
All Episodes
Episodes
417 - The Intensity Equation (Dojo Conversations Episode 87)
Ever had a workout where you pushed it way too far? You may be surprised to learn you can do something similar when you’re playing your bagpipes…
This week, Jim and Andrew discuss the consequences of overdoing...
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416 - Q&A: Answering Reddit Questions (Dojo Conversations Episode 86)
It’s another Q&A mailbag episode! But this time, we’re answering the many questions of the Reddit r/bagpipes community, who seem to be on to us checking them out…
This week, Andrew and Jim answer questions ranging...
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415 - A North American Piper’s Guide to Scotland (Dojo Conversations Episode 85)
Is it worth the cost and effort for North American pipers and drummers to visit Scotland?
Do general Scottish people care about the World Pipe Band Championships?
Will you be a social pariah if you play your bagpipes...
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414 - How To Revive Your Stagnant Tunes (Dojo Conversations Episode 84)
Do you have any tunes in your repertoire that you don’t play well anymore? Perhaps you learned them when you weren’t as experienced and practiced in bad technique. Perhaps you’ve been playing them for so long that...
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413 - How To Be A Great Piper on Autopilot (Dojo Conversations Episode 83)
What if you could play your bagpipes without ever worrying about tuning or technique again? How much faster could you improve if you didn't have to think about every little step in your bagpipe practice? Couldn’t you...
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412 - Portant Parade Principles (Dojo Conversations Episode 82)
Like death and taxes, parades are an inevitable part of life for a piper. They can be long, hot, and exhausting. But they can also be a lot of fun if you approach them the right way! So how do you set yourself up for...
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411 - The Bagpiping AI Revolution (Dojo Conversations Episode 81)
Could AI ever replace bagpipers?
This week, Andrew and Jim dive into the potential impact of AI on the bagpiping community and creativity in general, and AI's capabilities and limitations in generating music, writing,...
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410 - The Dangers of Solo Competing (Dojo Conversations Episode 80)
Would you rather perform at a wedding, or compete solo in front of a judge?Â
This week, Andrew and Jim look at the world of solo bagpipe competing, focusing on both the fun and the potential challenges involved. They...
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409 - What To Expect at Band and Solo Competitions (Dojo Conversations Episode 79)
How should you prepare for your first solo competition? What should you do the night before? On the day? And what can you expect when you arrive, during, and after you compete in both band and solo contests?
This...
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408 - The Secret to Learning New Tunes Is... Fun! (Dojo Conversations Episode 78)
Do you struggle to learn new tunes? Get stressed trying to get all those band sets ready for the circle? The solution could lie in… making it fun!
This week, Andrew and Jim look at how to find fun in the process of...
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How To Play Embellishments Like You Mean It (Episode 77)
Do your embellishments enhance your playing, or detract from it?
This week, in Part 2 of their deep dive into Chapter 9 of Andrew's book Finding Bagpipe Freedom, Andrew and Jim explore the contrast between technical...
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406 - Do You Need To Play Tunes With All The Embellishments? (Dojo Conversations Ep 76)
Why do pipers at all levels obsess over embellishments and deep-and-meaningful expression, when they can’t play to the beat, or without crossing noises?
This week, Andrew and Jim jump back into Andrew’s book, Finding...
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