DiscoverPiper's Dojo Audio Experience460 - Prescribed Tunes: Test, Trap... or Trying To Tell Us Something? (Dojo Conversations Episode 130)
460 - Prescribed Tunes: Test, Trap... or Trying To Tell Us Something? (Dojo Conversations Episode 130)

460 - Prescribed Tunes: Test, Trap... or Trying To Tell Us Something? (Dojo Conversations Episode 130)

Update: 2025-06-16
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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

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460 - Prescribed Tunes: Test, Trap... or Trying To Tell Us Something? (Dojo Conversations Episode 130)

460 - Prescribed Tunes: Test, Trap... or Trying To Tell Us Something? (Dojo Conversations Episode 130)

Andrew Douglas and the Piper's Dojo Team