Piper's Dojo Audio Experience

In this annual Year in Review, Andrew and Jim reflect on a big year of piping, podcasting, and life at the Dojo – revisiting standout moments, recurring lessons, and the ideas that shaped the year. Let us know in the comments: what was your standout moment from the year – or the episode that helped you most? Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 – Opening Banter & New Year’s Greetings 01:40 – Three Years of Podcasting & Friendship 03:15 – Why We Do a Year in Review 04:30 – Simple Tools & Building Better Pipers 06:00 – Why Recording Your Practice Changes Everything 07:45 – The Mystery of the Police Officer Thumbnail 09:00 – How Often Should You Learn a New Tune? 11:00 – Stacks of Tunes & Embracing Variance 13:00 – Why Subjective Feedback Gets Confusing 15:00 – Hacks for Grade Five Pipe Bands 17:00 – Why Learning Feels Hard Before It Gets Easier 19:30 – Parenting, Teenagers & Life Lessons 22:00 – Do You Really Need a Digital Tuner? 23:30 – Is the Practice Chanter a Real Instrument? 25:00 –

Some Christmas episodes are carefully scripted… and some are joyfully handed over to the robots. This week, Andrew and Jim continue their annual holiday tradition by letting AI loose on a Christmas special — with festive chaos, a dash of existential dread, and plenty of laughs. With minimal prompting and maximum curiosity, they end up with “It’s a Wonderful Pipe”: a bagpipe-themed twist on a holiday classic. Andrew delivers a dramatic reading of the AI-generated story while Jim reacts in real time, before the conversation turns reflective. Is the story secretly profound or complete nonsense? What does it say about passion, inspiration, and creativity – and where does AI fit into all of this? It’s festive, slightly unhinged, and the perfect way to wrap up the year. Let us know in the comments: should AI run the show next year – and what was your favourite moment? Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 – Festive Greetings & Opening Banter 01:00 – The Annual AI Christmas Tradition 02:00 – AI, Humanity &

This week on Dojo's "Friday Strike In" Q&A Hour, Andrew works through a stack of real-world piping questions, starting with how to balance low A and low G and expanding into the practical realities of tuning, setup, and consistency. The discussion covers common chanter issues, when flat notes become a serious problem, and why simple troubleshooting often beats drastic fixes. They also shift focus from gear to players, tackling top-hand tension, posture, and why pipes feel so different from the practice chanter. Along the way, they dig into modern piping life – online lessons on full pipes, staying connected with bands from a distance, and how remote players can still show up prepared and be taken seriously. We finish up with bigger-picture strategy around solo competition repertoire, a clear breakdown of tuning order from chanter to drones, and a look at what’s coming next. Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 – Intro & Balancing Low A and Low G 03:00 – Flat vs Sharp Notes on the Chanter \06:00 – Ba

Ever wondered why some pipers seem to bounce back from mistakes effortlessly – or why your pipes sometimes feel great one day and impossible the next? This week, Andrew and Carl dig into a whirlwind of community questions, from the end of the Insider podcast to the art of conscious practice, performance pressure, equipment choices, and knowing when you’re ready to buy your first full set of pipes. They talk openly about experimenting (and failing) in public, why switching between pipes can throw you off, how nerves sabotage tunes you’ve played perfectly a hundred times, and why focused practice always beats endless reps. You’ll also hear their take on when in-person lessons are essential, how constraints can actually boost your creativity, and what gear Dojo instructors trust in their own playing.

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 f

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, contr

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 – H

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? 25:0

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

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 chal

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:

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