Which Drone Reeds are Better, Cane or Synthetic?
The short answer: Neither. What is “better” is going to be different for every piper and depend on several personal factors.
Category: Frequently Asked Questions
The Phase 5 "Buy In"
Phase 5 is a very challenging freedom phase. Over time we have found that pipers tend to "neglect" much of what they focused on in…
What's the Time Signature? Who cares!
Time signatures are something that many beginning pipers (and musicians of any kind) get pretty hung up on. Simple time, common time, compound time –…
Are Hide Bags 'Simple'?
Here at Dojo U, we talk a lot about the importance of using simple tools. After all, you can buy all the complicated gadgetry you…
“How Do I Know When a Tune is 'Too Difficult'?”
If you've been piping for a while, you may have heard a tune whose melody or groove just stuck with you, and that you absolutely…
When Should I Buy My First Set of Bagpipes?
If you're just starting on your piping journey (or you're coaching someone along who is), this is a common question to ask. After all, usually…
Band vs Solo Chanter: What's the Difference?
If you're learning or playing the bagpipes with a band, it's common to have a pipe chanter handed to you to play when you're playing…
Freedom Phase Process: Best Practices, Suggestions and Guidance
1: This is a tool, not a competition. The first thing to understand about the Freedom Phase process here at Dojo U is that it…
The Two Cardinal Rules of Embellishments
When we listen to the great players, embellishments really do seem like rocket-science. How the heck are those players getting that sort of sound to…
Thinking About the Quality of Your Gracenotes
There are two major considerations when we think about gracenote quality: size, and sync. Obviously, there are good and bad gracenotes out there. Angus MacColl?…