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  • 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 changed the way people learn the pipes – and how they’ve stayed ahead in the fast-changing world of online music education.

    Plus, Carl shares some personal stories and how piping has shaped his life – from a grad job to teaching bagpipes on a boat from where we’d rather be, cruising around somewhere in the Mediterranean…

    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 with Carl this week:

    00:00 Introduction and Greetings

    00:55 Carl's Role and Early Dojo Videos

    01:50 Meeting and Early Collaboration

    03:35 Starting the Piper's Dojo

    05:48 E-commerce and Business Expansion

    12:30 Transition to Online Learning

    13:50 Early Online Teaching Challenges

    21:40 Dojo University and Semesters

    24:33 Early Struggles and Breakthroughs

    24:54 The Birth of the Subscription Model

    26:11 Pioneering Online Bagpipe Education

    28:12 Technological Transitions and Adaptations

    29:12 Embracing Remote Work and Digital Nomadism

    29:56 Innovative Teaching Methods

    38:42 The Dojo's Unique Approach to Bagpipe Education

    45:29 Creating New Bagpipers from Scratch

  • Can you guess where these sometimes weird and often wonderful pipes come from?  

    Join Andrew and Jim this week for a wild ride through the world of bagpipes! They’re putting their knowledge to the test in a hilarious guessing game – play along to see if you can tell a Swedish Sackpipa from a Bulgarian Gaida just by a picture! Along the way, learn some quirky history, unique features, and cool playing styles of bagpipes from around the globe. Ready to play along? Tune in for a bagpipe themed world tour that’s equal parts silly and fascinating!  

    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 Introduction to Jim's Stupid Games
    00:38 Discussing Bagpipes and Their Variations
    01:06 The Highland Bagpipes and Their Unique Features
    02:33 Starting the Game
    05:01 First Bagpipe
    11:02 Second Bagpipe
    14:42 Third Bagpipe
    17:12 Finger Work Frustrations
    18:00 Pipes from the North
    21:16 Ein Dudelsack?
    25:08 Pipes from a Different North
    27:23 The Benefits of Playing Multiple Instruments
    29:09 Musical Aspirations and Fun
    31:52 Wrapping Up

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  • Ever wondered why we play grace notes in a certain order? Or how we started playing with drones or a bag in the first place?

    All the traditions, “rules” and musical techniques that we take for granted today evolved over many hundreds of years of innovation to create the sound and distinctive style of pipe music that we all know and love today.

    In this episode, Andrew and Jim dive deep into the evolution of bagpipe techniques, exploring how reed tubes, finger movements, and drones came to be. They discuss the natural creativity and trial-and-error process that led to the development of gracenotes and embellishments. They illustrate how competition, play, and simple curiosity have shaped the bagpipe music we know today. They also cover the role of termites in all of this in quite some detail for some reason...

    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 week:

    00:00 Introduction and Name Confusion00:24 Nicknames and Accents01:34 Grace Notes and Embellishments02:08 Recorder and Fingering Systems05:32 Evolution of Musical Instruments05:51 The Advent of Reeds and Tubes18:24 The Birth of Bagpipes27:18 Introduction to the Articulation Problem28:04 Western Music Theory vs. Bagpipe Theory29:49 Solving the Articulation Problem 32:03 The Evolution of Grace Notes44:04 The Role of Competition in Bagpipe Music50:23 Future of Bagpipe Music and Final Thoughts
  • 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 beginner or a seasoned player, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tools to improve your tuning skills. Don't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your musical precision!

    Here's what we cover this week:

    01:02 The Pink Elephants Problem
    01:26 Fear of Heights and Intrusive Thoughts
    02:07 Tuning and the Myth of Perfect Pitch
    04:52 The Corn Maze Analogy
    09:44 The Tuning Game
    13:47 Trial and Error in Tuning
    25:56 Navigating Beginner Mode
    27:10 Understanding Hard Mode
    30:00 Playing the Tuning Game
    30:46 Exploring Tuning Metrics
    43:26 The 30-Day Tuning Challenge
    55:53 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

  • 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
    01:44 Game Rules and Scoring
    03:01 First Clip: Star Trek
    05:03 Second Clip: Bedknobs and Broomsticks
    06:29 Third Clip: Whiskey Galore
    07:25 Fourth Clip: Braveheart
    09:06 Fifth Clip: Brave
    11:05 Sixth Clip: The Crown
    12:45 Seventh Clip: The Dark Knight
    13:48 Eighth Clip: The Departed
    14:50 Ninth Clip: Casino Royale
    15:38 Tenth Clip: So I Married an Axe Murderer
    16:14 Eleventh Clip: The Simpsons
    17:38 Field Marshall Montgomery and Patton
    18:54 The Devil's Brigade and Utah Pipe Band
    19:08 Guessing Game: Titanic and More
    19:33 Bagpipes in Popular Songs
    20:07 Misconceptions About Bagpipes in Media
    27:42 The Impact of Braveheart on Bagpipe Popularity
    29:24 Representation of Bagpipes in Media
    30:52 Balancing Audience Appreciation and Musical Integrity
    34:56 Concluding Thoughts

  • 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 Struggles
    00:54 DNA Kits and Genetic Skepticism
    02:25 Bagpipe Challenges and Overwhelm
    04:42 The Importance of Routine in Bagpiping
    16:02 Learning and Teaching Bagpipes
    19:13 Setting Up Your Bagpipes
    19:40 Starting with the Drones
    19:48 Introducing the Chanter
    20:31 Proper Bag Inflation
    21:32 Learning Tunes One Step at a Time
    22:40 Listening to Different Renditions
    27:43 Adding Embellishments Gradually
    28:39 The Importance of Focus
    33:52 Juggling and Multitasking
    36:45 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

  • 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 Explained
    01:24 The Enlightenment and Its Impact
    02:36 The Role of Observation in Knowledge
    03:22 Fallibilism in Everyday Life
    06:09 Fallibilism in Bagpiping
    06:41 The Myth of Infallibility in Bagpiping
    14:12 Teaching and Learning in Bagpiping
    20:57 The Journey of Improvement in Bagpiping
    23:58 Mad Genius and the Reality of Creativity
    25:03 The Concept of Fallibilism
    25:49 Balancing and Adaptation
    27:30 Growth Mindset in Piping
    32:25 Criticism and Learning
    36:22 The Role of Tradition
    39:21 Fallibilism in Governance
    41:45 Embracing Imperfection in Piping

  • 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 Competitions
    21:36 Immersion and Obsession in Piping
    27:20 The Role of Luck and Identity
    30:01 The Importance of Enjoying Piping
    33:29 Final Thoughts on Piping and Life

  • 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 of Hygrometers
    18:26 Temperature and Humidity Effects on Bagpipes
    24:29 The Glasgow Lands Effect
    26:14 Understanding the Impact of Humidity on Bagpipes
    26:49 Condensation and Its Effects on Bagpipes
    27:35 Ideal Conditions for Playing Bagpipes
    28:19 Worst Conditions for Playing Bagpipes
    30:03 Personal Anecdotes and Experiences
    36:51 Storing Bagpipes: Tips and Tricks
    39:44 The Role of Hygrometers in Bagpipe Maintenance
    44:35 Challenges of Playing Bagpipes in Different Environments
    47:53 Final Thoughts and Reflections

  • 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 programs = future success
    33:28 – Using Dojo U to level up
    39:35 – Final thoughts

  • 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 Accuracy
    18:37 Commandment 10: Have Dessert, But Not Too Much
    23:19 Heavy D Throw: A Mixed Bag
    23:49 Dessert Dilemma: Balancing Treats and Health
    25:25 Piping and Practice: The Right Balance
    30:35 The Cheat Code: Obsession
    35:50 Turning Passion into Profession
    39:21 Final Thoughts: Balancing Fun and Fundamentals

  • 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 Final Thoughts

  • 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 Developing Your Ear
    58:48 Practical Tips for Tuning
    01:03:44 Final Thoughts on Tuning and Tuners

  • 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 Unconscious Competence

    09:56 The Hierarchy of Competence

    12:44 Learning New Skills and Overcoming Challenges

    18:32 Bagpiping and Musical Mastery

    26:55 Pursuing Personal Interests

    27:25 From Conscious to Unconscious Competence

    28:31 Angus McCall's Electronic Chanter

    29:52 The Hierarchy of Competence

    30:52 Learning New Tunes

    34:06 Avoiding Demoralization

    37:30 Memorization Techniques

    48:30 Unconscious Competence in Action

    53:51 Commandment 9 Preview

  • 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 Individual Weaknesses in the Band

    16:31 The Power of Individual Recitals

    17:12 Overcoming Performance Anxiety

    18:11 The Importance of Individual Competence

    19:16 Avoiding Common Mistakes in Competitions

    21:35 Clean Embellishments: A Must for Success

    24:24 Addressing Crossing Noises

    26:46 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

  • 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

    04:51 Subjective vs Objective Goals in Practice

    09:43 Breaking Down Objective Practice Elements

    14:34 Colorblindness and Context Clues

    17:23 Understanding Subjective Feedback in Music

    17:48 The Challenge of Translating Subjective Terms

    18:24 The Ego in Teaching and Judging

    20:00 Objective Feedback for Beginners and Intermediates

    21:16 Advanced Players and Subjective Mastery

    24:01 Decoding Judging Sheets

    28:10 The 11 Commandments of Mastery Course

    31:27 Making Practice Fun and Effective

    34:37 Objective Practice and Pass-Fail Criteria

  • 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 Process of Memorization
    30:41 Daily Practice and Improvement
    31:11 Handling Missed Practice Days
    31:35 The Importance of Enjoying the Process
    36:26 Prioritizing Tunes and Practice
    41:41 Learning Tunes the Right Way
    41:57 Vertical and Horizontal Learning Methods
    47:32 The Role of Fun in Learning
    55:29 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

  • 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 of Feedback and Adaptation
    47:49 Final Thoughts on Variance