451 - Why Mentorship Matters (Dojo Conversations Episode 121)

It's easy to assume that mentorship is most crucial during childhood. But what about those who discover piping later in life? Whether you're a beginner at 40 or picking it up again after years, having a mentor can make all the difference. This week, Andrew and Jim are diving into the importance of strong mentors in your piping journey, throwing back to Andrew’s early piping journey including his first contests, experience with piping at a boarding school, and the influential great pipers who were strong mentor figures in his life. Got a topic you’d like covered in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected] Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 Breaking In New Boots 01:05 Silent Practice Chanter Launch 01:47 Young Andrew Douglas' Bagpipe Journey 02:54 The Yips and Focal Dystonia 07:06 Mohawk Valley Frasers and Pipe Band History 14:53 Boarding School and Piping Education 18:26 Recording Project in 12th Grade 19:25 Jack Lee's Influence and Critique 19:58 Boarding School and Competitions 21:36 Immersion and Obsession in Piping 27:20 The Role of Luck and Identity 30:01 The Importance of Enjoying Piping 33:29 Final Thoughts on Piping and Life