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Real bagpipers play with all the embellishments in. And they sure as heck never use metronomes, that's just ridiculous. Ok... but what about real MUSICIANS?

In case you weren't aware, I've been putting together some free workshops for anyone who'd like to attend over the long, cold winter here in New York. I ran the first of these in November last year and had huge interest – around 400 pipers from across the US and Canada (plus a few from the UK as well!) tuned in to learn more about the "11 Reasons Pipers Fail." Given how much great feedback we had about the content, I wanted to make it more accessible to pipers in other parts of the world. To that end, I've scheduled a second session, still entirely free, that I'll be hosting at: USA: Saturday, January 29 @ 7PM (New York / EST) New Zealand: Sunday, January 30 @ 1pm Australia: Sunday, January 30 @ 11am (Syd / Melb),10am (Bris), 8am (Perth) In the workshop, I'll take you through a number of core concepts that illustrate how most pipers are already on a collision course with bagpiping disappointment and failure. But, it's not all doom and gloom – understanding the 11 deadly pitfalls in attempting to master any skill will give you a clear road map to making the rest of 2022 the best piping year you've ever had. We'll set up key next actions for you to take to inject some rocket-fuel into your piping aspirations! To read more about the workshop and to sign up visit https://DojoUniversity.com/workshop

01:20 - Why is a tube-style manometer better than a gauge? 24:25 - Will I ever "get" rhythm "down"? 33:53 - Is Piobaireachd required to become a "real" piper? --> What IS a real piper? If you enjoyed this, you should try a Dojo University Premium Membership. Our premium membership features over 50 courses, 17+ live classes each week, social interaction channels, feedback on your playing, weekly challenges, and more! Try one month for just $1 by visiting DojoUniversity.com/testdrive today!

Amongst other Q&A today, we discuss the problem of memorization. Is it possible for a 71-year-old to memorize more than a few tunes? Is the bagpipe freedom process for beginners? How to transcribe the rhythm of a tune you heard on YouTube. Embellishment discussion. If you enjoyed this, you should try a Dojo University Premium Membership. Our premium membership features over 50 courses, 17+ live classes each week, social interaction channels, feedback on your playing, weekly challenges, and more! Try one month for just $1 by visiting DojoUniversity.com/testdrive today!

Register now at https://dojouniversity.com/workshop ___ As you may have heard, I am putting together some free workshops this winter for anyone who'd like to attend. The first one will be this November 14th, at 1pm New York Time, called "11 Reasons Pipers Fail." So, what's this workshop all about? Frankly, it's been a tough one to put into words. Have you ever achieved a goal, but still felt empty? Have you powered through to the finish line, just to realize (usually immediately) that you were wrong about where the real finish line actually was? Cramming for a big test in high school comes to mind. Usually, a good solid all-nighter would suffice to get me that "A" I needed to "keep my grades up." But it was an empty victory. Next week there was going to be another test, and because I "crammed" for the previous test, I never actually learned the material! So, from there I was stuck in a perpetual cramming cycle. Did I get my "A"? Yep. Was I happy during or after the process? Hell no. And by the way, I remember nothing from any of those classes looking back as an adult. I took nothing away from those experiences. I see the piping world (yes, basically the whole piping world!) stuck in a similar pattern. We set goals. Assuming we meet these goals (and, let's face it, most of us don't), we realize we aren't any happier (or musically satisfied) than we were beforehand... and what do we decide to do to fill the void? Set another goal! 11 Reasons Pipers Fail is going to explore why happiness doesn't live on the other side of success and where we might actually look to find "happiness" (or fulfillment, or whatever it is you're looking for). Fascinatingly, NONE of the 11 Reasons Pipers Fail have anything to do with technique, talent, a great ear, a great teacher, etc. etc. It all has to do with mindset and it all has to do with behavior. During the workshop, we're going to evaluate our mindset and behavior and I guarantee you'll walk away with several huge insights into what's been missing so far in your musical journey, and you'll have a great sense of what you can do starting NOW to begin rocketing yourself forward towards bagpiping success... whatever that means for you. To read more about the workshop and to sign up, click here now. I hope to see you there! Andrew Douglas from the Piper's Dojo

Is the bagpipe freedom process for beginners? How to transcribe the rhythm of a tune you heard on YouTube. Embellishment discussion. If you enjoyed this, you should try a Dojo University Premium Membership. Our premium membership features over 50 courses, 17+ live classes each week, social interaction channels, feedback on your playing, weekly challenges, and more! Try one month for just $1 by visiting https://DojoUniversity.com/testdrive today! Join us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter… wherever you do your social media!

It's been a while since we behaved ourselves long enough to release a Friday Strike-in as a podcast! Enjoy some piping chatter. If you enjoyed this, you should try a Dojo University Premium Membership. Our premium membership features over 50 courses, 17+ live classes each week, social interaction channels, feedback on your playing, weekly challenges, and more! Try one month for just $1 by visiting https://DojoUniversity.com/testdrive today! Join us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter… wherever you do your social media!

The book is now OUT of pre-order and ready for regular purchase. Order at http://BagpipeFreedom.com The book is focused on fully exploring what you might recognize is the "Dojo U method," detailing our approach from the ground up. But, it's not a text book or an exercise book. It's a "big picture" exploration about how to learn, and how to apply these basic learning concepts to one of the world's most difficult instruments. I wanted to ensure that the book wasn't just educational, but that it also flowed well, and was entertaining. This is a book you should be able to sit down with after a long day of work and actually enjoy reading. At least, we think so. The book INCLUDES an audio version for those who prefer that. Other exciting extras also await in your "book extras" portal. I would be honored if you purchased a copy of the book. Head to http://BagpipeFreedom.com today to pre-order your copy. All the best!

Matthew Welch studied traditional Highland Bagpipe music with Gold Medalist masters such as James McIntosh M.B.E., Colin MacLellan, Mike Cusack, Jack Lee, Pipe Major Angus MacLellan, Andrew Wright and celebrated, repeat World-Champion Pipe Majors Terry Lee and Iain McLellan B.E.M. Mr. Welch was a member of one of the most internationally acclaimed bagpipe bands of the last two decades: the six-time World Champion Simon Fraser University Pipe Band, and played with the band for their World Pipe Band Championship wins of 1999 and 2001 in Glasgow. As Musical Director for the New York Metro Pipe Band, his unique way of teaching pipe music, musical ensemble cohesion and cultivating a bright, rich pipe corps sound helped steer NY Metro to their 2011 and 2012, 2014 wins at the World Pipe Band Championships, the North American Pipe Band Championships and the American Pipe Band Championships respectively. He is also in demand as a private bagpipe instructor. Beyond the traditional repertoire, Welch has pioneered new techniques and materials in his own works that include the bagpipe and has premiered a number of new compositions written for bagpipes by living composers such as Julia Wolfe, Anthony Braxton, Alvin Lucier, Paula Matthusen, Zeena Parkins, David Watson, Michael O’Neill and Lainie Fefferman. As a classically trained composer, he holds degrees in Music Composition from Simon Fraser University (BFA), Wesleyan University (MA), and Yale University (DMA), writing his dissertation in the form of a treatise on the structures of musical composition for the Highland Bagpipe. He has been giving world class recitals of traditional, contemporary and original works for over 20 years. If you enjoyed this, you should try a Dojo University Premium Membership. Our premium membership features over 50 courses, 17+ live classes each week, social interaction channels, feedback on your playing, weekly challenges, and more! Try one month for just $1 by visiting DojoUniversity.com/testdrive today! Join us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter… wherever you do your social media!

Robert won the worlds 5 times as Pipe Major of the Shotts and Dykehead Pipe Band. If you enjoyed this, you should try a Dojo University Premium Membership. Our premium membership features over 50 courses, 17+ live classes each week, social interaction channels, feedback on your playing, weekly challenges, and more! Try one month for just $1 by visiting DojoUniversity.com/testdrive today! Join us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter… wherever you do your social media!

Ross hails from Linlithgow, West Lothian where he is the official Town Piper. He studied Bagpipes, Scots Song and Whistles at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. In July 2017 he graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Traditional Music - Piping. Ross was a finalist in the 2019 BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year competition. A World Champion piper, Ross began piping aged 7 and was the Pipe Major of the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland. He competed with the world famous Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band for many years. He is now a member the Grade 1 Inveraray and District Pipe Band. Also a successful solo piper, he competes regularly around the Highland Games in Scotland and further afield. Ross has performed in many countries such as: New Zealand, Australia, USA, Ghana, Russia and all over central Europe as well as appearing on BBC Hogmanay Live and performing solo on the roof of Murrayfield Stadium. A Grade 8 Trombonist, Ross has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra at the Usher Hall. A keen theatre performer he has appeared in many amateur musical productions throughout Scotland. Ross was the recipient of the Young Scot of the Year award for heritage at the age of 12 (in 2007). If you enjoyed this, you should try a Dojo University Premium Membership. Our premium membership features over 50 courses, 17+ live classes each week, social interaction channels, feedback on your playing, weekly challenges, and more! Try one month for just $1 by visiting DojoUniversity.com/testdrive today! Join us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter… wherever you do your social media!

Greig Canning is a piper with the two-time grade 1 World Champions, Inveraray and District Pipe Band. He is a regular prize winner and ‘A grade’ competitor on the highland games circuit, regularly competing at the Argyllshire Gathering and Northern Meeting. Greig is a full-time bagpipe instructor for West Lothian Council, and the pipe major and instructor of the West Lothian Schools Pipe Band. _____ If you enjoyed this, you should try a Dojo University Premium Membership. Our premium membership features over 50 courses, 17+ live classes each week, social interaction channels, feedback on your playing, weekly challenges, and more! Try one month for just $1 by visiting DojoUniversity.com/testdrive today! Join us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter… wherever you do your social media!

Ken is one of the most prolific pipers in North American history. Be sure to visit thecaptainscorner.com to learn all about his career, his teaching, and his works. _____ If you enjoyed this, you should try a Dojo University Premium Membership. Our premium membership features over 50 courses, 17+ live classes each week, social interaction channels, feedback on your playing, weekly challenges, and more! Try one month for just $1 by visiting DojoUniversity.com/testdrive today! Join us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter… wherever you do your social media!

Most bagpipe world has trapped itself in a destructive negative feedback loop that essentially guarantees its decline (and failure for the vast majority of enthusiasts...). Can you summon the strength to break free from the gravitational pull of the mainstream bagpiping world to "succeed" with your own piping? If you enjoyed this, you should try a Dojo University Premium Membership. Our premium membership features over 50 courses, 17+ live classes each week, social interaction channels, feedback on your playing, weekly challenges, and more! Try one month for just $1 by visiting DojoUniversity.com/testdrive today! Join us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter… wherever you do your social media!

A student shared this: Here's a very interesting article/podcast about why learning difficult tunes or passages by starting slowly and gradually increasing practice speed has some inherent limitations, and offers a research-based rationale for different strategy. There's also a fascinating bit about why you should use a metronome that can randomly skip beats. https://bulletproofmusician.com/jason-sulliman-on-why-fast-practice-can-be-more-efficient-and-effective-than-slow-practice/ Is there anything to this? If you enjoyed this, you should try a Dojo University Premium Membership. Our premium membership features over 50 courses, 17+ live classes each week, social interaction channels, feedback on your playing, weekly challenges, and more! Try one month for just $1 by visiting https://DojoUniversity.com/testdrive today! Join us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter… wherever you do your social media!

This week we have a lot of great questions and some good banter. Question of the week is: Why should you NOT be playing a hard reed? The answer may open your eyes... If you enjoyed this, you should try a Dojo University Premium Membership. Our premium membership features over 50 courses, 17+ live classes each week, social interaction channels, feedback on your playing, weekly challenges, and more! Try one month for just $1 by visiting https://DojoUniversity.com/testdrive today! Join us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter… wherever you do your social media!

In this class we have a great end-of-week Q&A for our Premium Members, beginning with a great review of the BEST way to transition from the practice chanter to the full bagpipes. If you enjoyed this, you should try a Dojo University Premium Membership. Our premium membership features over 50 courses, 17+ live classes each week, social interaction channels, feedback on your playing, weekly challenges, and more! Try one month for just $1 by visiting https://DojoUniversity.com/testdrive today! Join us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter… wherever you do your social media!

Supercharge Your Leadership! A 2-Day Intensive Workshop for Pipe Corps Leaders - September 12-13, 2020 - Featuring World Champions Stuart Liddell, Robert Mathieson, and Alan Bevan Unparalleled knowledge and worldwide support specifically curated for pipe corps leaders to drastically improve your pipe band, guaranteed. Go to https://dojouniversity.com/lead today to learn more.

It's becoming clearer and clearer that the bagpipe world may take a long time to return to anything that even remotely looks like normal. Are you prepared to adapt? If you enjoyed this, you should try a Dojo University Premium Membership. Our premium membership features over 50 courses, 17+ live classes each week, social interaction channels, feedback on your playing, weekly challenges, and more! Try one month for just $1 by visiting https://DojoUniversity.com/testdrive today! Join us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter… wherever you do your social media!

When you learn a new tune, you should be breaking it into bite-sized segments. Each bite size segment should be on auto-pilot before you move on to the next one. This is also referred to as reaching "unconscious competence" stage of the hierarchy of competence. Let's dive in. If you enjoyed this, you should try a Dojo University Premium Membership. Our premium membership features over 50 courses, 17+ live classes each week, social interaction channels, feedback on your playing, weekly challenges, and more! Try one month for just $1 by visiting https://DojoUniversity.com/testdrive today! Join us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter… wherever you do your social media!