The Adult Learner
By Dr John H Holcombe
Are you an adult learner? Have you ever wondered why it takes you such a relatively long time to learn a new tune, or to get an embellishment just right?
Category: News & Blog
Posts of news and events from Dojo U
Bagpipers and the Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross is the highest military award for members of the armed forces of the Commonwealth countries. This award is given for valor in the face of the enemy of the “most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valor or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.” We are going to look at three bagpipers who have won this award.
The Story of Highland Cathedral
Regal. Stately. Majestic. It’s one of the biggest bagpipe tunes ever, behind only "Amazing Grace" and perhaps "Scotland the Brave." "Highland Cathedral" is – or should be – in every piper’s repertoire. But how much do you know about this tune? Time and again you’ll see it listed in programs as "Highland Cathedral" – traditional Scottish bagpipe tune. But that’s wrong.
Your Old Radio Proves You Already Know Whether a Note is Sharp or Flat
When I listen to feedback from students and acquaintances in regards to what the biggest challenges are with piping, there's definitely one issue that seems…
The myth of multitasking
If you're an adult, living in the 21st century, and you're reading this sentence – chances are you have about a dozen demands on your…
The Power of 'Yet'
After three decades spent playing and teaching bagpipes at every level, I’ve noticed a common trait in the vast majority of pipers. Most of them…
Trust Your Piping System, Not Your Goals
When was the last time you achieved something significant in your life? Did you smash a weight loss or fitness goal? Graduate from a course…
A Piping Lesson from Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan, the ruthlessly ambitious 13th-century military leader, is notorious for leading his Mongol hordes to pillage and plunder their way across Asia and Europe to dominate and rule the world's largest contiguous empire. So how does one of the most (in)famous military generals of all time to demonstrate an important, if difficult to confront, truth about piping?
Bagpipes and the United States Military
From its origin in Scottish clans and culture, the Great Highland Bagpipe has long been associated with the military.
Especially in more recent history, the Highland Regiments of the British Armed Forces, and some of the Lowland Regiments as well, have had bagpipers since their first formation.
The United States Armed Forces has historically had a very close relationship with the British – so the spread of the bagpipes was inevitable.
Ear Protection for the Bagpiper, Part 1
Our ears are the most important tool we have when playing the bagpipes.