In a couple of days, I'll be heading to Scotland for some of the piping world's biggest and most important competitions. The first big event is the biggest of them all: The World Pipe Band...
Today's post features a modern Piobaireachd written by the famous Pipe Major Donald MacLeod – Field of Gold. Included is a video performance of the tune, an audio lesson with a complete breakdown...
I was recently interviewed by David Hester. David has contributed to the Studio with his MacDonald Piper series — an alternative approach to Piobaireachd playing. David asked me some interesting...
Today's post features an excellent 6/8 March written by the famous Pipe Major Donald MacLeod – Pipe Major Donald MacLean of Lewis. Included is a complete recording of the tune, an audio lesson with...
The drone sound is a critical part of the overall tone of your instrument. Your drone reeds are a critical component in determining your drone sound and your comfort and enjoyment in playing your...
Here on the West Coast we are approaching the hottest time of the year. And this weekend, we have a bit of a heat wave, with the recent forecasts for tomorrow's Kamloops Games approaching 100 degrees...
Memorization is an essential skill for all pipers. Unlike musicians in other traditions, pipers nearly always play their tunes from memory. In performance or competition, it's essential that your...
Today's post features some tips to help you keep your bag from slipping down as you play. One of the keys to an enjoyable performance is an instrument that is set up properly and fits you well. An...
Today's post features a series of exercises to improve the strength, control and precision of the ring finger on your top hand. For most of us, the ring finger is the least coordinated of our...
Let's revisit an important topic: deliberate practice. Deliberate practice is different than just playing your pipes. In his Fortune magazine cover story, Geoff Colvin defines deliberate practice as:...
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