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One of the challenges pipers face is the need to keep our fingers and hands consistently relaxed while playing. Top players can achieve a relaxed yet strong grip, allowing for the most efficient movement and providing strength and quickness when needed. This allows you to play fast, strong, clean, and for longer durations without stress or strain. Today I'd like to share a set of free exercises for hand relaxation inspired by the piano teacher and author Margaret Elson. In her book Passionate Practice, Elson describes what she calls "puppy dog hands": When your hands are heavy, or after you release a ball, or when you let your hands fall easily, palm up, in your lap, there's no extra tension in your hands.  They look like a puppy dog's paws when she's on her back waiting to get a tummy rub.  All easy and floppy. Elson describes the technique for piano players, but I've modified ...