Joe Moore: A History of Piping

The story goes my mother held me up as a baby in 1952 as the Scots Guards played the Garb of Old Gaul at the Kings funeral. I was always drawn to the amazing sound after that. Angus MacKay, a boy piper in school, marched into the school hall playing an MSR. It was mesmerizing and I got a chanter in my hand at age 14 by joining the school cadet pipe band. I originally just wanted to play in the band and get better.

I have always struggled to get my pipe tuned and balanced. Even in school, I was sent home with pipes at the beginning of the first summer holiday. I couldn't get them going and I had no contact with school band members. I've been with the Dojo a while now and yesterday I sent in a recording to Robert Mathieson.  He is the man who led the Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia to victory in the Worlds Pipe Band Championships.  After an encouraging evaluation of my jig performance he rounded off with "Nice bagpipe by the way".  I was very happy with that!

The Dojo gives world class tuition from a raft of great players. We get excellent feedback from the tutors and the fellow learners and all really friendly. Thanks to the Dojo, my finger technique is more controlled with rhythmic gracenotes. I of course still have my piping shortcomings but now I have the tools and support to fix them!

Thanks Dojo!

Joe M, Warwickshire, England