Piper's Dojo Audio Experience

A mock competition, where I pursposefully threw some curveballs at myself - it's my least confident tune, and I had less time than usual to warm up. How'd it come out?

A run-through of Donald MacLeod's "Lament for the Iolaire." This was a tune written to lament a ship returning from from WWI whose sinking on January 1st, 1919 in the Minch was one of the worst maritime disasters in United Kingdom history. At least 205 men perished of the 280 aboard.

A "Mock Competition" is where I set a specific time (in this case 1045AM) to perform, and allow myself 4 minutes to tune up prior to the tune - just as if I were actually competing. Today's tune: Lord Berisdale's Salute. Be sure to follow @pipersdojo ... wherever social media is found :)

A "Mock Competition" is where I set a specific time (in this case 1045AM) to perform, and allow myself 4 minutes to tune up prior to the tune - just as if I were actually competing. Today's tune: Hail to My Country. Be sure to follow @pipersdojo ... wherever social media is found :)

A second chunk of the Tuning Clinic we ran in April! In this session, we talked in extreme detail on how to produce a great bagpipe tone, and all of the components that come together to make it happen. A great listen for a rainy (or not so rainy) day. Psst - follow us on Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @pipersdojo!

What's the best way to practice? In the span of our session, we want to focus on something small, and really "go deep" on that topic, so that we actually improve. A few minutes from my morning class here where I elaborate on this idea. Follow us on Instagram/Snapchat/Facebook/YouTube @pipersdojo!

Today's piobaireachd session, in preparation for the Silver Medals at Oban and Inverness. These are new tunes, likely to have mistakes and definitely areas where the musical phrasing could improve! First half - excerpts from Lament for the Iolaire (D MacLeod); Second Half - Lament for John Morrison of Assynt House (D MacLeod)

A student of mine sent in several recordings to critique, and I recorded the session. Tune in if you'd like to hear some good playing, and my critique of the playing. Oh! And follow us on SnapchatYoutubeFacebookInsta and stuff.

Something new today; I recorded my practice session, and then I recorded some educational commentary over top. The best episode yet? I think it might be. Tunes played: Lament for John Morrison of Assynt House, Lament for the Iolaire.

Had the great experience of sitting down with Andy Fusco and the Las Vegas Pipe Band's super-production-squad, and cranking out this interview. The vibe was great and the result was a great survey of my position in the wide world of piping. Enjoy! Follow us on FacebookTwitterSnapchatYouTubeInsta @pipersdojo

We hosted our first ever Dojo U Tuning clinic this past weekend, and exhaustively hammered into the concepts of bagpipe tuning with 8 enthusiastic bagpipe students! In Part 1 of this extended series, experience the raw, un-cut audio of the first hour of the clinic where we cover 4 of the 13 steps to building a great bagpipe sound! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube, and Instagram @pipersdojo

Derek plays: John MacDonald's Welcome to South Uist, The Clan MacColl, MacBeth's Strathspey, Inveraray Castle, Broadford Bay, Cockerel in the Creel.

Dan plays: PM John Stwart, Major Manson's Farewell to Clachantrushal, Lady Loudon, Mrs. Donald MacPherson, The Brown Haired Maid, Ca' the Ewes.

Andrew plays: Abercairny Highlanders, John MacDonald of Glencoe, John Roy Stewart, Atholl Comers, Little Cascade, Alick C. MacGreggor.

Andrew Plays: David Ross, Inveran, Delvinside, Islay Ball, Man from Glengarry, Pretty Marion.

Ben plays: John MacFadyen of Melfort, Bonnie Ann, Tulloch Gorm, Blair Drummong, Stornoway Castle, McAllister's Dirk.

Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat - always username 'pipersdojo' - we'll see you there! --- Today we listen to two beginner recordings, and then a recording of a very good Grade 3 band. What sort of things should we be listening for? Where can these performances improve?

A great Q&A here! Topics covered: How to tune drones to the chanter; grade 3 pipe band tempos; loosening up fingers in embellishments; piobaireachd high g's; struggling with strength; making mistakes when nervous; seasoning technique; pipe bag hygene; plastic vs. blackwood pipe chanters; cane drone reed techniques; playing ahead of the beat; when to transition to the pipes; Andrew's super seasoning technique!!! --- Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat - always username 'pipersdojo' - we'll see you there!

We're going to address a common bagpiping question today - how do I get my pipes to sound great at high altitude? The answer? You'll need to tune in! --- Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat - always username 'pipersdojo' - we'll see you there!

(Manchester 5th Place, Scotia-Glenville 4th Place, Worcester 3rd Place, NY Metro 2nd Place, MacMillan 1st Place) - Today we listen through the Grade 2 Challenge Medley Contest from the Glasgowlands Games (July 16th, 2016). Well done to all the bands! --- Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat - always username 'pipersdojo' - we'll see you there!