Episódios

  • 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 runs deep and gatekeeping can shut down growth.

    We’re talking about why embracing mistakes, questioning ‘the rules,’ and letting go of the fear of being wrong might be exactly what you need to become a better, bolder, more creative piper.

    Let’s rethink what it means to play it “the right way.”

    Got a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode?

    Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]

    Here’s what we cover this week:
    00:00 Introduction to Amateur Philosophy Hour
    00:16 Discussing David Deutsch's The Beginning of Infinity
    00:46 Empiricism and Fallibilism Explained
    01:24 The Enlightenment and Its Impact
    02:36 The Role of Observation in Knowledge
    03:22 Fallibilism in Everyday Life
    06:09 Fallibilism in Bagpiping
    06:41 The Myth of Infallibility in Bagpiping
    14:12 Teaching and Learning in Bagpiping
    20:57 The Journey of Improvement in Bagpiping
    23:58 Mad Genius and the Reality of Creativity
    25:03 The Concept of Fallibilism
    25:49 Balancing and Adaptation
    27:30 Growth Mindset in Piping
    32:25 Criticism and Learning
    36:22 The Role of Tradition
    39:21 Fallibilism in Governance
    41:45 Embracing Imperfection in Piping

  • 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 including his first contests, experience with piping at a boarding school, and the influential great pipers who were strong mentor figures in his life.

    Got a topic you’d like covered in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]

    Here’s what we cover this week:
    00:00 Breaking In New Boots
    01:05 Silent Practice Chanter Launch
    01:47 Young Andrew Douglas' Bagpipe Journey
    02:54 The Yips and Focal Dystonia
    07:06 Mohawk Valley Frasers and Pipe Band History
    14:53 Boarding School and Piping Education
    18:26 Recording Project in 12th Grade
    19:25 Jack Lee's Influence and Critique
    19:58 Boarding School and Competitions
    21:36 Immersion and Obsession in Piping
    27:20 The Role of Luck and Identity
    30:01 The Importance of Enjoying Piping
    33:29 Final Thoughts on Piping and Life

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  • 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 using hygrometers, the effects of temperature and humidity on tuning, and why playing in the right conditions can make all the difference. Plus, catch some top tips for keeping your pipes in top condition whether you're playing in hot, humid summers or freezing winters.

    Got a topic you’d like covered in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]

    Here’s what we cover this week:
    00:00 Casual Catch-Up and Travel Plans
    00:58 Parenting Challenges and Winter Woes
    02:35 Florida Adventures and Gator Anxiety
    04:45 Sunburns and Bagpipe Competitions
    06:50 The Science of Hygrometers
    15:09 Practical Applications of Hygrometers
    18:26 Temperature and Humidity Effects on Bagpipes
    24:29 The Glasgow Lands Effect
    26:14 Understanding the Impact of Humidity on Bagpipes
    26:49 Condensation and Its Effects on Bagpipes
    27:35 Ideal Conditions for Playing Bagpipes
    28:19 Worst Conditions for Playing Bagpipes
    30:03 Personal Anecdotes and Experiences
    36:51 Storing Bagpipes: Tips and Tricks
    39:44 The Role of Hygrometers in Bagpipe Maintenance
    44:35 Challenges of Playing Bagpipes in Different Environments
    47:53 Final Thoughts and Reflections

  • 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 costs. And let’s not forget the heart of any good band: community.

    Got a question or topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]

    Here's what we cover this week:
    00:00 – Morning greetings & intro
    00:24 – What’s in a name?
    00:55 – The first steps to starting a band
    03:49 – Why education matters
    08:38 – Finding a practice space
    12:46 – Naming your band (yes, again—it's important!)
    16:37 – Uniforms & kilts: what to consider
    19:22 – The logistics struggle is real
    20:35 – Drummers & their gear
    23:16 – Band dues, gigs & keeping the lights on
    25:40 – Beginner programs = future success
    33:28 – Using Dojo U to level up
    39:35 – Final thoughts

  • 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 break down why tonal quality comes first, how to find your sweet spot, and why steady blowing naturally follows when you get it right.

    Got a question or topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]

    Here’s what we discuss this week:

    00:00 Introduction 

    02:49 Chatting Weather

    03:04 The Trifecta Concept

    03:37 Mastering the Steady Blowing Trifecta

    05:28 Archery and Bagpipes: Drawing Parallels

    07:21 Finding the Sweet Spot

    14:01 Physical Steady Blowing Techniques

    16:44 Mental Blowing Anomalies

    23:30 Practical Tips and Conclusion

  • 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. The conversation also touches on the pitfalls of overindulgence in enjoyable activities and emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to practicing. Finally, they reiterate the importance of recording oneself for continuous improvement.

    Got a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]

    Here’s what we cover this week:
    00:00 Introduction and Episode Context
    01:00 Wrapping Up the Commandments Series
    01:44 Commandment 9: Learn in the Right Order
    02:07 Examples of Putting the Cart Before the Horse
    03:45 Bagpiping Specifics: The Dethrow
    10:38 The Importance of Rhythmic Accuracy
    18:37 Commandment 10: Have Dessert, But Not Too Much
    23:19 Heavy D Throw: A Mixed Bag
    23:49 Dessert Dilemma: Balancing Treats and Health
    25:25 Piping and Practice: The Right Balance
    30:35 The Cheat Code: Obsession
    35:50 Turning Passion into Profession
    39:21 Final Thoughts: Balancing Fun and Fundamentals

  • Pipers start their journey on a practice chanter – but can you do more with a practice chanter than just… well, practice? 

    This week, Jim and Andrew discuss practice chanters – should be seen as standalone instruments or just tools for learning the bagpipes? The conversation touches on competitive piping cultures in Scotland and North America, the introduction of practice chanter contests in CLASP, and debates the benefits and potential downsides of fancy chanters, friends' experiences, and the influence of stereotypes on the piping image. Join the debate on whether practice chanters deserve more respect!

    Got a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]

    Here’s what we cover this week:

    00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

    01:04 Discussing Practice Chanters

    01:49 The ES Session Chanter Debate

    06:27 Practice Chanter Competitions

    15:00 Cultural Differences in Bagpiping

    19:57 Personal Bagpiping Stories

    23:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  • Do you rely solely on your digital tuner to get your pipes in tune? Digital bagpipe tuners have become as commonplace in the piping world as the smartphones they often operate on. But are they a necessity, or just a shiny distraction?

    This week, Andrew and Jim look at the pros and cons of digital bagpipe tuners, ignited by a listener's question about digital and analog tuners.

    Got a topic you’d like us to cover in future? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected].

    Here’s what we cover on this episode:
    00:00 Introduction and Initial Reactions
    01:53 Diving into the Topic: Bagpipe Tuners
    04:02 Historical Anecdotes and Tuning Practices
    06:18 The Role of Digital Tuners in Modern Piping
    08:53 Developing a Good Ear for Tuning
    16:54 Analogies and Deeper Insights into Tuning
    31:05 The Perpetual State of Tuning
    33:11 Struggling with Bagpipe Tuning
    34:31 The Training Wheels Analogy
    35:45 The Role of Digital Tuners
    37:24 Learning to Tune by Ear
    37:41 Top Bands and Tuning Practices
    40:17 The Importance of Developing Your Ear
    58:48 Practical Tips for Tuning
    01:03:44 Final Thoughts on Tuning and Tuners

  • Ever tried something new and thought, "Easy! I could do that"—only to fail spectacularly? That’s the hierarchy of competence in action. It’s the universal journey from complete ignorance to effortless mastery. And guess what? You’ve been through it more times than you can count.

    This week, Andrew and Jim break down the hierarchy of competence, explaining the four stages: unconscious incompetence, conscious incompetence, conscious competence, and unconscious competence. They stress the importance of moving beyond conscious competence to perform skills effortlessly, applying this concept to various aspects of bagpiping, such as learning new tunes and tuning drones. 

    Got a topic you’d like addressed in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]

     

    Here’s what we cover this week: 

    00:00 Old Injury Recap

    00:45 The Intensity Equation Explained

    02:13 Peer Pressure in Gym and Pipe Band

    03:21 Understanding the Intensity Equation in Bagpiping

    07:35 Commandment 8: Strive for Unconscious Competence

    09:56 The Hierarchy of Competence

    12:44 Learning New Skills and Overcoming Challenges

    18:32 Bagpiping and Musical Mastery

    26:55 Pursuing Personal Interests

    27:25 From Conscious to Unconscious Competence

    28:31 Angus McCall's Electronic Chanter

    29:52 The Hierarchy of Competence

    30:52 Learning New Tunes

    34:06 Avoiding Demoralization

    37:30 Memorization Techniques

    48:30 Unconscious Competence in Action

    53:51 Commandment 9 Preview

  • Are lower-grade pipe bands missing out on easy wins by focusing on the wrong things?

    This week, Andrew and Jim chat through how lower grade pipe bands (Grade 4 and 5) can improve their sound with minimal effort. They start by dissecting a Reddit user’s advice, then dive into Andrew’s top observations as a competition judge and instructor for lower grade bands, breaking down the low-hanging fruit for bands to drastically improve their sound and performances – by reducing mistakes, tuning drones properly, and playing clean embellishments. 

    Got a question you’d like covered in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]

    Here’s what we cover this week:

    00:00 Confession Time: Turning to Reddit for Inspiration

    00:13 Reddit's Band Improvement Tips: An Overview

    01:16 The Importance of Basics: Basketball Analogy

    04:05 Breaking Down the Basics: Clean Starts and Stops

    06:24 Andrew's Take: The Real Essentials for Band Improvement

    12:24 Tuning the Drones: A Crucial Step

    15:47 Identifying Individual Weaknesses in the Band

    16:31 The Power of Individual Recitals

    17:12 Overcoming Performance Anxiety

    18:11 The Importance of Individual Competence

    19:16 Avoiding Common Mistakes in Competitions

    21:35 Clean Embellishments: A Must for Success

    24:24 Addressing Crossing Noises

    26:46 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

  • Ever been frustrated by vague, subjective feedback from a judge or teacher? 

    Only things that can be measured can be improved. So how do you measure your progress? We need to find ways to get an objective, pass-or-fail result. 

    This week, we’re diving into the sixth commandment in Andrew’s 11 Commandments of Mastery: You Shalt Practice Objectively (And Reject Subjectivity). We explore the difference between objective and subjective goals and why aspiring pipers should focus on measurable, objective criteria to improve their skills. We look at the pitfalls of practicing with vague, subjective goals and discuss the need for clear, pass-fail criteria if you want to improve. 

    Got a topic you’d like covered on a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]

    Here’s what we cover this episode: 

    00:00 A Shattered Dinner Incident

    00:45 The Nature of Objectivity

    01:38 Philosophical Musings on Reality

    02:09 Quantum Computing and Parallel Universes

    03:37 Objectivity in Practice

    04:51 Subjective vs Objective Goals in Practice

    09:43 Breaking Down Objective Practice Elements

    14:34 Colorblindness and Context Clues

    17:23 Understanding Subjective Feedback in Music

    17:48 The Challenge of Translating Subjective Terms

    18:24 The Ego in Teaching and Judging

    20:00 Objective Feedback for Beginners and Intermediates

    21:16 Advanced Players and Subjective Mastery

    24:01 Decoding Judging Sheets

    28:10 The 11 Commandments of Mastery Course

    31:27 Making Practice Fun and Effective

    34:37 Objective Practice and Pass-Fail Criteria

  • Have you ever had to learn a bunch of new tunes all at once?

    This week, Andrew and Jim talk through the best ways to tackle learning a huge stack of bagpipe tunes quickly – while still having fun.

    A sneak preview – some tips include playing all tunes as daily as possible in order of importance, trying NOT to memorize, and recording yourself to make sure you get it right rather than practicing it wrong. Rethinking traditional approaches to practice can lead to better performance and more fun and satisfaction along the way…

    Got a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode? Leave a comment or send us an email: [email protected]

    Here’s what we cover this week:
    00:00 Introduction and New Year's Resolutions
    00:25 The Challenge of Learning New Tunes
    01:37 Strategies for Efficient Practice
    02:53 Personal Experiences and Insights
    04:54 Five Principles for Learning Tunes
    06:19 Tip 1: Play Through All Tunes Daily
    17:18 Tip 2: Never Play By Yourself
    29:19 The Power of Subconscious Learning
    29:55 The Miraculous Process of Memorization
    30:41 Daily Practice and Improvement
    31:11 Handling Missed Practice Days
    31:35 The Importance of Enjoying the Process
    36:26 Prioritizing Tunes and Practice
    41:41 Learning Tunes the Right Way
    41:57 Vertical and Horizontal Learning Methods
    47:32 The Role of Fun in Learning
    55:29 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

  • When was the last time you learned a new tune?

    This week, Andrew and Jim are diving into “constant variance” - that is, constantly and consistently trying new things, whether that’s trying to play new music regularly, changing practice routines, environments, and other approaches to become a better musician. It has so many benefits, including making you a better, more well-rounded musician, not just a “competent” bagpiper or drummer.

    Got a topic you’d like us to discuss on a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]

    Here’s what we cover this week:
    00:00 Morning Greetings
    00:23 The Importance of Variance in Practice
    01:24 CrossFit and Fitness Analogies
    02:40 Musical Flexibility and Mastery
    08:14 The Value of Learning New Tunes
    18:10 Specialization vs. Generalization in Bagpiping
    25:38 Exploring Beyond the Familiar
    26:42 The Importance of Diverse Learning
    26:58 Historical Perspectives on Literacy
    28:41 Learning Through Variance
    34:38 Practical Tips for Bagpipe Practice
    45:14 The Value of Feedback and Adaptation
    47:49 Final Thoughts on Variance

  • Ever tried to multitask? Putting aside the fact that multitasking is a myth (more on that in the episode...) did you end up doing any of those many things *well*?  

    Multitasking doesn’t work, especially if you’re trying to master a musical instrument. As soon as you allow a single distraction into a practice session, you've cheated yourself out of precious time it will take you to return to a singular focus – and on the flip side, if you can zero in with no distractions, you'll be stunned at how much faster you progress...  

    This week, Andrew and Jim tackle the myth of multitasking, and the importance of creating dedicated practice spaces, minimizing distractions, and adopting short, highly-focused practice sessions.  

    Got a topic you'd like us to cover on a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected].  

    Here's what we cover this week:
    00:00 Welcome to 2025: A Lighthearted Start
    01:08 The Enigma of Time
    02:03 Sam Kuypers and the Mystery of Time
    02:33 The Base 12 Counting System
    05:39 The Art of Multitasking
    06:40 The Struggles of Focus
    07:31 The Commandment: Reject Multitasking
    09:02 The Reality of Multitasking
    13:31 The Importance of Focused Practice
    17:55 Managing Distractions
    23:37 The Challenge of Task Lists
    26:54 The Power of Single-Tasking
    31:25 Breaking the Phone Habit
    31:37 Morning Routines and Struggles
    33:41 Dealing with Notifications
    35:01 The Importance of a Distraction-Free Zone
    37:57 Dedicated Spaces for Bagpiping
    44:47 Effective Practice Techniques
    48:50 Focusing on One Thing
    50:18 Building Up Practice Sessions
    55:18 Simplifying Your Music
    57:00 Actionable Steps to Minimize Distractions

  • Do you avoid recording yourself? Get nervous at the idea of people listening to you play?

    Although it can be nerve wracking, recording yourself for analysis is a must if you want to improve your playing.

    This week, Andrew and Jim and talking about all things recording – why to do it, our up to date recommendations on how to do it and what equipment to use, and how to analyze recordings for musical improvement.

    Here's what we cover on this week's show:
    00:00 A Pleasant Encounter
    00:46 The Charm of Chivalry
    01:16 Recording Challenges for Musicians
    07:06 The Importance of Self-Recording
    11:48 Advanced Recording Techniques
    13:53 The Superiority of Single-Source Recording
    19:27 The Importance of Stereo Microphones
    21:25 Golden Rules of Recording
    24:09 Ideal Recording Locations
    27:30 DIY Recording Tips and Tools
    30:05 Recording for Self-Improvement
    36:36 The One Take Rule

  • Would you want to learn to drive in a Formula 1 race-car, or learn to fly an airplane in a Boeing 787 Dreamliner?

     Even if it sounds really cool, in reality, high-end sophisticated tools are designed for masters of their craft, and not at all suited for beginners or intermediates. 

    Yet, more often than not, a piping beginner has a bagpipe setup that is radically too complex, which creates many more problems for them than it solves.  

    This week, Andrew and Jim talk through why simple tools are so important when you’re learning to play the bagpipes. Starting with a basic setup helps you become familiar with essential challenges, avoiding unnecessary gadgetry that can complicate the learning process. They discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various bagpipe gadgets such as tone enhancers, moisture control systems, and water traps, highlighting the benefits of a minimalist approach for beginners.

    Here’s what we cover this time:

    00:00 Introduction and Technical Glitches

    00:55 The Devil's in the Details

    01:44 Head in the Clouds, Feet in the Dirt

    03:08 The Gadget Dilemma

    04:41 Moisture Control Systems Explained

    12:31 Commandments for Pipers

    13:40 Learning with Simple Tools

    33:46 Understanding Water Traps

    34:11 Condensation Issues in Bagpipes

    34:46 The Subtle Help of Water Traps

    35:15 Ice Baths and Bagpipe Gadgets

    37:31 The Importance of Simple Tools

    39:25 Complexity vs. Simplicity in Bagpipes

    40:18 The Karate Kid Analogy

    41:23 Challenges of Learning Bagpipes

    42:16 Tone Enhancers and Other Gadgets

    43:36 The Case for Simple Setups

    50:32 The Irony of Complex Bagpipes

    53:56 Pharmaceutical Ads and Bagpipe Gadgets

    57:18 Final Thoughts on Bagpipe Gadgets

    01:02:35 Monty Python and Wrapping Up

  • Happy New Year – almost!

    This week Andrew and Jim revisit some of the highs, the lows, and everything in between – including Jim's hair, which is basically a third host at this point – as we reflect on the pod's progress so far... and some of the exciting plans (and guests) we're cooking up for 2025!  

    Here's what we cover in (a LOT) of detail this week:  
    00:00 Happy New Year Reflections 
    00:20 Reviewing Past Episodes 
    02:24 Episode 55: Can Rest Be Productive? 
    03:34 Episode 56: How to Simplify Tunes 
    05:39 Episode 57: What's the Real Cost of Bagpiping? 
    07:38 Episode 58: Freeing Up Your Piping Bandwidth 
    10:11 Episode 59: Do You Own or Rent Your Piping Skills? 
    12:31 Episode 60: The Tone Zone 
    15:21 Episode 61: Getting the Most Out of Band Practice 
    15:47 Episode 62: The Four Layers of Drone Reed Sound 
    18:09 Episode 63: Constructing a Winning Medley 
    20:06 Episode 64: Listener Q&A Mailbag 
    20:19 Episode 65: Set It and Forget It Method 
    20:55 Episode 66: Finding Your Perfect Drone Reed Setup 
    21:55 Episode 67: Has Bagpipe Pitch Gone Too High? 
    22:25 Episode 68: The Ultimate Secret to Being a Better Bagpiper or Drummer 
    22:51 Episode 69: The Sticky Truth About Chanter Tape 
    23:29 Episode 70: Play It Like You're Saying It 
    23:33 Episode 71: Is Bass Drone Tuning Hard? 
    24:39 Episode 72: Ten Clues Your Pipe Major Sucks 
    25:58 Finding Your Ideal Chanter Reed Strength 
    26:17 Reddit Q&A: Hardest Tune Ever Written 
    26:54 Imagining a World Without Bagpipes 
    27:24 The Importance of Embellishments in Bagpipe Playing 
    29:59 Competing in Band and Solo Competitions 
    30:33 The Bagpiping AI Revolution 
    30:53 Portent Parade Principles 
    32:55 Reviving Stagnant Tunes 
    33:58 A North American Piper's Guide to Visiting Scotland 
    35:56 More Reddit Questions and Bagpipe Topics 
    36:40 The Intensity Equation and Finding Bagpipe Freedom 
    37:35 How to Embrace Failure in Bagpiping 
    37:48 Pipers of the Caribbean: A Bagpiping Cruise 38:19 Balancing Perfection and Fun in Bagpiping 
    38:35 The Formula to Beat the Pipe Band Struggle 
    39:26 Building Stamina and Hot Takes on Bagpipe Reddit Questions 
    40:20 The Eleven Commandments of Bagpiping 
    40:44 Writing the First Ever Podcast March 
    41:06 Reflecting on 100 Episodes and the Power of Immersion 
    42:08 Secrets of Ensemble Judges 
    42:54 Daily Action and Upcoming Episodes 
    44:46 Looking Forward to More Guests and Episodes

  • In this festive episode, Jim and Andrew present another AI-penned Christmas poem: 'A Piper's Night Before Christmas,' featuring Jolly St Blow, the mythical Highland Loon, and an oddly defensive AI author... Enjoy, happy piping and Merry Christmas from all of us here at the Piper's Dojo!

    Here's what to expect in today's episode:

    00:00 Holiday Greetings and Reflections

    02:02 AI-Generated Christmas Special

    03:19 Piper's Night Before Christmas

    09:11 Analyzing the Poem

    11:55 Saint Blow and the Highland Loon

    18:26 Toonie Tradition and School Memories

    19:49 Concluding Thoughts and Thanks

  • The mailbag has arrived again! This week, Will asks: “…I want to build a set of pipes, specifically for solo competition… what should I look at for a purpose built solo bagpipe?”  

    Andrew and Jim chat through whether you need multiple sets of pipes on the boil for band vs solo playing, whether bore sizes matter in bagpipes, and the importance of simplicity, consistent maintenance, and focusing on the quality of your playing (aka ‘slaying') over the intricacies of your setup.

    00:00 Introduction to Opals and Bononos

    00:44 Quasi Mailbag: Will's Question on Bagpipes

    02:18 The Challenges of Maintaining Multiple Bagpipes

    04:10 Advice on Setting Up a Solo Bagpipe

    07:16 The Importance of Simplicity in Bagpipe Setup

    08:54 Debating Bore Size and Its Impact

    12:58 The SLAY Principle for Bagpipe Success

    21:04 Concluding Thoughts on Bagpipe Setup

  • Is it better to do a little bit every day… or a massive catch up session every once in a while? 

     

    If you’ve ever tried to get fit, go on a diet, or even keep your teeth clean… it should probably go without saying that daily consistent action prevails over massive infrequent action, every single time. 

     

    This week, Andrew and Jim explore the importance of maintaining consistent daily habits with your piping. They discuss their personal routines, the challenges faced by pipers, and how integrating a 'one tune a day' habit can lead to significant improvement without overwhelming your daily life. 

     

    Got a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]!

     

    Here’s what we cover this week:

    00:00 Morning Routine and Teeth Brushing Debate

    01:13 The Importance of Daily Habits

    04:25 Retainers and Orthodontic Stories

    06:49 Daily Actions vs. Massive Actions

    11:17 Maintaining Musical Skills

    16:25 The 100 Day Challenge

    21:33 Morning Bagpipe Routine

    21:56 Alternative Practices on Vacation

    22:24 Importance of Daily Action

    23:22 The Joy of Playing Daily

    24:50 Challenges and Solutions for Pipers

    26:24 Balancing Practice with Life

    28:00 Maintaining Your Instrument

    29:44 Consistency Over Perfection

    32:59 Daily Action vs. Massive Action

    36:58 The 11 Commandments of Piping

    41:12 Final Thoughts on Daily Action