Piper's Dojo Audio Experience
Piper's Dojo Audio Experience is a podcast for bagpipers and pipe band enthusiasts. Hosted by Andrew Douglas and the Piper's Dojo team, it uses online resources to connect a global community of people passionate about bagpipes. Episodes cover practice, technique, tuning, and the culture of piping. The show aims to help listeners enrich their lives through bagpipe music.
Episodes
526 - The Secrets to Better Strike-Ins & Stable Tuning (Dojo U Q&A Session)
What’s the easiest hide bag to maintain? Why is your bass drone striking in before the tenors? And what does a spinning stock tell you about your bag?
Tune in for this week’s Friday Strike-In with Carl as he tackles listener questions on hide bags, drone reed calibration, strike-ins, loose stocks, cold tuning before a gig, snare harnesses, and where to look when you’re competing.
Want to
525 - High A vs. Low A: How Should You Tune Your Pipes? Plus Practice, Reeds & More (Dojo Q&A Session)
Should you tune your drones to high A or low A? What’s the best way to get back into piping after time away? And how should you look after new cane reeds when they arrive dry from shipping?
Tune in for this week's Friday Strike-In as Andrew and Carl break down a beginner-friendly approach to tuning, share practical advice for getting back into regular practice, and tackle questions about
524 - Chanter Reeds, Bag Sizes & Band Changes: Your Questions Answered (Dojo Q&A Session)
Why are you holding on to those old chanter reeds? What actually changes when you move to an extended small bag? And why does your blowstick keep popping out of your mouth?
Tune in for this week's Friday Strike-In with Carl as he tackles listener questions on drone and chanter reeds, bag sizes, blowstick problems, Grade One medleys, tuning high A, and the ever-present question of band cha
523 - Are Your Drone Reeds Too Old? Plus Band Changes, Pitch & More (Dojo Q&A Session)
Thinking about moving to a new pipe band? How do you figure out which band is the right fit? And can an eight-year-old drone reed really affect the airtightness and playability of your pipes?
Tune in for this week's Friday Strike-In with Carl, as he tackles questions about choosing a new band, ageing drone reeds, reed efficiency, pitch differences, and even the best tunes to play du
522 - Can You Guess the Decade? Pipe Bands Through the Years (Dojo Conversations Episode 168)
How well do you know the sound of pipe bands through the decades?
This week, Jim brings back Jim's Dumb Games with a deceptively difficult challenge: "Guess the Decade." Andrew listens to nine mystery recordings spanning almost 100 years of pipe band history and tries to identify the decade, the exact year, and the band behind each one.
Here's what we cover in this episode:
02:39 – Jim'
521 - How to Get a New Tune Up to Tempo (Dojo Class Preview w/ Carl)
How do you take a brand-new tune from slow and careful up to a confident performance tempo – without sacrificing your technique, rhythm or groove?
In this Dojo U class preview, Carl works through a reel step by step, using small chunks, tempo jumps, metronome drills and single- and double-time counting to build finger speed while exposing the things that break down under pressure.
Along
520 - Where Does All Your Air Go? (Dojo Conversations Episode 167)
What if you could shrink yourself down to the size of an air molecule and take a ride through your bagpipe?
This week, Andrew and Jim climb aboard the Magic School Bus to follow every molecule from your lungs to the chanter reed, looking for the places where precious air – and power – gets lost along the way.
They end up exploring one of the most useful concepts in piping: efficiency. Joi
519 - Should You Warm Up Before Tuning? Plus Reed Myths, Lesson Tips & Summer Pipe Care (Dojo Q&A w/ Andrew & Carl)
Should you tune your pipes as soon as band practice starts, or wait until they've settled in? How long does a reed really take to "break in"? And what's the best way to show a new instructor where your playing is at in a single lesson?
Tune in for this week's Dojo Q&A "Strike-In" session, as Andrew and Carl answer these questions and more.
Want to join these live
518 - The Biggest Piping Myths We Keep Believing (Dojo Conversations Episode 166)
What makes someone ready to move up a grade? Should competitive Highland pipers explore other bagpipe traditions? Why do drones seem to have a mind of their own? And do tone enhancers actually work?
It's a mailbag episode! This week, Andrew and Jim tackle another round of listener questions, covering everything from grade progression and competition mindset to drone troubleshootin
517 – What Music Theory Do Bagpipers Actually Need? (Dojo Q&A Session w/ Andrew & Carl)
How much music theory does a bagpiper really need?
In this week's Friday Strike-In, Andrew and Carl dig into what "music theory" actually means for pipers, and why you may already know more than you think. Along the way they cover practical tuning advice, playing with other instruments, bagpipe notation software, and finish with a lighthearted brainstorm of bagpipe-inspired baby names. .
516 - What If We've Been Playing Piobaireachd Wrong? (Dojo Conversations Episode 165)
Piobaireachd has a reputation for being ancient, mysterious, and governed by strict traditions. But how much of what we think we know about this music is actually history... and how much is simply the result of chance?
In Part 2 of their Introduction to Piobaireachd series, Andrew and Jim explore the remarkable journey of piobaireachd through the collapse of the clan system, the aftermath
515 - Why "Perfect" Bagpipe Tuning Sounds Worse (Dojo Q&A Session)
Ever wondered why bagpipes are tuned "wrong" on purpose?
This week, Andrew and Carl answer your piping questions on everything from why high A isn't actually tuned perfectly, to bagad bands, high-altitude piping, reversed-handed playing, fixing sharp high Gs, and the mystery of an unexpected E pickup in one of piping's classic tunes.
Here's what we
514 - No Scotland, No Party: Boston’s World Cup Piper, Matt McArthur (Dojo Conversations Ep 164)
Sometimes the best piping stories start with a simple question: “Can you bring your pipes?”
Not all of them end up playing on a rooftop with NFL legends, becoming a viral sensation playing alongside Grimace, or partying with the 60,000-strong Tartan Army though…
This week, Andrew and Jim are joined by Matt McArthur – a Quincy, Massachusetts-based piper, comedian, a
513 - How to Avoid Piping Burnout (Dojo U Q&A Session)
Ever feel like your pipes have gone from a passion to a chore?
On this week's Q&A session, Andrew and Carl tackle your questions about keeping the passion alive, avoiding piping burnout, setting up your practice space, getting the most from your reeds, recording yourself, and more.
Here's what we cover this week:
0:00 – Dealing with bagpipe burnout 6:50 – Getting ahead of burnout befo
512 - How to Convert Bagpipe Tuning to Concert Pitch (Dojo Conversations Episode 163)
Most pipers know that bagpipes don’t always play nicely with other instruments. But why is that? And is there actually a simple way to fix it?
This week, Andrew and Jim revisit how to tune bagpipes to other instruments, diving back into 'just' vs 'equal' temperament to explain why the Great Highland Bagpipe sits so far away from concert pitch, and what that means when you try
511 - Why Your Pipes May Feel Harder Than They Should (Dojo U Q&A Session)
Real Feedback Month has officially kicked off at Dojo U!
On this week's Q&A session, we explain how to get the most out of this special monthly theme, then dive into our regularly scheduled burning piping questions, covering a range of topics including competition etiquette, chanter reeds, tone enhancers, tuning habits, and more.
Here's what we cover this week:
0:00 – Real Feedbac
510 - Hustle, Talent, and Other Myths (Dojo Conversations Episode 162)
Most advice about becoming a better musician sounds simple enough. But is any of it actually useful?
This week, Andrew and Jim work through an article by a veteran bass player and music journalist who offers five tips for becoming a better musician. Exploring everything from self-promotion and procrastination to talent, bravery, and the appeal of "getting back to basics", they take a few
509 - Real Feedback Month is coming! Plus chanter tuning, synthetic reeds and more (Dojo U Q&A session)
This week on Dojo U’s "Strike-In" Q&A, Andrew and Carl launch our special "Real Feedback Month" – you can join Dojo U before June 5th for a free 30-day trial and get direct feedback on your real summer repertoire through live critiques, recording reviews, and 15+ weekly classes designed to get your piping performance-ready for the season ahead.
They also tackle listener questions
508 - Why should you care about piobaireachd? (Dojo Conversations Episode 161)
Pìobaireachd can feel intimidating for so many pipers… so why do the people who fall in love with it become completely obsessed?
In this first episode of a new multi-part series, Andrew and Jim explore the historic, musical and sometimes mysterious world of pìobaireachd (piob mhòr, the big music, or “peeb-rock”) — the classical music of the Great Highland Bagpipe.
They unpack the myths, t
507 - Threaded drone reeds, competition grades and tempos, and using a hygrometer (Dojo U Q&A Session)
This week on Dojo U’s "Strike-In" Q&A, Andrew and Carl tackle students' top-voted questions covering everything from competition tempos and reed setup to drone threading, posture, and grading standards.
Here’s what we cover this week:
00:00 – Welcome & intro
00:07 – Threading drone reed seats: the pros, cons, and ongoing debate. Does it change the sound? Is it reversible? And sho
506 - Why Don't My Bagpipes Sound Good With Other Instruments? (Dojo Conversations Episode 160)
What if the reason your pipes sound incredible on their own… is the exact reason they clash with everything else?
This week, Andrew and Jim dig into one of the most fascinating (and frustrating) realities of bagpiping: why the instrument’s beautiful, locked-in sound can feel completely at odds with a piano, organ, or other orchestral instruments.
It all comes down to two competing systems
505 - Crushed Reeds, Confusing Feedback & Hard Truths About Tuning (Dojo U "Strike In" Q&A Session)
This week on Dojo U’s "Strike-In" Q&A, Andrew and Carl dig into everything from reed disasters and confusing judges’ comments to tuning, piobaireachd mindset, and band dynamics.
Here’s what we cover this week:
00:00 – Exhibit D: introducing the new segment breaking down piping-related social media images
01:25 – A crushed, darkened reed: what it reveals about mold, storage, and poor
504 - The Myth of Relaxed Playing (Dojo Conversations Episode 159)
What if trying to be relaxed when you play is actually a kind of denial – one that could affect your overall development as a piper?
This week, Andrew and Jim explore what real control and calm actually look like in practice, why rushing and cramping show up when they do, and how many players end up stuck in a kind of “false chill” that can limit progress.
Here’s what we cover in this epi
503 - Stop Blaming the Reed: Fix Your Setup Instead (Dojo U Q&A Session)
This week on Dojo U’s Friday Strike-In Q&A, Andrew and Carl tackle a wide range of piping questions – from chanter choices and reed behaviour to rhythm fundamentals, travel tips, and getting the most out of your Dojo membership. Here’s what we cover this week:
00:00 – Poly vs. blackwood chanters: are plastic chanters becoming the new standard?
04:12 – Retuning on the fly: what to lis
502 - The Hidden Cost of “Fixing” Your Reed (Dojo Conversations Episode 158)
Should you be messing with your chanter reeds?
This week, Andrew and Jim discuss the pros and cons of reed manipulation — pinching, licking, shaving, bridling, and everything in between. Are these habits actually helping your playing, or just creating more problems?
Reed tweaks can feel like quick fixes. But as Andrew and Jim explore, most of them are temporary, i
501 - Mastering the Variables: Reeds, The Environment...& You (Dojo U Q&A Session)
This week on Dojo U’s Friday Strike-In, Andrew flies solo to answer a wide range of student questions, from solo playing tips to tenor reed management, pitch standards, finding a practice space after moving, and more.
Here’s what we cover this week:
00:00 – Solo playing insights
03:55 – Changing tenor reeds: one at a time or both? (plus transitioning from synthetic to cane)
10:37 – Pract
500 - How To Turn Performance Nerves Into A Superpower (Dojo Conversations Episode 157)
Ever felt your heart race, your hands shake, or your mind go blank before playing? This episode will help you understand why... and what to actually do about it.
Nerves can feel paralysing for pipers (or any performer). But they're a natural part of performance, and when understood properly they can become one of your greatest tools as a musician.
This week, Andrew
499 - Cane Reeds, Ear Training & Synthetic Myths (Dojo University Q&A Session)
Getting better at piping isn’t about chasing every new piece of gear — it’s about understanding how your instruments, your ears, and your environment all work together.
This week on Dojo U’s Friday Strike-In, Andrew and Carl tackle student questions on cane drone reeds, ear training, synthetic chanter reeds, competition judging, and more practical piping topics.
Here's what we cove
498 - Why Most Pipers Struggle With Rhythm (And How to Fix It) - (Dojo Conversations Episode 156)
Rhythm isn’t just about keeping time. It’s about understanding how music moves – and learning to control that movement note by note, beat by beat.
Welcome back to part 2 of our episodes about piping's most fundamental skill: rhythm. Andrew and Jim continue exploring the foundations of rhythmic understanding for bagpipers. They dig into how rhythm actually works in practice:
497 - Why Posture Is More Important Than Bag Size (Dojo U Q&A Session)
Getting your setup right isn’t about endlessly changing gear – it’s about understanding what actually affects your sound and comfort.
This week on Dojo U's Friday Strike-In, Andrew and Carl answer students' burning piping questions, covering everything from bag choice and posture to competition judging and drone reed lifespan.
Here’s what we cover this week:
00:00 – Bag Size & Postur
496 – Are Grade 5 Bands "The Primordial Soup"? (Dojo Conversations Episode 155)
What is grade 5 actually for?
This week, Andrew and Jim answer a seemingly innocuous listener question about whether grade 5 bands should use hard reeds or easy reeds. As they discuss the pros and cons of blowing stability and reed strength, they launch into a deeper discussion of growth, retention, culture, and why so many struggling bands are
494 – The Most Important Skill For Pipers to Master (Dojo Conversations Episode 154)
Rhythm isn’t just something you add to music. It’s the thing that makes music possible in the first place. In this episode, Andrew and Jim step back from fingerwork and technique to tackle something far more fundamental: rhythm as the organising force of all music, and even of time itself. What starts as a discussion about rhythm for pipers quickly becomes a deeper exploration of pulse, p
493 - Why Fundamentals Beat Shortcuts Every Time (Dojo U Strike In Q&A Session)
Improving your piping isn't about chasing quick fixes; it's about rebuilding your playing from the ground up.
This week in our Q&A session, Andrew and Carl tackle some common (and misunderstood) questions in piping, from drone reed warm-up and finger speed to pibroch traditions and playing with other instruments.
Here’s what we cover this week:
00:05 – Do Drone Reeds Need to Warm
492 - Does Generalism Triumph in a Specialized World? (Dojo Conversations Episode 153)
Exploring another interest isn’t automatically a distraction. It might be the thing that keeps your main passion alive. This week, Andrew and Jim take a listener question about drumming vs. piping and turn it into a wide-ranging (and very relatable) conversation about generalism vs. specialism – why we feel pressure to pick one lane in piping and drumming, whether side interests actually
Winter Storm Concert - 2026
Enjoy this full recording of the Winter Storm Concert livestream, streamed live on Facebook as part of Winter Storm 2026 – The Pipes and Drums Event in Kansas City at 8pm on Saturday, January 17th, 2026, featuring World Champion Pipers and Drummers from Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Canada, and the US, pipe bands and ensembles, piping soloists, sizzling Highland drumming, and much
491 - Do You REALLY Need Tone Enhancers? (Dojo U Friday Strike-in Q&A Session)
High altitude tuning, dry climate disasters, and the great tone enhancer debate take centre stage this week as Andrew and Carl tackle another round of real-world piping problems.
From managing a stubborn high G at elevation to why soaking your reeds is a bad idea in dry environments, the conversation is packed with practical advice you can actually use. Things heat up with a passionate di
490 - How To Level Up Your Piping In Just 6 Months (Dojo Conversations Episode 152)
What if you could level up your piping – within 6 months?
This week, Andrew and Jim lay out a complete week by week training blueprint designed to take you into next season feeling calm, confident, and genuinely prepared.
Whether you’re aiming to move up a grade, make the band, or simply play better than you did last year, this episode gives you a clear path forward.
They break down exact
489 - How To Play Pipes In Cold Weather (Friday Strike In Dojo U Q&A Session)
Cold weather and classic piping dilemmas take centre stage this week as Andrew and Carl dive into playing bagpipes in harsh conditions.
From poly pipes and moisture control to the uncomfortable truth that cold weather is always tough, the conversation blends practical advice with lived experience. Things lighten up with a discussion on lactose-intolerant bagpipers at games before shifting
488 - Everything We Learned About Bagpipes This Year (Dojo Conversations Episode 151)
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 Greeting
487 - It's a Wonderful Pipe (Dojo Conversations Episode 150)
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 o
486 - When Your Chanter Won’t Behave (And What to Do About It)
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
485 - Does Failing Faster Make You A Better Piper?
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
484 - Rejected Ideas, Great Advice (Dojo Conversations Episode 149)
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 w
483 - Composing the Future of Piping with John Dew
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
482 - How to Learn Tunes By Ear (Dojo Conversations Episode 148)
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
481 - Why You Can’t Hear Your Own Mistakes
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 pack
480 - How To Take And Give Criticism (Dojo Conversations Episode 147)
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 storie
479 - Can Playing in a Band Sabotage Your Solo Piping?
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
478 - Bagpipes, Breakdowns, and Life Lessons (Dojo Conversations Episode 146)
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 chant
477 - Could Singing Be the Secret to Great Piping? (Dojo U Q&A Session)
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
476 - This Virtual Piping Coach Revolutionizes Practice (Dojo Conversations Episode 145)
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 m
475 - How To Publish Tunes with Special Guest Micah Babinski (plus Q&As)
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 sha
474 - Bagpipe Expression Made Simple (Dojo Conversations Episode 144)
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
473 - Does Bad Band Culture Drive Players Away For Good? (Dojo Conversations Episode 143)
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,
472 - The Secret to Clean Fingerwork (Dojo Conversations Episode 142)
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
471 - Is There A Better Way To Grade Band Contests? (Dojo Conversations Episode 141)
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
470 - Rethinking Solo Rankings: EUSPBA's Greatest Hits Program (Dojo Conversations Episode 140)
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 a
469 - Tuning's Surprising Secret Enemy (Dojo Conversations Episode 139)
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 do
468 - The Tunes That Changed Everything (Dojo Conversations Episode 138)
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
467 - The Nitty Gritty of Playing With Sheepskin (Dojo Conversations Episode 137)
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
466 - Should you switch to a sheepskin bag? (Dojo Conversations Episode 136)
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, w
465 - How To Strike In Like A Pro (Dojo Conversations Episode 135)
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. Y
464 - How To Fix Your Floppy Strike-Ins (Dojo Conversations Episode 134)
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
463 - Are You Dialling In The Right Knobs? (Dojo Conversations Episode 133)
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 d
462 - Train Your Brain to Practice Better (Dojo Conversations Episode 132)
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.
461 - Top Tips for New Pipe Majors (and other Q&As) (Dojo Conversations Episode 131)
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,
460 - Prescribed Tunes: Test, Trap... or Trying To Tell Us Something? (Dojo Conversations Episode 130)
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 t
459 - Peek Behind the Curtain at the Dojo with Carl Donley (Dojo Conversations Episode 129)
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 the
458 - Guess That Bagpipe! (Dojo Conversations Episode 128)
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
457 - Where Did Bagpipes Come From? (Dojo Conversations Episode 127)
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 int
456 - Can YOU Master the Tuning Game? (Dojo Conversations Episode 126)
What if you could practice tuning... WITHOUT your bagpipes?
This week, Andrew and Jim are test-driving Andrew's new tuning game – and launching a special 30-day tuning challenge where participants can WIN a set of McCallum SL4 MacRae bagpipes!
To join the Tuning Game Challenge for your chance to win, visit https://pipersdojo.com/tuningchallenge
Tuning pipes is complex – you're chasin
455 - Can You Guess The Movie From The Bagpipes? (Dojo Conversations Episode 125)
Get ready to put your bagpipe pop culture knowledge to the test!
In this episode, Jim's cooked up a game that’s equal parts fun and maddening: he plays short clips of bagpipes from movies, TV shows, and songs, and Andrew has to guess where they're from. Can he do it? Can you?
This episode is a wild ride through some of the most unexpected (and iconic) bagpipe moments in media. Play along
454 - One Thing At A Time (Dojo Conversations Episode 124)
Ever felt like you're spinning in circles trying to fix everything at once – tuning, timing, pressure, remembering tunes, embellishments?
You don’t have to do it all at once. In fact, you shouldn’t. Progress doesn’t have to mean doing more; it can mean doing less, but better.
Focusing on just one thing at a time can transform your piping – and your confidence.
This week, Andrew and Jim ge
453 - The Three Minute Drill: Quickfire Bagpipe Q&A (Dojo Conversations Episode 123)
This week, Andrew and Jim tackle more bagpipe questions – but the pressure is on to keep their answers within 3 minutes.
They discuss the timing for forming a circle during competitions, milestones for learning embellishments, options for band uniforms on hot days, how to know when a bag needs seasoning, and strategies for handling personal items when a sporran isn’t big enough.
Tune in f
452 - Could Fear of Being Wrong Be Blocking Your Piping Progress? (Dojo Conversations Episode 122)
Ever hold back in a practice session because you're worried you'll mess it up?
Or stay quiet in band because you're afraid your idea might be wrong? In this episode, we’re diving into a powerful idea from philosophy called fallibilism—the belief that no matter how much you know, you could still be wrong.
And honestly? That’s a gift. Especially in a pursuit like piping, where tradition run
451 - Why Mentorship Matters (Dojo Conversations Episode 121)
It's easy to assume that mentorship is most crucial during childhood. But what about those who discover piping later in life?
Whether you're a beginner at 40 or picking it up again after years, having a mentor can make all the difference.
This week, Andrew and Jim are diving into the importance of strong mentors in your piping journey, throwing back to Andrew’s early piping journey includ
450 - Is Moisture Good or Bad for Pipers? (Dojo Conversations Ep 120)
Ever picked up your pipes on a rainy day and wondered why they sounded... different? Or maybe you’ve struggled to keep them in tune during a frosty morning performance?
Humidity and bagpipes have a complicated relationship – sometimes best friends, sometimes worst enemies.
This week, Andrew and Jim explore the crucial role of humidity for pipers – and how much is too much. They discuss us
449 - How To Start a Pipe Band (Dojo Conversations Episode 119)
Ever thought about starting your own pipe band? Where would you even begin?
This week, Andrew and Jim dive into the nitty-gritty of building a band from the ground up. Picking a name, sorting out uniforms, finding a practice space—it’s all on the table. Andrew shares some real-world advice on organizing rehearsals, setting up a beginner program, and making sure band dues actually cover co
448 - The 3-Step Formula for Mastering Steady Blowing (Dojo Conversations Episode 118)
Ever been told to ‘blow tone’? What if that familiar advice is actually leading you astray?
Of course, steadiness matters—but before you can maintain steady blowing, you need to know what you're aiming for. For pipers, that target is the sweet spot—the pressure that produces the best tonal quality. Without it, steadiness won’t help you sound better.
In this episode, Andrew and Jim b
447 - The Cheat Code to Becoming Great at Bagpipes (Dojo Conversations Episode 117)
Is there a cheat code to becoming truly great at bagpipes?
In this episode, Jim and Andrew conclude their Commandments series with insights on how to learn in the right order and the importance of balancing focused practice with fun ('dessert'). They discuss common mistakes in bagpipe learning, the significance of proper practice techniques, and the role of obsession in mastering skills.
