490 - How To Level Up Your Piping In Just 6 Months (Dojo Conversations Episode 152)

·50 min·5 clips

Andrew Douglas compares a poorly made pour-over coffee to a bagpiper rushing into competition season unprepared.

The episode begins with an analogy comparing poor coffee preparation to a bagpiper failing to plan for the upcoming season. Andrew Douglas introduces the 'Next Level Blueprint,' a six-month course from the Dojo aimed at helping pipers reach their next performance level. He explains the timing is ideal as six months from recording aligns with the start of competition season. The plan involves setting a specific calendar date for a target event and working backwards. A major theme is 'unplugging,' making bagpipe practice a sacred, distraction-free time. The hosts detail necessary practice space setup, including a metronome, manometer, recording device, and music stand. They emphasize the critical need for a weekly feedback plan, suggesting options like the Dojo U community or private lessons. The plan includes built-in flexibility with 'wild card' weeks for holidays or unexpected events. Andrew argues that expression and phrasing are not the primary barriers to improvement; instead, fundamentals like rhythm and finger work are key. The tempo structure is explained: starting at 50% of target speed and increasing monthly with a ramp pattern to reinforce details. The six learning blocks are outlined: Block 1 involves tune selection, Block 2 focuses on two primary tunes, Block 3 works on memorization, Block 4 emphasizes painfully slow embellishments, Block 5 targets rhythmic accuracy, and Block 6 is the 'go time' phase with daily bagpipe work. The plan assumes basic piping experience and is customizable for different goals like solo competition or band performance. After the initial six months, a maintenance routine allows rewinding the plan for subsequent events. The hosts note that the plan has helped many pipers but requires consistent execution. Andrew shares the plan's origin, possibly inspired by a Lance Armstrong training book. The episode ends with a call to action to download the plan and leave a review.

As heard by us

A coffee mistake leads into a flexible off-season planning framework for a stronger piping season.

A botched pour-over becomes a useful way into off-season planning, turning missed blooms, sloppy pours, and an unset timer into a practical reminder for pipers and competition drummers.

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Why you'd press play

You want a better piping season, and a six-month calendar that actually respects the life around it.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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