04-2356 min
Piper's Dojo Audio ExperienceBagpipe Nation - 008 - Self-Critiquing Skills - 03.17.2011In this pre-recorded session, hosts Andrew Douglas and Vince Janoski talk about recording yourself and building self-critiquing skills. March 17th, 20112017-04-2342 min
Piper's Dojo Audio ExperienceBagpipe Nation - 007 - Interview With Adam Holdaway 03.10.2011Hosts Vince Janoski and Andrew Douglas present a recorded session with special guest Adam Holdaway of the Stuart Highlanders. We talk some about where he's been, where the band is going and the benefits of sheepskin bags! March 10th, 20112017-04-2323 min
Piper's Dojo Audio ExperienceBagpipe Nation - 006 - Bagpipe Competition Extinction Events - 3.03.2011Hosts Vince Janoski and Andrew Douglas chat with special guest Adam Holdaway of the Stuart Highlanders, talk about the potential extinction of our bagpipe competition mode, ideas to revamp the bagpipe competition circuit, and review some bagpipe instrument maintenance. March 3rd, 20112017-04-231h 02
Piper's Dojo Audio ExperienceBagpipe Nation - 004 - Travelling to Scotland and the Worlds - 02.15.2011Hosts Andrew Douglas and Vince Janoski discuss the plans and tips for taking your pipe band to Scotland with guests Betsy Douglas of Oran Mor, Cliff Roberts of St. Ann's of Hampton, and Dave Hall of Ulster Scottish. February 15th, 20112017-04-2353 min
Piper's Dojo Audio ExperienceBagpipe Nation - 003 - A to Z on Solo Competing - 02.03.2011On this week's show hosts Andrew Douglas and Vince Janoski tackle the game of solo bagpipe competition and help listeners navigate the trickier parts of preparation, dealing with nerves, and making the experience as smooth as possible. February 3rd, 2011.2011-02-021h 03
Piper's Dojo Audio ExperienceBagpipe Nation - 002 - Donald Lindsay Canntaireachd Discussion - 01.27.2011On this week's show hosts Andrew Douglas and Vince Janoski have an excellent discussion on the details of canntaireachd and piobaireachd with special guest Donald Lindsay. Further discussion in the second half of the hour delves into issues facing the future of EUSPBA judging. January 27th, 2011.2011-01-263h 06
Piper's Dojo Audio ExperienceBagpipe Nation - 001 - Kansas City Recap - 01.20.2011On this webcast hosts Andrew Douglas and Vince Janoski recap the 10th Winter Storm weekend in Kansas City, Missouri with event organizer Cliff Davis. In the second half of the hour we talk revamping the judges panel in our piping association and discuss the Pipehacker series "Hacking the Bagpiping Judge" with guest Matt MacArthur. January 20th, 2011.2011-01-1922 min