Piper's Dojo Audio Experience

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 about how bagpipes are portrayed in film and music – are we getting the real deal, or are those sweet sounds coming from a synthesizer? Does it matter? And what’s the line between musical integrity and giving the audience what they want? Tune in for all the fun, the frustration, and maybe even a few surprises. Got a topic you’d like covered in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]. Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 Introduction and Reunion Banter 01:00 Jim's Game Idea: Bagpipes in Media 01:

Ever felt like you're spinning in circles trying to fix everything at once – tuning, timing, pressure, remembering tunes, embellishments? You don’t have to do it all at once. In fact, you shouldn’t. Progress doesn’t have to mean doing more; it can mean doing less, but better. Focusing on just one thing at a time can transform your piping – and your confidence. This week, Andrew and Jim get real about the chaos that can come with learning the pipes. From fasting before blood work to skeptical takes on DNA kits (and a few hilarious piping mishaps along the way), they unpack the power of focusing on just one thing at a time. Whether you're just starting out or you've been playing for years, you'll pick up some solid, practical tips for structuring your practice, cutting down on overwhelm, and tuning into what really matters. Got a question or topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected] Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 Introduction and Morning Strugg

This week, Andrew and Jim tackle more bagpipe questions – but the pressure is on to keep their answers within 3 minutes. They discuss the timing for forming a circle during competitions, milestones for learning embellishments, options for band uniforms on hot days, how to know when a bag needs seasoning, and strategies for handling personal items when a sporran isn’t big enough. Tune in for some practical, straightforward advice! Got a topic you'd like to discuss on a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected] Here's what we cover this week: 00:00 Introduction to the Three Minute Drill 01:13 Forming a Circle in Competitions 05:15 Learning Milestones for Bagpipers 09:40 Band Polos and Short-Sleeved Shirts 14:01 Bagpipe Seasoning: When and How 14:57 Avoiding Over-Seasoning Mishaps 16:39 Packing Tips for Parades 17:18 The Minimalist Approach to Carrying Essentials 20:18 Highland Gear: Functionality and Style 22:28 Final Thoughts and Recap

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 wrong might be exactly what you need to become a better, bolder, more creative piper. Let’s rethink what it means to play it “the right way.” Got a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected] Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 Introduction to Amateur Philosophy Hour 00:16 Discussing David Deutsch's The Beginning of Infinity 00:46 Empiricism and Fallibilism Explained01:24 The Enlightenment and Its Impact 02:36 The Role

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 you’d like covered in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected] Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 Breaking In New Boots 01:05 Silent Practice Chanter Launch 01:47 Young Andrew Douglas' Bagpipe Journey 02:54 The Yips and Focal Dystonia 07:06 Mohawk Valley Frasers and Pipe Band History 14:53 Boarding School and Piping Education 18:26 Recording Project in 12th Grade 19:25 Jack Lee's Influence and Critique 19:58 Boarding School and Competition

Ever picked up your pipes on a rainy day and wondered why they sounded... different? Or maybe you’ve struggled to keep them in tune during a frosty morning performance? Humidity and bagpipes have a complicated relationship – sometimes best friends, sometimes worst enemies. This week, Andrew and Jim explore the crucial role of humidity for pipers – and how much is too much. They discuss using hygrometers, the effects of temperature and humidity on tuning, and why playing in the right conditions can make all the difference. Plus, catch some top tips for keeping your pipes in top condition whether you're playing in hot, humid summers or freezing winters. Got a topic you’d like covered in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected] Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 Casual Catch-Up and Travel Plans 00:58 Parenting Challenges and Winter Woes 02:35 Florida Adventures and Gator Anxiety 04:45 Sunburns and Bagpipe Competitions 06:50 The Science of Hygrometers 15:09 Practical Applications o

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 comment or email us: [email protected] Here's what we cover this week: 00:00 – Morning greetings & intro 00:24 – What’s in a name? 00:55 – The first steps to starting a band 03:49 – Why education matters 08:38 – Finding a practice space 12:46 – Naming your band (yes, again—it's important!) 16:37 – Uniforms & kilts: what to consider 19:22 – The logistics struggle is real 20:35 – Drummers & their gear 23:16 – Band dues, gigs & keeping the lights on 25:40 – Beginner pro

Ever been told to ‘blow tone’? What if that familiar advice is actually leading you astray?    Of course, steadiness matters—but before you can maintain steady blowing, you need to know what you're aiming for. For pipers, that target is the sweet spot—the pressure that produces the best tonal quality. Without it, steadiness won’t help you sound better.   In this episode, Andrew and Jim break down why tonal quality comes first, how to find your sweet spot, and why steady blowing naturally follows when you get it right.   Got a question or topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]   Here’s what we discuss this week: 00:00 Introduction  02:49 Chatting Weather 03:04 The Trifecta Concept 03:37 Mastering the Steady Blowing Trifecta 05:28 Archery and Bagpipes: Drawing Parallels 07:21 Finding the Sweet Spot 14:01 Physical Steady Blowing Techniques 16:44 Mental Blowing Anomalies 23:30 Practical Tips and Conclusion

Is there a cheat code to becoming truly great at bagpipes? In this episode, Jim and Andrew conclude their Commandments series with insights on how to learn in the right order and the importance of balancing focused practice with fun ('dessert'). They discuss common mistakes in bagpipe learning, the significance of proper practice techniques, and the role of obsession in mastering skills. The conversation also touches on the pitfalls of overindulgence in enjoyable activities and emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to practicing. Finally, they reiterate the importance of recording oneself for continuous improvement. Got a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected] Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Context 01:00 Wrapping Up the Commandments Series 01:44 Commandment 9: Learn in the Right Order 02:07 Examples of Putting the Cart Before the Horse 03:45 Bagpiping Specifics: The Dethrow 10:38 The Importance of Rhythmic Accur

Pipers start their journey on a practice chanter – but can you do more with a practice chanter than just… well, practice?    This week, Jim and Andrew discuss practice chanters – should be seen as standalone instruments or just tools for learning the bagpipes? The conversation touches on competitive piping cultures in Scotland and North America, the introduction of practice chanter contests in CLASP, and debates the benefits and potential downsides of fancy chanters, friends' experiences, and the influence of stereotypes on the piping image. Join the debate on whether practice chanters deserve more respect!   Got a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]   Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 01:04 Discussing Practice Chanters 01:49 The ES Session Chanter Debate 06:27 Practice Chanter Competitions 15:00 Cultural Differences in Bagpiping 19:57 Personal Bagpiping Stories 23:32 Conclusion and Fina

Do you rely solely on your digital tuner to get your pipes in tune? Digital bagpipe tuners have become as commonplace in the piping world as the smartphones they often operate on. But are they a necessity, or just a shiny distraction? This week, Andrew and Jim look at the pros and cons of digital bagpipe tuners, ignited by a listener's question about digital and analog tuners. Got a topic you’d like us to cover in future? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]. Here’s what we cover on this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Initial Reactions 01:53 Diving into the Topic: Bagpipe Tuners 04:02 Historical Anecdotes and Tuning Practices 06:18 The Role of Digital Tuners in Modern Piping 08:53 Developing a Good Ear for Tuning 16:54 Analogies and Deeper Insights into Tuning 31:05 The Perpetual State of Tuning 33:11 Struggling with Bagpipe Tuning 34:31 The Training Wheels Analogy 35:45 The Role of Digital Tuners 37:24 Learning to Tune by Ear 37:41 Top Bands and Tuning Practices 40:17 The Importance of Develo

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 and tuning drones.  Got a topic you’d like addressed in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]   Here’s what we cover this week:  00:00 Old Injury Recap 00:45 The Intensity Equation Explained 02:13 Peer Pressure in Gym and Pipe Band 03:21 Understanding the Intensity Equation in Bagpiping 07:35 Commandment 8: Strive for Unco

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 episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected] Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 Confession Time: Turning to Reddit for Inspiration 00:13 Reddit's Band Improvement Tips: An Overview 01:16 The Importance of Basics: Basketball Analogy 04:05 Breaking Down the Basics: Clean Starts and Stops 06:24 Andrew's Take: The Real Essentials for Band Improvement 12:24 Tuning the Drones: A Crucial Step 15:47 Identifying Ind

Ever been frustrated by vague, subjective feedback from a judge or teacher?  Only things that can be measured can be improved. So how do you measure your progress? We need to find ways to get an objective, pass-or-fail result.  This week, we’re diving into the sixth commandment in Andrew’s 11 Commandments of Mastery: You Shalt Practice Objectively (And Reject Subjectivity). We explore the difference between objective and subjective goals and why aspiring pipers should focus on measurable, objective criteria to improve their skills. We look at the pitfalls of practicing with vague, subjective goals and discuss the need for clear, pass-fail criteria if you want to improve.  Got a topic you’d like covered on a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected] Here’s what we cover this episode:  00:00 A Shattered Dinner Incident 00:45 The Nature of Objectivity 01:38 Philosophical Musings on Reality 02:09 Quantum Computing and Parallel Universes 03:37 Objectivity in Practice 0

Have you ever had to learn a bunch of new tunes all at once? This week, Andrew and Jim talk through the best ways to tackle learning a huge stack of bagpipe tunes quickly – while still having fun. A sneak preview – some tips include playing all tunes as daily as possible in order of importance, trying NOT to memorize, and recording yourself to make sure you get it right rather than practicing it wrong. Rethinking traditional approaches to practice can lead to better performance and more fun and satisfaction along the way… Got a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode? Leave a comment or send us an email: [email protected] Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 Introduction and New Year's Resolutions 00:25 The Challenge of Learning New Tunes 01:37 Strategies for Efficient Practice 02:53 Personal Experiences and Insights 04:54 Five Principles for Learning Tunes 06:19 Tip 1: Play Through All Tunes Daily 17:18 Tip 2: Never Play By Yourself 29:19 The Power of Subconscious Learning 29:55 The Miraculous

When was the last time you learned a new tune? This week, Andrew and Jim are diving into “constant variance” - that is, constantly and consistently trying new things, whether that’s trying to play new music regularly, changing practice routines, environments, and other approaches to become a better musician. It has so many benefits, including making you a better, more well-rounded musician, not just a “competent” bagpiper or drummer. Got a topic you’d like us to discuss on a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected] Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 Morning Greetings 00:23 The Importance of Variance in Practice 01:24 CrossFit and Fitness Analogies 02:40 Musical Flexibility and Mastery 08:14 The Value of Learning New Tunes 18:10 Specialization vs. Generalization in Bagpiping 25:38 Exploring Beyond the Familiar 26:42 The Importance of Diverse Learning 26:58 Historical Perspectives on Literacy 28:41 Learning Through Variance 34:38 Practical Tips for Bagpipe Practice 45:14 The Value

    Ever tried to multitask? Putting aside the fact that multitasking is a myth (more on that in the episode...) did you end up doing any of those many things *well*?   Multitasking doesn’t work, especially if you’re trying to master a musical instrument. As soon as you allow a single distraction into a practice session, you've cheated yourself out of precious time it will take you to return to a singular focus – and on the flip side, if you can zero in with no distractions, you'll be stunned at how much faster you progress...   This week, Andrew and Jim tackle the myth of multitasking, and the importance of creating dedicated practice spaces, minimizing distractions, and adopting short, highly-focused practice sessions.   Got a topic you'd like us to cover on a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected].   Here's what we cover this week: 00:00 Welcome to 2025: A Lighthearted Start 01:08 The En

Do you avoid recording yourself? Get nervous at the idea of people listening to you play? Although it can be nerve wracking, recording yourself for analysis is a must if you want to improve your playing. This week, Andrew and Jim and talking about all things recording – why to do it, our up to date recommendations on how to do it and what equipment to use, and how to analyze recordings for musical improvement. 00:00 A Pleasant Encounter 00:46 The Charm of Chivalry 01:16 Recording Challenges for Musicians 07:06 The Importance of Self-Recording 11:48 Advanced Recording Techniques 13:53 The Superiority of Single-Source Recording 19:27 The Importance of Stereo Microphones 21:25 Golden Rules of Recording 24:09 Ideal Recording Locations 27:30 DIY Recording Tips and Tools 30:05 Recording for Self-Improvement 36:36 The One Take Rule

Would you want to learn to drive in a Formula 1 race-car, or learn to fly an airplane in a Boeing 787 Dreamliner?   Even if it sounds really cool, in reality, high-end sophisticated tools are designed for masters of their craft, and not at all suited for beginners or intermediates.    Yet, more often than not, a piping beginner has a bagpipe setup that is radically too complex, which creates many more problems for them than it solves.     This week, Andrew and Jim talk through why simple tools are so important when you’re learning to play the bagpipes. Starting with a basic setup helps you become familiar with essential challenges, avoiding unnecessary gadgetry that can complicate the learning process. They discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various bagpipe gadgets such as tone enhancers, moisture control systems, and water traps, highlighting the benefits of a minimalist approach for beginners.   Here’s what we cover this time: 00:00 Introduction and Technical Glit

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 Your Piping Bandwidth 10:11 Episode 59: Do You Own or Rent Your Piping Skills? 12:31 Episode 60: The Tone Zone 15:21 Episode 61: Getting the Most Out of Band Practice 15:47 Episode 62: The Four Layers of Drone Reed Sound 18:09 Episode 63: Constructing a Winning Medley 20:06 Episode 64: Listener Q&A Mailbag 20:19 Episode 65: Set It and Forget It Method 20