How to Become a World-Class Bagpiper in 100 Words
Dec 08, 2024
Bagpipers around the world work constantly to improve as musicians. And over more than 20 years teaching and performing at the highest levels, I've boiled down the 'blueprint' for being a world-class bagpiper into 100 words.
How to be a better bagpiper in 100 words
Every day: listen to masterful bagpipe music, interact with bagpipers as good or better than you, and play at least one tune on full bagpipes.
Most days: hone essential fundamentals, in this order of priority:
- Rhythmic Accuracy
- Scale Navigation
- Gracenote Quality
- Blowing Mechanics/Posture
- Tuning drones together
- Maintaining optimal blowing pressure.
- Tuning drones to chanter
- Avoiding “Mental Blowing Anomalies”
- Embellishment
- “Expression” Technique
Practice using as wide an array of tunes as humanly possible. Be wary of routine! Keep practice very short, singularly focused, and objective. Afterwards, play in moderation strictly for enjoyment.
Regularly put yourself in new, challenging musical situations. Play for self-expression, never for accolades.
Stay connected -Ā subscribe to our free Weekly Digest!
Get bagpipe knowledge delivered to you every Monday! Tips and tricks, podcasts, special offers, and more.
We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.
