Leading a band can feel lonely... so who’s helping you to continue to develop and grow?
Introducing Dojo University Leadership Club
Join a Supportive Community for Pipe Band Leaders Who Are Elevating Their Bands
Leading a pipe band is one of the most rewarding – yet most challenging – roles in piping and drumming.
You’re responsible for musical standards, organization, motivation, and keeping your band moving forward. But where can YOU turn when you need support, fresh ideas, or expert guidance?
Introducing Dojo University Leadership Club!
The Dojo University Leadership Club isn’t just about leadership – it’s about empowering you to lead with confidence, improve your band’s musicality, and create a long-term, sustainable plan for success.
Join our private, exclusive, supportive community of pipe band leaders from around the world.
MEMBER BENEFITS
Private, Exclusive Access for Band Leaders
Join a private, global network of experienced band leaders who want to refine their skills, share ideas, get advice, problem solve together, and strengthen their band in a dedicated online space.
Develop Your Ensemble and Musicality
Participate and ask questions in regular classes and forums focused on how to teach, refine, and improve ensemble sound, giving you the tools to bring out the best in your band.
Share Logistical and Organizational Strategies
Learn from successful band leaders on how to build better beginner programs, structure effective rehearsals, streamline band communication, and create sustainable leadership systems.
Get Expert Critiques of Your Pipe Band's Recordings
Submit your band’s recordings for expert feedback from world-class musicians. This is a game-changer for bands looking to improve their ensemble sound and competition results.
Learn to Compose, Refine and Arrange Band Scores
Gain insights into ensemble planning, harmony writing, drum score development, tenor splits, and more, with workshops and classes specifically tailored for pipe band leaders.
Accessible 100% Online and On-Demand
Participate from anywhere on our mobile, web-friendly platform, catch up on classes when it suits you, and ask questions any time – making it easy to fit leadership development into your busy schedule.
Ready to take your leadership to the next level?
Sign up and start transforming the way you lead your band – with support, expertise, and a community behind you every step of the way.
HOW TO JOIN
Dojo University Leadership Club is completely FREE if you're a Dojo U member! Here's how to join the club...
Step 1: Sign Up for a Dojo University Membership
To join the Dojo U Leadership Club, you must first sign up for a Dojo University membership.
Head over to our Store page and sign up for one of our memberships – if you're a piper, choose Basic or Premium; if you're a drummer, choose Drumming.
This will also give you access to our included beginner's tutor courses, other self-development courses, tune and sheet music libraries, other resources and 30+ weekly live classes that are included with these memberships.
Step 2: Apply to Dojo U Leadership Club
Once you're all signed up, log in to the Dojo U homepage, click on 'My Dashboard' in the top navigation, and click the link in the 'Dojo U Leadership Club' button to apply for access to the Club.
IMPORTANT: To join, you must be a Pipe Major, Pipe Sergeant, Leading Drummer, or Leading Midsection Member (or receive a recommendation from a Pipe Major or Leading Drummer).
Step 3: Get Started
Once you're in the club, you'll see new classes and forums added to your dashboard for you to access and join.
You can participate in regular dedicated Leadership Club classes; attend live weekly classes; ask questions, share ideas or get advice in private, dedicated leadership forums; access a massive library of on-demand lessons, tune breakdowns, and exercises—all from any device, anywhere in the world.
Whether you prefer structured courses or real-time coaching, you can develop your musical and leadership skills on your schedule, and dive in as much or as little as you like!
HEAR WHY OUR MEMBERS LOVE DOJO UNIVERSITY
"I feel a genuine sense of belonging...”
"Through Dojo U I’m finally getting much of the formalized and theoretical training I never obtained through private instruction in the past. On top of this, I’m regularly able to have my playing constructively critiqued to continue to focus my improvement areas and moving forward. Dojo U has been very accommodating with their instruction from all sources and I feel a genuine sense of belonging with so many that participate in the various programs. Thanks Dojo U!"
Anders Udsen
British Columbia, Canada
“The Dojo has given me an extremely affordable outlet where I can learn on my time from some of the top pipers in the world..."
“In today’s technological age, Dojo U has created a place where pipers of all levels can obtain much needed instruction. Offering not only live weekly classes that suit anyone’s schedule, they also have a full back catalog of old lessons covering all aspects of piping. Living in Memphis, the Dojo has given me an extremely affordable outlet where I can learn on my time from some of the top pipers in the world!"
Ken Hiner
Tennessee, USA
“The success of improvement builds on my desire and I look forward to the time of day I get on my pipes!"
“I've been piping for 30 plus years and struggling along the way. The Dojo U method works! My family and pets have seen and heard the improvement in my piping!.That has been the best kind of feedback for me. The success of improvement builds on my desire and I look forward to the time of day I get on my pipes! Thank You Dojo!"
Tim Gunn
Washington State, USA
“I desperately needed this lifeline..."
“I have felt "stuck" for many months in my bagpiping level. I had used up my bag of tricks in being able to progress forward. The 11 Commandments of Mastery Course has (in just a few short weeks mind you) improved my mindset, my practice regime, and in turn my playing. I desperately needed this lifeline and for that I thank you!!"
Christian Nettell
Michigan, USA
Dojo University is the longest-running and most successful online bagpiping school in the world.
We teach thousands of students around the world how to play good music – mastering the art of learning and playing the bagpipes in the process – in a highly accessible way that is completely unlike anything else you'll find online or in person, anywhere in the world.
We created Dojo U because we noticed that too many pipers were struggling out there in the world. Bagpiping should be a joyful experience, each and every day you pick up the pipes. If it's not, we strive to fix that before it's too late.
And whether you're a complete beginner, a parade player, an experienced piper, a pipe major, or a pro-level competitor... you can free yourself from musical frustration at Dojo U.
At Dojo U, we do things a little differently to how you may have approached learning to play the bagpipes before.
One of the key reasons for our ongoing success is that we're always evolving, improving, and growing. We'd love to welcome you to the Dojo U community and show you around!
About Dojo U's Founder
“My name is Andrew Douglas and I'm the founder of the Piper's Dojo and creator of Dojo University, our online learning portal for bagpipers. I'm super excited to be your guide as we drill into some of the most essential fundamental elements of being a great piper... we'd be honored to have you aboard!"
— Andrew Douglas
- Founder, Creator, and CEO of the Piper's Dojo and Dojo University
- 2017 & 2019 World Champion with Inveraray and District Pipe Band
- 2017 Winner of USA Silver Medal for Piobaireachd
- 2008-2013 Pipe Major of Grade 1 Oran Mor Pipe Band
- Multi-prize winner, Silver Medals at Oban and Inverness
- Former Winner of B-Grade Strathspey/Reel at Oban (2004)
- Accredited Bagpipe Teacher and Examiner with the Scottish Qualifications Authority
- Fully accredited piping judge with the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association
Dojo University Is Different
Yes, you can find bagpipe instruction elsewhere on the internet and in person, but Dojo University is unique because it's built and taught by real-world bagpipers who have actually built these resources based on real-world experience (read: successes).
In other words, we aren't people who couldn't do so we made a course instead. We've been in the trenches teaching AND performing - we detest untested theory and believe that the best way to learn something is to roll up your sleeves and get your hands a little dirty. If that sounds appealing, then welcome! In Dojo U you've found your bagpipe home.
