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  • 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 through the importance of proper warm-ups, calibrating pressure and strength in reed playing, and maintaining a healthy balance between intense practice and enjoyment. This week, we cover: 00:00 Workout Woes 00:34 The Overhead Press Incident 00:52 Strength Training Mishaps 05:10 The Intensity Equation Explained 07:26 Applying the Intensity Equation to Bagpiping 17:13 Balancing Practice and Life 24:42 Final Thoughts

  • It’s another Q&A mailbag episode! But this time, we’re answering the many questions of the Reddit r/bagpipes community, who seem to be on to us checking them out… This week, Andrew and Jim answer questions ranging from technical difficulties with transitioning from practice chanters to full bagpipes to managing bagpipe posture problems for women (though they’d rather have someone with more personal experience to dive into that further!), as well as maintaining hide bags and the historical quirks of bagpipe accessories like the Glengarry pom. Topics we cover this week: 00:00 Reddit Mailbag: Frustrations with Bagpipes 02:23 Solutions and Advice for Bagpipe Challenges 09:33 Discussion on Bag Covers and Maintenance 14:10 Fun and Lighthearted Bagpipe Queries 15:46 Addressing Unique Challenges for Female Pipers 18:07 Conclusion and Sign-Off

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  • 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 musical instruments like bagpipes. The conversation also touches on local Scotch whisky, Scottish candy, and what souvenirs you might want to bring home. By the end of this one, you’ll be ready to jetset off on your own Scottish adventure. 00:00: Introduction and Bagpipe Freedom Day 01:46: Parade Story 04:21: Discussing Scotland and Bagpipes 07:16: Travel Tips for North Americans Visiting Scotland 10:01: Experiences and Expectations in Scotland 12:46: Busking and Playing Bagpipes in Scotland 15:26: Packing Tips and Travel Advice 18:31: The Struggles of Sleeping on Planes 20:51: Gaming on Flights: A Fun but Exhausting Experience 22:31: Tips for Adjusting to a New Time Zone 25:01: Essential Travel Gadgets and Power Converters 27:46: Unique Travel Items and Gifts 30:31: Navigating Scotland: Must-Visit Places 34:11: Bringing Home Memories and Souvenirs 37:01: Final Thoughts on Traveling to Scotland

  • Do you have any tunes in your repertoire that you don’t play well anymore? Perhaps you learned them when you weren’t as experienced and practiced in bad technique. Perhaps you’ve been playing them for so long that your embellishments and rhythm have become less than ideal. Or perhaps you’ve been working on the same sets for so long that you just aren’t getting any better as a player! This week, Andrew and Jim answer a listener question: How do you stop your tunes from becoming stagnant? They explore how to expand your musical horizons rather than solely focusing on polishing individual tunes, because developing a broader skill set and playing a variety of tunes can lead to more significant improvement in the long run. We also take a quick detour into Jim’s borderline troubling candy sorting process, and then back to importance of balancing fun with delayed gratification in practice routines. Got a question you’d like answered in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]! Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 Introduction and Theme Setup 00:15 Morning Greetings and Formalities 00:35 Listener Mailbag: Simplifying Tunes 01:32 The Lord of the Rings Analogy 03:03 Expanding Horizons with New Tunes 03:58 The Importance of General Skills 08:37 Polishing Tunes vs. Learning New Ones 23:58 The Role of Light Music in Piobaireachd 26:18 Personal Anecdotes and Final Thoughts

  • 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 skills to free up mental bandwidth for creativity and expression. The conversation also touches on the value of short, uncomfortable practice sessions contrasted with enjoyable 'jam' sessions, and how incremental gains in fundamental skills can lead to exponential improvements in bagpipe playing over time. Got a question you’d like answered on a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]! Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 The Journey of Bagpipe Freedom 01:55 Understanding the Bagpipe Freedom Process 03:23 Fundamental Skills and Automation 04:37 Hierarchy of Competence 06:39 Tuning and Strategy 12:11 Systematizing for Artistic Expression 21:08 Practice and Temporary Discomfort 23:35 Analogies and Real-Life Applications 30:14 Reflecting on 'The Matrix' and Code Fluency 31:25 Understanding Math and Secondary Benefits 32:54 Skill-Based Learning vs. Tune-Based Learning 34:42 The Importance of Rhythmic and Melodic Systems 37:31 Memorization and the Role of Immersion 46:01 Go Slow to Play Fast: Counterintuitive Practice 49:49 Resurrecting and Reinvigorating Tunes 53:34 Effective Practice: Short, Focused, and Uncomfortable

  • 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. Got a question you’d like answered in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected] This week, we’re discussing… 00:00 Halloween Greetings and Colorblindness 01:56 Parade Season Begins 03:10 The Importance of Parade Preparation 08:14 Bagpipe Maintenance for Parades 12:29 Tuning Techniques for Parades 19:14 Tuning and Parade Preparation 19:55 Parade Position Preferences 20:36 Marching and Deportment Tips 22:44 Band Formation and Flair 24:46 Handling Parade Stops 25:38 Portent Parade Principles 29:54 Making Parades Fun 33:13 Hydration and Final Thoughts

  • Could AI ever replace bagpipers? This week, Andrew and Jim dive into the potential impact of AI on the bagpiping community and creativity in general, and AI's capabilities and limitations in generating music, writing, and other tasks. Is there a possible future where AI could assist or even fully automate a musician's workflow? Can AI compose, mix and master music, create visual art, or write your band's social media strategy? Would that be a good or a bad thing? Got a topic you'd like covered in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected] This week's highlights: 00:00 AI-Generated Backgrounds and Podcast Hosts 00:47 Exploring AI's Role in Bagpipe Music 02:12 AI Composing Bagpipe Tunes: Successes and Failures 03:08 AI's Potential in Music and Beyond 05:35 The Future of AI in Creative Fields 09:23 AI's Impact on Creative Industries 12:21 Existential Questions: Are We Real?

  • Would you rather perform at a wedding, or compete solo in front of a judge? 

    This week, Andrew and Jim look at the world of solo bagpipe competing, focusing on both the fun and the potential challenges involved. They also touch upon practical tips for enhancing one's solo performance experience, like the benefits of having expert help in tuning on competition day, and how competing can improve your skills, personal repertoire, and offer satisfaction in other ways you may not have considered…

    Got a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email [email protected]!

    Here’s what we cover this week:

    00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes

    01:17 Discussing Solo Competing

    03:25 The Appeal of Solo Competing

    05:39 Challenges and Dangers of Solo Competing

    08:36 Maintaining Motivation and Enjoyment

    14:15 Judges and Competitors Dynamics

    24:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  • How should you prepare for your first solo competition? What should you do the night before? On the day? And what can you expect when you arrive, during, and after you compete in both band and solo contests? This week, Andrew and Jim do a blow-by-blow walk through of a typical day at a highland games, including how and when to start preparing, and what to expect when you get there. They cover the detailed preparation routines for both solo competitors and band members, including travel plans, warm-up strategies, final tuning, competition etiquette, checking in with stewards, tactics for managing nerves, and the logistics of navigating through multiple events in a day. This is the ultimate comprehensive guide for anyone curious about what goes on during an average day at a highland games. Got a question for a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]. Here's what we cover this week: 00:00 Training Montage: Preparing for Competition Day 02:21 A Day at the Highland Games: Solos and Bands 03:00 Morning Routine: Getting Ready for the Games 03:33 Arriving at the Games: Timing and Check-In 06:57 Warm-Up Strategies: Preparing Your Pipes 11:23 Competition Etiquette: Checking In and Tuning 15:40 On Deck: Final Preparations Before Performance 30:07 Judging and Competitor Etiquette 30:30 Tuning and Warm-Up Techniques 31:36 Choosing the Right Warm-Up Tunes 35:51 Post-Performance Etiquette 37:45 Managing Multiple Events 42:15 Band Competitions and Mass Bands 50:20 Final Tuning and Entering the Circle 57:45 Exiting the Circle and Post-Competition 01:00:09 End of the Day: Mass Bands and Results

  • Do you struggle to learn new tunes? Get stressed trying to get all those band sets ready for the circle? The solution could lie in… making it fun!

    This week, Andrew and Jim look at how to find fun in the process of learning new tunes - how to make the learning process enjoyable, push away stress, and improve your overall musical ability. The also look at the impact of pressure and competition on learning, and the benefits of playing in a band versus solo.

    Got a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email [email protected].

    On this episode, we're talking about...

    00:00 The Importance of Fun in Learning Tunes
    03:26 Using Technology to Enhance Practice
    05:35 Overcoming Challenges in Music Practice
    07:27 The Role of Enjoyment in Memorization
    10:56 Balancing Band and Solo Practice
    14:43 The Collaborative Process in Band Medleys
    21:05 Maintaining Enjoyment in Piping
    31:22 Reflecting on Life and Music

  • 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: [email protected]!

    Here’s what we covered this week:

    00:00 Introduction: The Bagpipe Experience

    01:09 Understanding the General Public's Perception

    02:01 The Complexity of Bagpipe Embellishments

    05:09 Intentionality in Bagpipe Playing

    07:34 The Value of Traditional Techniques

    12:32 Practical Exercises for Improvement

    16:46 The Joy of Progress and Overcoming Challenges

    27:25 Conclusion: Embracing Creativity and Fun

  • 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 [email protected]. This week we cover: 00:00 Introduction 01:08 Keeping It Simple 01:26 Simple Pleasures 02:24 Story Time: Ghosts of Piping Past 02:49 Andrew Wright and Frank Sinatra 03:52 The Art of Simplifying Music 08:12 Scoffing and Musical Authenticity 09:22 Creativity and Understanding Basics 15:42 Analogies in Art and Music 29:31 Final Thoughts on Basics and Embellishments

  • What would your life look like if bagpipes had never been a part of them? Pipers (and drummers) are a passionate bunch – so have you ever considered how different your life would be if you'd never picked up the pipes? This week, Andrew and Jim explore a fun "what-if" scenario, reflecting on the personal impact of bagpipes on their social interactions, artistic expression, career paths – but even more shockingly, they consider how the absence of bagpipes could have altered history and popular music. So tell us – how would your life be different if there were NO bagpipes? Leave a comment or send us an email: [email protected] This week, we cover 00:00 Thinking through the unthinkable 00:41 Discovering Bagpipes in Family History 03:02 The Ripple Effect of Bagpipes on Personal Life 04:42 Exploring Alternative Careers Without Bagpipes 07:18 The Impact of Bagpipes on Social Connections 08:23 Speculating on a World Without Bagpipes 10:23 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Creativity 17:46 Concluding Thoughts and Audience Engagement

  • What's the hardest tune ever written? What's the best pipe band performance ever? How should you travel with pipes? How do you choose tunes for your MSR? And what's the best way to fix a funky-sounding high G?

    What do all these questions have in common? They're burning questions Reddit users wanted answered!

    This week, Jim poses some of the most commonly requested questions from the r/bagpipes forum on Reddit to Andrew. They discuss chanter reeds' inconsistencies, the preference for modern vs. older bagpipes, and methods for learning and playing tunes by ear.

    Got a question of your own? Leave a comment or send it to us at [email protected] to see it answered in a future episode!

    Here's what we cover this week: 

    00:00 Introduction to Dojo U Insider: The Ultimate Bagpipe Education
    02:38 Exploring Reddit's Bagpipe Community
    03:34 Deep Dive into MSR Competitions and Bagpipe Music Nuances
    09:49 The Debate: Old vs. New Bagpipes
    14:55 Navigating Sheet Music and Learning by Ear
    21:13 Addressing a Piping Conundrum: The Flat High G Mystery
    21:50 Decoding the Mystery of Bagpipe Tuning
    23:09 The Art of Trial and Error in Tuning
    24:30 Understanding the Unique Tuning of Bagpipes
    25:03 Navigating Bagpipe Tuning with Digital Tuners
    29:56 Travel Tips for Bagpipers: Carrying Pipes on Planes
    33:35 Solving the Bass Drone Tuning Puzzle
    37:03 Simplifying Bagpipe Tunes: A Hot Take
    40:02 Celebrating the Best in Pipe Band Performances

  • Chanter reeds are often sent from the manufacturer labelled as "easy", "hard", or anything in between – but how do you know which one is going to be right for you?

    This week, Andrew and Jim are putting chanter reeds under pressure, first focusing on understanding reed strength through the measurement of 'inches of water', a method used by reed makers to indicate required blowing pressure. They discuss the variability of reeds, finding the right reed strength for individual players, the importance of steady blowing and different types if manometers. 

    Got a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Leave a comment or send it to [email protected]

    This week, we cover:

    01:58 Music's Emotional Influence

    04:40 Understanding Bagpipe Reeds

    08:06 The Variability of Reed Strength

    11:10 Personalizing Reed Selection

    13:39 Exploring Manometer Use in Bagpipe Practice

    17:43 Advantages of Tube Style Manometers

    26:07 Concluding Thoughts and Podcast Wrap-up

  • 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 leadership quality, fostering talent, and creating a positive band culture. But it can be easier said than done – and a good leader also needs good followers… Want to sign up for Dojo U Insider - your daily dose of bagpiping education, delivered right to your pocket? Check it out: https://pipersdojo.com/insider Got a question for a future episode? Leave a comment or email us at [email protected]! This week, we cover: 01:15 The Allure of Hip New Pipe Majors and Band Dynamics 03:58 Addressing the Challenges of Suboptimal Pipe Majors 05:46 Exploring the 'Ten Clues Your Pipe Major Sucks' Article 06:25 Big Fish Syndrome and Leadership Flaws 14:10 The Problem with a Suffocating Repertoire 16:16 Disrespecting Band Members' Time 17:39 Cutting Down Emerging Talent 18:02 Navigating Talent and Leadership in Bands 18:35 The Challenges of Being Musically Gifted in School 19:25 The Power Dynamics in Teaching and Leadership 19:51 Fostering Talent vs. Resentment in Leadership 20:16 Personal Reflections on Supporting New Talent 20:55 The Joy and Frustration of Repetitive Practice 21:36 Recognizing and Avoiding Leadership Pitfalls 23:29 The Importance of Delegation and Trust in Leadership 26:41 Understanding the Bigger Picture in Leadership 29:53 Setting Realistic Expectations and Fostering Growth 33:22 Reflections on Leadership and Followership ____ Dojo University is the longest-running and most successful online bagpiping and drumming school in the world. We teach thousands of students around the world how to play good music – mastering the art of learning and playing the bagpipes and drums in the process – in a highly accessible way that is completely unlike anything else you'll find online or in person, anywhere in the world. We created Dojo U because we noticed that too many pipers and drummers were struggling out there in the world. Bagpiping should be a joyful experience, each and every day you pick up your instrument. If it's not, we strive to fix that before it's too late. And whether you're a complete beginner, a parade or experienced player, a pipe major or drum sergeant, or a pro-level competitor... you can free yourself from musical frustration at Dojo U. At Dojo U, we do things a little differently to how you may have approached learning to play the bagpipes before. One of the key reasons for our ongoing success is that we're always evolving, improving, and growing. We'd love to welcome you back and show you around! Find Andrew and the Piper's Dojo Team here: Dojo University Online Bagpipe School: http://pipersdojo.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/pipersdojo Twitter: http://twitter.com/pipersdojo Instagram: http://instagram.com/pipersdojo SnapChat: pipersdojo

  • Pipers around the world find bagpipe tuning one of the hardest skills to master. Why? This week, we're using the physics of sound to explain why, as we look in-depth at how the harmonics of bagpipe chanter and drone reeds relate to each other. Brace yourself, dear listener – this is the sound nerd deep dive to rule them all! If you're listening to the audio version of this podcast, you may want to check out the version on YouTube or Facebook for some of the visual references, too – we promise they'll blow your mind too... Want to dive even deeper on the physics and practical tips for bagpipe tuning? You can check out our full Bagpipe Tuning Algorithm Course with Premium Dojo U Membership – visit pipersdojo.com to check it out today! Got a question for a future episode? Leave a comment or email it to us at [email protected]. Here's what we're covering this week: 00:00 Unlocking the Mysteries of Bass Tuning 00:26 Morning Banter: Compliments and Podcast Dynamics 02:06 Exploring the Evolution of the Bagpipe 06:09 The Great Highland Bagpipe: History and Evolution 12:32 The Challenge of Tuning the Bass Drone 24:13 Harmonics and the Richness of Bagpipes 28:13 Exploring the Harmonics of Bagpipes 29:17 The Physics of Reeded Instruments 31:45 Harmonic Differences Among Instruments 37:08 Advanced Harmonics and Instrument Tuning Insights 37:53 The Art of Tuning: Practical Tips and Tricks 42:45 The Beauty of Dissonance in Music 48:38 The Complexity of Harmonics in Pipe Bands 57:16 Concluding Thoughts on Harmonics and Tuning ____ Dojo University is the longest-running and most successful online bagpiping and drumming school in the world. We teach thousands of students around the world how to play good music – mastering the art of learning and playing the bagpipes and drums in the process – in a highly accessible way that is completely unlike anything else you'll find online or in person, anywhere in the world. We created Dojo U because we noticed that too many pipers and drummers were struggling out there in the world. Bagpiping should be a joyful experience, each and every day you pick up your instrument. If it's not, we strive to fix that before it's too late. And whether you're a complete beginner, a parade or experienced player, a pipe major or drum sergeant, or a pro-level competitor... you can free yourself from musical frustration at Dojo U. At Dojo U, we do things a little differently to how you may have approached learning to play the bagpipes before. One of the key reasons for our ongoing success is that we're always evolving, improving, and growing. We'd love to welcome you back and show you around! Find Andrew and the Piper's Dojo Team here: Dojo University Online Bagpipe School: http://pipersdojo.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/pipersdojo Twitter: http://twitter.com/pipersdojo Instagram: http://instagram.com/pipersdojo SnapChat: pipersdojo

  • 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 actually help you memorize and internalize the music much faster and more powerfully.

    Got a question for a future episode? Leave a comment or email us at [email protected].

    Here's what we cover this week:

    00:00 Unlocking the Secret Sauce of Musical Expression
    00:26 The Power of Singing in Music Memorization
    05:51 Exploring the Mind-Music Connection
    09:53 The Evolution of Musical Ideas
    18:30 Singing vs. Playing: The Internal Melody
    20:21 Exploring the Origins and Meaning of 'Chanter'
    21:14 The Art of Singing and Playing: A Creative Convergence
    21:51 Practical Musings on Musical Practice and Improvement
    23:58 The Mental Model of Music: From Mind to Reality
    27:26 Sharing Music: The Power and Limitations of Performance
    28:46 AI and the Future of Music: A Philosophical Dive
    34:47 The Evolution of Musical Ideas and Traditions
    38:12 Balancing Creativity and Rules in Music Education

    ____

    Dojo University is the longest-running and most successful online bagpiping and drumming school in the world. We teach thousands of students around the world how to play good music – mastering the art of learning and playing the bagpipes and drums in the process – in a highly accessible way that is completely unlike anything else you'll find online or in person, anywhere in the world. We created Dojo U because we noticed that too many pipers and drummers were struggling out there in the world. Bagpiping should be a joyful experience, each and every day you pick up your instrument. If it's not, we strive to fix that before it's too late. And whether you're a complete beginner, a parade or experienced player, a pipe major or drum sergeant, or a pro-level competitor... you can free yourself from musical frustration at Dojo U. At Dojo U, we do things a little differently to how you may have approached learning to play the bagpipes before. One of the key reasons for our ongoing success is that we're always evolving, improving, and growing. We'd love to welcome you back and show you around!

    Find Andrew and the Piper's Dojo Team here:

    Dojo University Online Bagpipe School: http://pipersdojo.com

    Facebook: http://facebook.com/pipersdojo

    Twitter: http://twitter.com/pipersdojo

    Instagram: http://instagram.com/pipersdojo

    SnapChat: pipersdojo

  • Why don't they just make bagpipe chanters that don't need tape? This week, we delve into why – the physics behind why all chanters inevitably require tape, misconceptions about tape usage, and detailed instructions for applying tape correctly. Plus, we look at how recent an innovation tape really is, and why it's such an important part of getting your pipes singing. Got a question for a future episode? Leave a comment or email us at [email protected]. This week, we cover: 00:00 The Great Tape Debate: Unraveling the Sticky Questions 00:40 A Sticky Situation: The Tale of a Funeral Performance 04:28 The Science of Tape: Why All Bagpipers Need It 13:28 Tape Techniques and Tales from the Field 22:29 Choosing the Right Tape: A Pipers' Guide 23:31 Cleaning Up: Tips for Maintaining Your Chanter Tape 28:16 The Evolution of Chanter Tuning: From Wax to Tape

  • You're stuck on a desert island. Would you rather have your practice chanter, or an endless playlist of great pipe band tunes? If you didn't say the latter, you're missing the number one secret ingredient to being a better musician – immersion! This week, we're discussing why certain families and geographies seem to foster world class players. Is it just boundless talent passed along in their bloodlines... or is it the world-class piping and drumming they've been absorbing since before they could talk? Immersion in the best of your craft is the single greatest correlate to ongoing success in anything. So how can you replicate that if you're not living in a hive of pipe band activity, or surrounded by top class pipers everyday? We have some ideas for you... Got a question you want us to discuss on a future episode? Leave a comment or send it to [email protected]. Highlights of this week's episode: 00:00 Have you heard of a little podcast called 'Droning On'? 01:29 Diving into the World of Bagpiping Podcasts and Media 02:08 The Essence and Importance of Immersion in Bagpiping 09:13 Exploring Various Avenues for Bagpipe Immersion 20:49 The Power of Immersion in Learning and Creativity 25:23 Wrapping Up with Reflections and a Desert Island Dilemma