How to Amplify Your Metronome for Rhythmic Development
Playing with a metronome is a vital element in the bagpipe learning game. But, how do you play with a metronome while also playing your…
Category: Commandment 3: Simple Tools
Great masters of any craft learned the basics on the simplest possible tools. It’s a core tenet to mastering anything.
Did pilots learn to fly on a commercial 787 dreamliner? No. Did Pixar animators learn to draw on advanced computer software? No. Do they give you a graphing calculator in Kindergarten math class? No. How about fancy spell check software for children who are learning to draw their letter? Nope, not that either.
It’s important that we carry this knowledge over to playing the bagpipes. There is great reasoning behind not using complicated tools during the early stages of learning a skill. These tools obscure the essential techniques that will be required to become a master, and ironically ensure we never develop the true command of these techniques that might allow for the fancy tools to eventually be of use to us.
Unless you’ve mastered all of the tenets of bagpipe technique, the simplest possible bagpipe setup and process is the right one for you. Anything “fancier” than that is impeding your progress.
Help! My Ganaway Bag Isn't Airtight!
Have you found that your Gannaway bag does not stay completely airtight? Should there be some flexibility with hide bags? What are the major fail points for pipe bags?