Piper's Dojo Audio Experience

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

Are your strike ins leaving you deflated?  This week, Andrew and Jim break down the real reasons your pipes might not be cooperating – from leaky bags and floppy setups to calibration quirks and climate curveballs. Plus, a little banter about band camp and Misty Mountain mugs to kick things off. Part one of a two-part deep dive into striking in. 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 – Band camp flashbacks 01:05 – A light Middle-earth geography squabble 02:46 – Bagpipes and golf: where obsession meets art 03:34 – Calibration 101: getting your drones to play nice 05:46 – Strike-in theory vs. what actually happens 11:30 – Making calibration part of your daily routine 14:55 – Cane reeds: fragile, finicky, but oh-so sweet 16:10 – Climate chaos and the Scotland setup struggle 16:30 – What “efficiency” means in real life and piping 17:34 – The mechanics of a clean strike-in 19:27 – Why setup is everything 21:15 – Fine-tuning your reeds and drones 31:15 – Floppy bags and other setup saboteurs 33:48 – Wrapping up: what’s next in part two  

What if better playing was as simple as turning the right knob?   In this episode, Andrew and Jim turn up the dial on a piping metaphor you didn’t know you needed. They explore how every element of your piping – and life – is adjustable. Need more lift in your tune? Twist the tempo knob. Feeling too flashy? Ease off the complexity knob. Wondering why your pipes sound dull? Could be your moisture knob is overworked. So, whether your piping feels a bit... off, or you just love a good metaphor taken too far, this episode is your chance to grab hold of your own personal knobs and start turning with purpose.   Got a topic you’d like us to talk about in future? Leave a comment or email us: support@pipersdojo.com   Here’s what we cover this week: 
 00:00 – Shower Thoughts: Discovering the knobs of life
 01:17 – Soviet lasers, childhood, and precision tweaking
 02:21 – Composing with context: the musical control panel
 05:04 – Balancing nostalgia with new sounds
 08:44 – Volume, dynamics, and piping subtlety
 12:36 – Why your audience should influence your knob settings
 14:34 – Harmonies, embellishments, and tonal flavour
 17:53 – Context is king: adjusting for the venue, not your ego
 24:08 – Moisture control and the quest for tonal bliss
 26:23 – Political knobs (careful, they’re sensitive)
 28:22 – When to tweak vs. when to trust the process
 29:15 – Final thoughts: Keep your knobs flexible

Ever find yourself stopping cold after making a mistake while you're playing? In this episode, Andrew and Jim dig into what it really takes to master bagpipe tunes – especially when things don’t go perfectly. They chat about why stopping every time you make a mistake can actually hold you back, and how finishing what you start (even if it's messy) leads to better progress in the long run. Along the way, they share stories from their own musical journeys – including a few childhood recital flashbacks – and reflect on lessons learned from some of the top pipers in the world. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a loop of restarts or frustrated by your own mistakes, this episode is for you. It’s a reminder to persevere, stay out of the ruts, and trust the process – even when it’s not perfect. 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 Internet Woes and Dojo U01:05 Teaching Technology to Seniors01:46 Podcasting from Afar02:01 The Struggles of Internet Service Providers03:27 A Frustrating Call with Spectrum05:32 Commitment to Learning and Practice07:56 The Importance of Finishing What You Start12:46 Effective Practice Strategies17:22 Addressing Mistakes in Performances18:25 The Concept of Ruts and Feedback Loops19:17 Forming Good Habits in Practice19:43 Treating Your Brain Like a Baby21:19 The Problem with Fixating on Mistakes26:36 Balancing Practice Sessions28:37 Pipe Band Practice Strategies29:22 Reflections on Leadership in Pipe Bands31:16 Concluding Thoughts on Practice and Performance

How do you avoid burnout as a new pipe major? Find gigs as a soloist? Introduce new tunes to your band? Join Andrew and Jim for another mixed bag Q&A episode as they crawl through Reddit, discussing questions and common challenges from finding gigs and balancing practice routines to leading new bands and keeping members motivated. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice to keep your piping journey enjoyable and fulfilling. 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 Setting the Stage 01:13 Exploring Reddit Topics: Country Club Sunset Gigs 02:57 Strategies for Landing Golf Course Gigs 06:37 Balancing Competition and Fun in Practice 10:46 Tips for Effective Practice Sessions 12:45 The Importance of Enjoying the Journey 22:04 Daily Practice Routine 22:33 Balancing Fun and Discipline 23:25 Pipe Major's Dilemma: Changing Medleys 24:54 Conflicting Ideas in Band Management 27:04 Strategies for Introducing New Material 31:22 Advice for New Pipe Majors 32:32 Delegation and Teamwork in Bands 38:49 Concluding Thoughts on Band Leadership

Are the RSPBA’s prescribed tunes just tough? Or are they trying to tell us something? This week, Jim and Andrew dive into a juicy listener-submitted topic: the sometimes frustrating, always challenging world of the RSPBA prescribed tunes list. Are some of these tunes meant to weed bands out? We explore the theories, the difficulties, and the real reasons these tunes exist. From choosing the right music for your band’s skill level to balancing challenge with enjoyment, they unpack it all, complete with cooking analogies, personal stories, and a few cheeky conspiracy theories along the way. Whether you're a band leader or just curious about the logic behind tune lists, this one’s got food for thought. 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 & listener topic 00:29 – What’s the deal with the prescribed tunes? 01:46 – Are they intentionally hard? 03:26 – Why these tunes exist in the first place 04:43 – What judges are looking for 07:45 – Picking tunes for different skill levels 16:34 – What counts as an “acceptable” variation? 22:13 – Keeping the music challenging but fair 26:33 – What to do when you’ve got newbies 27:25 – Tales from the trenches: tough tunes 28:33 – Striking the right balance 29:38 – Repertoire choices that work 31:38 – More on performance standards 32:22 – Cooking up a good analogy 34:30 – Why the basics still matter 37:22 – Final thoughts and takeaways

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: support@pipersdojo.com 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: support@pipersdojo.com   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

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: support@pipersdojo.com Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 Introduction and Name Confusion 00:24 Nicknames and Accents 01:34 Grace Notes and Embellishments 02:08 Recorder and Fingering Systems 05:32 Evolution of Musical Instruments 05:51 The Advent of Reeds and Tubes 18:24 The Birth of Bagpipes 27:18 Introduction to the Articulation Problem 28:04 Western Music Theory vs. Bagpipe Theory 29:49 Solving the Articulation Problem 32:03 The Evolution of Grace Notes 44:04 The Role of Competition in Bagpipe Music 50:23 Future of Bagpipe Music and Final Thoughts