Assemble Your Bagpiping Avengers
How do you get better at something when no one is around to challenge you? When you're trying to actively improve at something, it can…
Category: Commandment 6: Objective not Subjective
Our success in life (and our ability to enjoy that success) is almost always governed by what I call the “intensity equation.” Here’s the equation:
Correct Intensity = Maximum intensity without sacrificing form.
Here are some “life” examples.
I want to be as productive as I can each day (maximum intensity), without feeling significantly overwhelmed or anxious, or taking time away from my family (sacrificing the “form” of my life)
I want to lift as much weight as I can in the gym (maximum intensity), without risking injury (i.e. while maintaining proper form)
I want to study for as long as I can (max intensity), until I am no longer absorbing information well (form).
Needless to say, the intensity equation is vital - and often tragically ignored - when learning (and teaching!) bagpipes.
Here are some important piping applications:
You should only play tunes only as fast (intensity) as proper technique allows (form)!
You should simplify tunes (i.e. dial back the intensity) if you can’t play all of the embellishment cleanly (cannot achieve optimal form).
Your chanter reed should never be so hard (intensity) that you can’t focus on the music (form).
Applying the intensity equation is a huge opportunity for any piper to optimize the rate of their improvement, and the degree they enjoy the piping experience.
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