Piper's Dojo Audio Experience

Some episodes are carefully planned… and some are rescued straight out of the garbage can.   This week, Andrew and Jim wrap up the year by rifling through the legendary “maybe later” pile – a collection of rejected ideas, abandoned plans, and almost-episodes that never quite made the cut. What starts as reflection quickly turns into some surprisingly solid piping advice, mixed with the usual chaos.   Along the way, they tackle big questions about marching style, presentation in solo competition, and whether looking polished actually affects results. Then it’s down the rabbit hole with pressure variance testing, tuning by intuition, and why “trial and error” might still beat science when it comes to getting your pipes locked in.   It’s messy, honest, practical… and accidentally one of the most useful episodes of the year.   They also dig into why tradition still matters – from kilts and uniforms to parade culture – and finish with quickfire advice on keeping piping fun for kids, playing without pain, and building real fluency in embellishments.   Got a topic sitting in your “maybe later” pile? Drop it in the comments – we just might pull it out next episode.   Here’s what we cover this week:  00:00 – Intro & End of Year Reflections
  04:50 – The “Maybe Later” Pile: Rejected Topics
  07:50 – Marching in Solo Competition: Big Steps or Little Steps?
  10:30 – Does Presentation Matter in Competition?
  12:30 – How to Own Your Style & Marching Advice
  13:45 – The Blow Trick (Pressure Variance Testing)
  14:00 – Pressure Variance, Tuning & Trial and Error
  22:00 – Tuning Philosophy: Guessing, Intuition & Learning
  27:00 – Uniforms, Kilts & the Value of Tradition
  31:00 – Parades, Outfits & Embracing the Ridiculous
  34:00 – Quickfire: Keeping Piping Cool for Kids
  35:00 – Quickfire: Avoiding Pain (Posture & Comfort)
  37:00 – Quickfire: Embellishment Fluency & Building Blocks
  38:30 – Rhythm, Gracenotes & Abstractions in Learning
  39:30 – Wrapping Up & Looking Ahead

This week, we sit down with renowned piper and composer John Dew for a deep dive into his latest project, John Dew's Pipe Suites. From the story behind the book to the evolution of harmony in bagpipe music, John walks us through his approach to writing suites, the influences that shaped his sound, and why understanding chord progressions is becoming essential for today’s pipers. We also explore his brand-new album, the tools he uses to compose, and what’s ahead for bands travelling to competitions. 🎵 Tune in and join the conversation at pipersdojo.com! Check out John and his music here: https://www.johndew-composition.com/ Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 – Meeting John Dew & Early Background01:11 – Inside the Pipe Suite Book: The USB Format & Features02:40 – How the Community Reacted: Sales & Feedback03:40 – What’s Actually in the Book? (11 Suites Explained)05:10 – John’s Compositional Approach & Influences08:50 – Harmony, Chord Progressions & the Modern Piping Mindset13:45 – Teaching, Arranging & Why Harmony Matters for Leadership17:23 – Tools of the Trade: Sibelius & Other Software17:55 – Live Demo: Navigating the Book & Listening to Tracks21:19 – John’s New Album: Marches & Fresh Compositions23:20 – The Value of Musical Variety24:49 – Interactive Learning Tools at the Dojo25:45 – Q&A: Lessons, Pipe Majors, Contest Logistics & More36:03 – Do Pipers… Talk to Their Pipes?40:18 – Chicago Games & Band Travel Plans43:56 – Chanter & Reed Talk: Mark II Shepherd, Tuning & Comparisons46:15 – Drone Tuning Tips for Performances49:41 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

Learning by ear can feel both magical and maddening… and it’s one of the most powerful skills a musician can build. This week, Andrew and Jim tackle how to learn tunes by ear, using the tune “Green Monster” as their test subject. They explore what really happens when you set the sheet music aside and trust your ears, your instincts, and a little bit of trial and error. 🎧💡 Ear learning isn’t just possible—it’s a superpower waiting to be unlocked. Got questions or want to share your own ear-learning tips? Drop a comment below! And a special shoutout to Hannah Focken, whose performance we feature on this week’s episode: https://www.youtube.com/@hannahfocken Here’s what we cover this week: 00:24 – Intro: Why Learn By Ear? 01:07 – Where Did “Green Monster” Come From? 02:41 – Sheet Music vs. Ear Learning 05:43 – Recordings Are Your Best Friend 08:58 – Practical Tools for Ear Learning 12:53 – The Bagpipe Freedom Process 14:30 – March, Jig, Hornpipe… or Something Else? 17:00 – Build a Mental Model First 20:00 – It Gets Easier (Really) 22:00 – Private Lessons vs. Self-Discovery 27:00 – Creativity, Play, and the Joy of Ear Learning


Ever wondered why those pesky crossing noises always show up when you’re playing in front of a judge? This week, Andrew and Carl tackle one of piping’s most frustrating mysteries: how nerves mess with your finger control... and what you can actually do about it. From understanding what judges really mean by “crossing noises” to using recordings to hear what they hear, this episode is packed with practical advice for improving your competition performances. The guys also talk about the difference between live band workshops and online learning, and weigh in on everything from smallpipe design to jig interpretation and drum setups.  🎵 Tune in and join the conversation at pipersdojo.com! Here’s what we cover this week:00:00 – How to Fix Crossing Noises Under Pressure03:45 – Why You Might Not Hear Your Own Mistakes07:30 – The Power of Recording Yourself11:00 – Finger Control, Nerves, and Bandwidth16:00 – Should the Dojo Build a Troubleshooting Course?21:00 – Band Workshops vs. Dojo Membership: What’s Best?27:00 – Will Inveraray at Chicago Games Attract More Grade One Bands?30:30 – Why Practice Chanters Have Cylindrical Bores33:00 – Jigs: Pointed or Straight Eighth Notes?37:00 – Which Drum Brands Are Worth It?39:00 – Does Manometer Tubing Size Matter?41:00 – Software for Playing Along with Your Tunes44:30 – Why Bands Use Two Tenors and One Bass48:00 – Baritone Drones and Their Role in Pipe Tuning 💬 Like, comment, and subscribe for more piping discussions!

Why does criticism feel so uncomfortable, and yet matter so much for growth? This week, Andrew and Jim unpack the messy, meaningful world of critique: how to receive it without spiraling, how to give it without crushing someone’s spirit, and why feedback is one of the most powerful tools musicians (and humans) have. From creative-writing workshops to piping circles, they share real stories and practical strategies for handling feedback with curiosity, humility, and a little bit of humor. Whether you’re tackling musical critique, professional feedback, or that one opinionated bandmate… this episode gives you a playbook for navigating it all. 🎧💭 Criticism stings — but learning to embrace it might just be your super-power. Like, subscribe, and tell us in the comments: 💬 What’s the best (or worst) critique you’ve ever gotten? 🎵 How do you approach giving feedback in your band or creative life? Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 – Intro & banter: apartment amenities & ceiling fan chaos 02:00 – Modern marketing and the “what really makes a home?” rant 04:00 – Why criticism matters (especially in music) 06:00 – Why critique hurts — and why it helps 10:00 – How to receive criticism 18:00 – When to ignore feedback (jealousy, noise, or tradition-policing) 22:00 – How to give criticism 30:00 – The social side: culture, groupthink, and competition 35:00 – Criticism in systems: loyal opposition & why institutions need critique 40:00 – Final thoughts: embracing feedback as fuel for growth Related reading: Check out this article for a deeper dive on giving effective feedback: https://internationalwriterscollective.com/dos-and-donts-of-critiquing/

Ever wondered if playing in a band might actually sabotage your solo piping? This week, Andrew and Carl dive into the age-old struggle between band tempos, solo control, and the chaos that happens when adrenaline meets bagpipes, as they unpack how to stay in control when the bandroom gets loud — literally and figuratively. The chat then veers into classic Dojo territory: why most practice chanters sound like sad recorders, whether synthetic reeds will ever be a thing, and the art of mic’ing drones without breaking your neck. There’s also a few strong opinions about hard vs. easy reeds, and the eternal mystery of how long you should really hold that E before a pickup. 🎵 Tune in and join the conversation at pipersdojo.com! Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 – Can Being in a Band Sabotage Your Playing? 08:00 – Developing Control and Mastery 13:00 – Practice Chanters: Why Aren’t They Standardized? 22:00 – Jack Lee Steps Down as Pipe Sergeant of SFU 31:00 – Will Synthetic Chanter Reeds Ever Become a Thing? 36:00 – How Long Should You Hold E Before a Pickup Note? 41:00 – Micing Bagpipe Drones: Gear Recommendations 46:00 – Does a Hard Reed Equal Better Tone? 51:00 – Closing Thoughts and Q&A

What do old cars and bagpipes have in common? More than you might think... This week, Andrew and Jim take a joyride through the surprisingly parallel worlds of mechanical tinkering and musical maintenance – from leaky fuel lines to temperamental reeds. Along the way, they swap stories about car ownership philosophies, creative DIY fixes, and the lessons learned from both engines and chanters that just won’t behave. It’s a lighthearted look at frustration, persistence, and knowing when to hold on… and when to finally let go. 🚗🎶 Whether you’re tuning pipes or turning wrenches, this episode is a reminder that mastery isn’t about perfection — it’s about patience, curiosity, and a good sense of humor. Like, subscribe, and share your best (or worst) mechanical mishap in the comments! Here’s what we cover this week:
 00:00 – Morning routines & setting the tone
 03:20 – Car ownership philosophies: new, old, or leased?
 08:10 – Jim’s decades-long car saga
 13:45 – The pickup truck dream (and nightmare)
 22:00 – DIY repairs and mechanical mayhem
 28:30 – The great gasoline leak incident
 33:00 – What cars teach us about bagpipes
 37:00 – The sunk cost fallacy and moving on
 41:00 – Toyota Camry wisdom: choosing reliability
 45:00 – Diagnosing problems: first principles & learning by doing
 50:00 – Mechanics, community, and quirky gas stations
 54:00 – Wrap-up & what’s next

What if learning piobaireachd could feel as natural as singing it? This week, Andrew and Carl dive deep into one of the most expressive and mysterious corners of piping: piobaireachd singing – and the fascinating system behind it, Nether Lorn Canntaireachd. They explore where it came from, how it works, and whether you really need to learn it to play great music. Along the way, they share practical advice for learners, uncover handy resources and archives, and show how singing can transform your understanding of a tune’s structure and emotion. The conversation also branches into interactive tune demos (including “Thunderstruck” and “Steam Train”), band medley creativity, and even a few hot takes on hemp, wax, and bagpipe maintenance. You’ll hear how the Dojo team approaches rhythm, simplicity, and musical fundamentals – all wrapped up in the usual mix of humor, deep insight, and Friday banter. 🎶 Join the conversation and explore interactive resources at pipersdojo.com! Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 – Intro & Piobaireachd Singing Class? 01:05 – The Role of Singing in Piobaireachd 02:30 – Nether Lorn Canntaireachd: History & Use 04:15 – Is Learning Canntaireachd Necessary? 06:00 – Practical Tips for Learning Tunes 08:00 – Resources for Canntaireachd Study 10:00 – Using Archives & Practice Advice 12:00 – Interactive Tunes & Community Requests 14:00 – Thunderstruck & Steam Train Interactive Demo 17:00 – Black vs. Yellow Waxed Hemp: Is There a Difference? 19:00 – Cobbler’s Wax & Bagpipe Maintenance 21:00 – Rhythm Class Update & Why It Matters 23:00 – Behind the Scenes: The Dream Valley Medley 26:00 – What Makes a Great Band Medley? 29:00 – Balancing Judges, Audience & Band Enjoyment 32:00 – COVID-Era Band Videos & Tech Challenges 34:00 – Pentatonic Tunes & Musical Fundamentals 36:00 – The Power of Simplicity in Music 38:00 – Closing Thoughts & What’s Coming Next

What if you could have a bagpipe teacher on demand – anytime, anywhere? This week, Andrew and Jim road test one of the most exciting innovations at the Dojo yet: the brand new Interactive Player. Designed to feel like having a teacher by your side 24/7, this powerful tool puts total control of your learning in your hands. They walk through how it works – toggling between video and sheet music, looping tricky spots, slowing things down, adding a metronome, and building up speed for tough passages to help pipers learn smarter, faster, and more musically. Along the way, they chat about the dream of on-demand teaching, share a demo of “Banjo Breakdown,” and talk about what’s coming next as the library grows (hint: more tunes, more instruments, more inspiration). If you’ve ever wished your practice sessions could be more focused and more fun – this episode will show you how. 🎶 Try the Interactive Player today with a Dojo U membership: pipersdojo.com/store Got questions or want to share your favorite feature? Drop a comment below or email us at support@pipersdojo.com. Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 – Intro & Banter
 02:20 – Building a new “he shed” studio
 04:40 – Outlander and epic bagpipe soundtracks
 07:15 – The dream of an on-demand teacher
 09:00 – Introducing the Interactive Player
 11:00 – Demo: “Banjo Breakdown” lesson
 14:00 – Customizing your learning experience
 18:00 – Isolating tricky passages
 22:00 – Speed training and memorization
 25:00 – Tools for band leaders and group practice
 28:00 – Expanding the library and future features
 32:00 – Tips, tricks, and best practices
 35:00 – Mobile experience and final thoughts
 37:00 – Outro & membership info

What if one tune you wrote became a crowd favorite – and sparked a whole collection decades in the making? This week, Andrew and Carl welcome Micah Babinski, composer of "Afternoon at the Green Monster" and author of the brand-new Green Monster Collection. Together, they dive into the story behind the tune, the 20+ years of composing that led to the book, and what it’s like to finally share your life’s work with the piping world. Then, the crew opens the floor for a live Q&A – covering everything from band-supplied gear and endurance tips to simplifying tunes and moving up the solo competition ranks. Plus, don’t miss Micah’s live performance of Afternoon at the Green Monster! Got a question for a future episode? Drop it in the comments or email us: support@pipersdojo.com. Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 – Intro & Guest Introduction
 01:25 – Micah’s piping background and journey
 03:24 – Introducing The Green Monster Collection — 56 tunes for pipes, whistle, and mandolin
 05:17 – Friends, contributors, and 20+ years of composing
 07:17 – The story behind Afternoon at the Green Monster
 11:00 – Competition stories and the tune’s growing popularity
 14:48 – How to order the book (Piper’s Hut, Tartan Town, Google Form)
 16:40 – Pricing, shipping, and payment details
 18:00 – Motivation for publishing & breaking the “one-hit wonder” label
 20:00 – Silver Medal stories and reconnecting with friends
 Live Q&A Topics:
 24:00 – What equipment should bands provide?
 29:00 – Managing endurance and lip fatigue
 36:00 – Simplifying idioms in solo tunes
 43:00 – Tunes the composer is proud of
 45:00 – Why third parts are often the hardest
 48:00 – Live performance: Afternoon at the Green Monster
 50:00 – Using projectors and TVs in band practice
 53:00 – Moving from Grade 4 to Grade 3 in solos 56:00 – Wrap-up & book order link 🪗 Order The Green Monster Collection: https://forms.gle/sepc2peJY63PtbAg8

Expression. It’s one of those words that gets thrown around a lot in music – but what does it really mean when you’re playing the bagpipes? This week, Andrew and Jim roll up their sleeves and dig into the art (and the challenge) of making this notoriously rigid instrument… well, expressive. From timing and rhythm to embellishments and groove, they unpack what’s actually in your control as a piper, and how those choices can shape your sound. Along the way, they swap stories, highlight tools you might not be using enough (hello, metronome!), and share how modern teaching approaches are changing the way pipers think about artistry. Whether you’re chasing more musicality in your playing or just curious about how expression works on the pipes, this episode will give you plenty to chew on. Got a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: support@pipersdojo.com Here's what we cover this week: 00:00 – Intro & Banter 01:30 – The unique challenges of bagpipe expression 04:00 – How the pipes compare to other instruments 08:00 – What is “expression”? Universal vs. bagpipe-specific 12:00 – Tools you actually have control over 16:00 – Why fundamentals are the foundation of expression 19:00 – Accidents, creativity, and artistic choices 23:00 – Timing, rhythm, and the ALAP/ASAP model 28:00 – Prescribed vs. personal expression 32:00 – Finding the groove and rhythmic feel 36:00 – Metronomes, drummers, and developing timing 41:00 – Embellishments, vibrato, and other expressive tools 45:00 – Evolving approaches to expression 49:00 – Wrap-up & invitation for listener comments

Does a good – or bad – band experience just come down to luck? This week, Jim and Andrew dig into a listener’s story about tough instructors, how to keep having fun when you're burned out, and how band culture can either make or break whether players stick around in bands for the long-term. Tune in for some practical advice for both learners and instructors on how to keep the spark alive, make music a joy again, and create a healthier piping community for everyone. Got a question or topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: pipersdojo@gmail.com! Here's what we cover this week: 00:00 – Andrew: the “Man, Myth, Legend” 01:00 – A virtual Scotland tour guide 05:40 – Listener mail: The uphill battle of learning bagpipes 08:00 – The impact of negative instructors and band culture 12:00 – Why finding a good teacher is often luck 15:00 – Ego, exclusivity, and the “only one way” mindset 18:00 – Band stress, tradition vs. progress, and hazing 22:00 – Is this unique to bagpipes? 25:00 – Advice for learners: Diversify your influences 27:00 – Advice for instructors: Foster excitement and joy 30:00 – Advice for band members: Welcoming new players & preserving tradition 33:00 – Final thoughts: Keeping the spark alive Episode Highlights • The problem with negative instructors and gatekeeping band culture • Why luck often determines whether you find a good teacher • The myth of “only one right way” to learn bagpipes • Practical advice for learners: diversify your influences and keep it fun • Tips for instructors: focus on excitement, joy, and growth

This week, Andrew and Jim strip things right back to the foundations of great piping. What really matters when it comes to clean technique? How do you avoid crossing noises, nail those tricky note changes, and keep grace notes crisp and tiny? And why do so many players get lost in embellishments before locking down the basics? From fingerwork fundamentals to the idea of “trinary code” and Andrew’s new “target practice” concept, the guys dig into what it takes to build precision, adaptability, and consistency. Got a piping question or a topic you’d like us to tackle on a future episode? Drop it in the comments or email us: support@pipersdojo.com Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 – Intro & studio catch-up 01:00 – The earwig in the chanter (and the coffee!) 02:30 – Bagpipe fingerwork fundamentals 04:00 – Drills, scales, and why embellishments matter 07:00 – The hardest note changes (and how to tackle them) 09:00 – Crossing noises & clean technique explained 11:00 – Grace notes: the infinitely small moment 15:00 – The three fundamentals of piping 18:00 – Why embellishments are just combinations 21:00 – Diagnosing sloppy playing 24:00 – The problem with rushing to embellishments 27:00 – The “trinary code” of bagpipe technique 30:00 – Target practice: beat, note change, grace note alignment 33:00 – Guitar Hero, archery, and metronome practice 36:00 – Constant adjustment & musical adaptability 39:00 – Simplifying tunes for better practice 42:00 – Why the process never ends 44:00 – Outro and laughs

Is there a better way to score pipe band competitions?   This week, Andrew and Jim look at an unlikely comparison for inspiration: gymnastics. From artistic vs. objective elements, to the challenge of ranking large fields fairly, to the ever-present issue of bias, the guys explore what the world of sports can teach us about how pipe bands are judged. What makes a fair system? Should pipe bands stick to ordinal rankings? Would point-based scoring bring more consistency? And how do we balance tradition with the need for innovation?   Got a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: support@pipersdojo.com   Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 – Andrew’s secret gymnastics passion revealed 01:32 – Jim’s school days and flexibility struggles 03:00 – Comparing movement and body types 04:50 – The basics of gymnastics events and routines 06:00 – Artistic vs. objective elements in gymnastics 07:15 – How gymnastics is scored: D and E panels explained 10:00 – The challenge of making subjective performances objective 12:00 – Pipe band scoring vs. gymnastics scoring 14:00 – Why not just rank gymnasts? The case for point-based systems 16:00 – The problem with ordinal ranking in pipe bands 18:00 – Handling ties, large fields, and the importance of standardization 20:00 – The “big three” for judging bagpipe performances: sound, technique, musicality 23:00 – The complexity of creating a fair, repeatable rubric 25:00 – Bias, recency, and the human side of judging 28:00 – The need for more judges and the realities of competition logistics 31:00 – The importance of strong, sustainable institutions 34:00 – Innovation vs. tradition in competition systems 36:00 – Final thoughts

Ever wondered how you can really tell who the top solo pipers are across a massive region like the Eastern United States?   This week, Andrew introduces Jim to the new EUSPBA Greatest Hits program – a ranking system that takes a bunch of measures into account, rather than just aggregating total points.    They discuss why it matters, the challenges of ranking players across a huge geographic area, the problems with the old points system, and how the new approach brings a more fair way to rank players that could bring back some excitement and participation across the region.    Got a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: support@pipersdojo.com   Here’s what we cover this week:
  00:23 - What is the EUSPBA Greatest Hits Program?
  02:31 - The Challenge of Acronyms & Association Names
  04:44 - Andrew’s Role on the Executive Committee
  06:36 - Why the EUSPBA is Unique (Size & Scope)
  08:46 - The Problem with the Old Points System
  13:26 - How the Greatest Hits Program Works
  15:10 - Real Examples: How Standings Change
  18:44 - New Metrics: Unique AGLs & Big Wins
  22:00 - How the System Affects Upgrades
  25:53 - Incentives & What’s Next for the EUSPBA
   29:15 - “It’s Been One of the Greatest Hits” (Outro)

Are ceiling fans secretly ruining your tuning? And what’s actually essential to keep in your pipe case? In this fun and practical episode, Andrew and Jim crack open the listener mailbag to tackle three big questions from the community. First up, they dive into how to set up a practice space that actually makes you want to practice (spoiler: it doesn’t have to be fancy). Then they break down the surprising ways ceiling fans can throw off your tuning – yes, really! – and wrap up with a great list of must-have items every beginner should carry in their pipe case (hint: corks, wax, and maybe a lucky chess piece?). Got a burning question of your own that you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: support@pipersdojo.com Here's what we cover this week: 00:00 – Intro & Banter
 01:15 – Practice Space Tips
 12:10 – Ceiling Fans & Tuning
 22:40 – Pipe Case Essentials
 27:10 – Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts

Ever wondered where some of the most loved tunes today came from? In this episode, Andrew and Jim dive into the life of John McLellan of Dunoon – one of the most iconic figures in Scottish piping. As of 8 August 2025, it's been 150 years since McLellan was born, and the guys take the opportunity to explore what made his music so powerful, memorable, and ahead of its time.  They chat through the cultural and historical backdrop that influenced his tunes, unpack how his personal experiences shaped his writing, and take a look at how his legacy still echoes in the piping world today. Got a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: support@pipersdojo.com Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 – ChatGPT as a tour guide01:50 – The Scottish Enlightenment, John Knox, and the rise of literacy04:40 – The impact of universal education on Scottish society07:00 – Scotland’s literary and musical giants: Hume, Smith, Burns, Scott09:15 – John McLellan’s background and the 150th anniversary11:00 – What makes McLellan’s tunes so special?13:00 – The role of nostalgia and romanticism in piping15:00 – Musical literacy, family influence, and McLellan’s musical skills18:00 – The explosion of printed music and the military pipe band system21:00 – Why did so many great composers emerge in the late 1800s?24:00 – The “Bagpipe Musical Enlightenment” hypothesis27:00 – The enduring influence of McLellan and his contemporaries30:00 – Reflections on creativity, tradition, and innovation in piping33:00 – Closing thoughts: McLellan’s legacy and the evolution of bagpipe music

Ever wondered what makes a sheepskin bag so special – or so tricky?    Last week we covered the broad pros and cons of sheepskin – this week, join Andrew and Jim as they do a deep dive on the mysteries, mishaps, and maintenance secrets of sheepskin bags.    From airtightness to seasoning rituals, and the eternal debate between tradition and convenience, this episode is packed with practical tips and stories.   Got a topic you'd like us to cover on a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: support@pipersdojo.com   Here's what we cover this week:  0:00 – Welcome, episode intro, and why sheepskin matters 1:00 – Who should care about sheepskin? (Hint: not just the pros) 2:00 – Sheepskin vs. synthetic: sound, cost, and effort 3:00 – Airtightness: myth-busting and real-world experience 4:00 – The pain of tying in a sheepskin bag (and why it’s worth it) 5:00 – Jim’s embarrassing tie-in story 7:00 – How to avoid bag-destroying mistakes 8:00 – Maintenance checks: pulling out stocks and prepping for big events 10:00 – The all-important first seasoning: step-by-step 12:00 – Why Andrew kneels on his bag (and you might want to, too) 14:00 – How often should you season? (And why less is more) 16:00 – Storage tips: humidity, “pipe humidors,” and what to avoid 18:00 – Trade-offs: when to go sheepskin, synthetic, or moisture control 20:00 – The science of condensation, dew points, and why it matters 22:00 – Advice for beginners, intermediates, and advanced pipers 24:00 – Final thoughts: keep it simple, experiment, and enjoy the journey

Why do some pipers prefer a sheepskin bag?   In this episode, Jim and Andrew dive deep into the world of hide bagpipe bags – especially the legendary sheepskin. They draw some surprising parallels between Linux and sheepskin bags.    Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned piper, or just bagpipe-curious, you’ll get the inside scoop on why sheepskin bags are so beloved, what makes them tricky, and whether they’re worth the investment.    (P.S. Make sure to tune in next week for some nitty gritty about hide bags in part 2…)   Got a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: support@pipersdojo.com   Here’s what we cover this week:   0:00 – Browser privacy, Chrome vs. Brave, and why Jim prefers Linux  2:41 – Introducing the sheepskin bag: “the Linux of bagpipe bags”  4:39 – Does the bag really affect the sound? The science and the skepticism  7:13 – Andrew’s journey: from hide to synthetic to sheepskin (and back again)  11:06 – Jack Lee’s advice and the quest for the perfect tone  14:48 – The sheepskin epiphany: does it really sound better?  17:23 – Hide vs. synthetic: what’s the real difference?  21:49 – The trade-offs: cost, maintenance, and lifespan of sheepskin bags  27:20 – Is sheepskin right for beginners? Why it might not be  31:36 – Daily playing, seasoning, and keeping your bag in top shape  36:06 – Moisture control: sheepskin vs. canister systems  41:07 – High-level competition: why even the pros sometimes switch to synthetic  44:28 – Hybrid solutions and the “holy grail” of bagpipe sound  47:13 – Final thoughts: is sheepskin worth it, and who should try it? 

Last week we looked at how maintenance, set up, and your bag can all massively help or massively hinder your strike ins.   This week, Jim and Andrew break down how to actually execute a perfect strike-in, and how to get it right every time. They share the top mistakes pipers make, introduce a three-pronged method for success, and explain why air pressure and rhythm are everything. You'll also hear tips for syncing with your drum corps, tuning on the fly, and building confidence through solo practice.   Got a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: support@pipersdojo.com   Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 Introduction and Recap 01:02 Calibration and Strike Ins 01:17 Common Mistakes in Striking In 03:40 The Three-Pronged Attack 05:50 Advanced Techniques and Tips 14:17 Air Pressure and Final Tuning 16:30 Perfecting the E Note 16:59 The Role of Drummers in Synchronization 17:35 Mastering the Pipe Band Rhythm 18:12 Step-by-Step Guide to Pipe Band Attack 20:36 Importance of Practicing Alone 23:54 Why a Good Attack Matters 26:32 Handling Mistakes and Moving Forward 30:27 Final Tips and Resources