CALM Before Winter Storm
Strengthen Your Sound, Perfect Your Performance
January 13-15, 2025 • Kansas City, Missouri
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Batten down the hatches - a Winter Storm is coming!
At Dojo University, we hold a steadfast belief: immersion is the cornerstone of bagpiping success and enjoyment. Mastering the bagpipes isn't merely about learning the correct fingerings or knowing the tunes - it's about total immersion in the art, losing yourself in the rich, melodic language of the pipes, and fully embracing the cultural heritage they represent.
That's why we have crafted an extraordinary event that combines in-depth, hands-on bagpiping training with the thrilling experience of North America's premier piping and drumming extravaganza - Winter Storm.
Our three-day C.A.L.M (Come And Learn Music) Bagpiping Workshop precedes Winter Storm, setting you up with new skills, insights, and experiences just as the larger event begins. We've interwoven these two remarkable experiences, creating an unparalleled immersion that dives deep into the world of bagpiping.
You'll get intensive, one-on-one instruction from top-notch educators, Andrew and Carl, to elevate your technique, tune your pipes to perfection, and build your confidence as a performer. The hands-on learning environment allows for personalized attention and feedback, pinpointing and addressing any challenges you may be facing.
But this event is not just about learning - it's about community, camaraderie, and connection. With Kansas City’s vibrant culture providing a rich backdrop, you'll have a chance to connect with fellow piping enthusiasts, share experiences, and form lasting friendships.
Our partnership with Winter Storm amplifies this immersive experience, providing you with a unique opportunity to apply your newly honed skills in a real-world setting, and enjoy a whirlwind of amateur and professional competitions, workshops, concerts, and ceilidhs.
This event is about more than becoming a better piper - it's about experiencing the pure joy of bagpiping in a supportive, enthusiastic community. It's about fully immersing yourself in the craft you love and coming away with not just improved skills, but unforgettable memories.
Are you ready to immerse, learn, and grow? Join us at the Kansas City C.A.L.M Bagpiping Workshop, and set off on a journey of musical exploration that goes beyond your wildest dreams.
Dojo Events Are The Real Deal
DR JOHN HOLCOMBE
Indiana, USA
"Exceptionally organized, efficiently carried out, and well beyond my expectations..."
"I attended the Dojo Tuning Clinic in May, 2018, along with quite a few other members of Dojo University. The Clinic was exceptionally organized, efficiently carried out, and went well beyond my expectations I had for improving my ability to tune my own bagpipes. "
BETH PAUL
Vermont, USA
"The clinic cleared away the confusion and made accurate self tuning a reality..."
"The tuning clinic really gave me such a confidence boost in having control over my instrument and understanding how to tune the drones. It was always a bit of a mystery, but the concrete, factual methods taught at the clinic cleared away the confusion and made accurate self tuning a reality."
KEN ALLAN
Ontario, Canada
"Judges now write 'well tuned pipe, drones to chanter'..."
"I'm a 40 year player that could not tune my pipe if my life depended on it. The tuning clinic eradicated that condition. Judges now write "well tuned pipe, drones to chanter". The tuning fundamentals build on each other so great tuning can be achieved. The blow trick is the best thing since sliced bread. Well done Dojo U."
What To Expect
Personalized, Hands-On Guidance And Mentorship
Ever felt stuck while learning online, wishing for a mentor who could help? With Andrew and Carl at your side during the workshop, you'll get invaluable one-on-one guidance, enabling you to uncover your blind spots and power through them.
Finally Make Progress with Your Bagpipe Sound and Tuning
Attaining the perfect sound and comfort with your bagpipes can be elusive. Our workshop offers an in-depth exploration of bagpipe maintenance and tuning, ensuring you walk away with the skills to produce the sounds that stir souls.
Enhance Your Performance Skills
Whether you plan to compete at Winter Storm or merely want to win the hearts of your listeners, we focus on building practical performance skills. We'll help you cope with performance anxiety, present yourself confidently, and employ your tuning skills in front of an audience.
Schedule of Events
Sunday Arrival
Welcome to Kansas City! As you arrive at Kansas City International Airport, it's time to head straight to the Marriott Hotel at Country Club Plaza. The 35-minute journey from the airport can be covered by various modes of transport - taxis, airport shuttles, or rideshares like Uber and Lyft.
Upon arrival at the Marriott, check-in is straightforward. Once checked in, you will receive a welcome packet from us that includes the workshop schedule and other useful information.
After settling into your room, feel free to explore the hotel facilities or just relax. This evening, we have an informal gathering planned in the hotel lobby where you can meet fellow workshop participants and instructors Andrew Douglas and Carl Donley. Later, we'll head out for dinner at one of Kansas City's restaurants.
We start bright and early on Monday morning, so get a good night's sleep. The next three days promise an intensive and exciting bagpiping journey. We look forward to starting this adventure with you.
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday: C.A.L.M. Workshop
Approximate daily schedule: 8:30AM to 5:00PM
Prior to Workshop - BREAKFAST ON YOUR OWN
While breakfast is not included in the price of your enrollment, many of us will meet in the hotel breakfast buffet and/or at the Starbucks in the lobby. Alternatively, there are a host of great breakfast options within a 5 minute walk.
OPENING SESSION
Whether you're just getting comfortable with your pipes, or you're striving to perfect your performance, there are ideas and concepts that apply to all of us. Andrew and Carl will teach to the whole group during this time.
1st BREAKOUT SESSION
After a coffee break (provided), we'll break out into small groups and work on specific concepts aligned with your goals.
LONG LUNCH & PRACTICE TIME!
Get out of the hotel, stretch your legs, and find a bite to eat. This long lunch will give you a chance to venture into the city to enjoy yourself. Alternatively, you can take a quick lunch here, and use the rest of the time to practice at the hotel.
2nd BREAKOUT SESSION
Sessions in our smaller groups will continue.
DAILY WRAP-UP
To wrap up each day, let's get together to recap what we've done today, and save some time for Q&A. Call me crazy, but we should also brainstorm some ideas for dinner!
EVENING FESTIVITIES
Let's spend some time socializing together during the evenings. Kansas City has great restaurants and night life. We will plan to go out as a group one night for dinner (included) and drinks (on your own tab).
Additionally, practice rooms will remain open to 8pm.
Thursday through Sunday: Winter Storm
Thursday & Friday
Thursday and Friday are devoted to the prestigious Winter Storm competitions, with amateur and professional pipers showcasing their talent before a judging panel of some of the world's best pipers.
This day is free for you to enjoy. You may want to watch and support your fellow participants in the competitions, explore Kansas City, or use the time to relax. Or you may want to compete yourself!
Saturday
Saturday begins with a series of enriching workshops led by the world's leading players and teachers in the bagpipe domain. These sessions will dive deeper into the art of bagpipe playing and provide you with further insights into perfecting your skills.
The highlight of the day, however, is the evening's concert — an annual event that must be the finest piping and drumming show in North America. The concert will be held in the hotel itself, providing an easy and convenient experience for our guests.
The day concludes with "Winter Steam," a grand ceilidh hosted right in the hotel, and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the joy of bagpipe music with your fellow enthusiasts.
Note: Saturday and Sunday events require paid registration, see MHAF.org for details.
Sunday
Sunday brings another day of enriching workshops, giving you even more opportunity to learn from the best in the field. Around mid-day, things will wrap up, and it'll be time to head home.
BONUSES #1-3: Sign Up Before The Early Bird Deadline to Receive Three Free Online Courses
If you sign up before the early-bird deadline, we'll send you access to THREE essential bagpipe sound courses that you can study leading up to the clinic. These are the exact same concepts we'll cover in depth at the workshop, so if you can master the ideas and concepts beforehand (and give things a try on your own), the workshop can truly be a hands-on, breakthrough experience for you where you can truly make huge gains, instead of trying to tackle all of the concepts from scratch.
FREE with Registration
FREE with Registration
FREE with Registration
4 Simple Steps to an Easy Bagpipe Online Success Plan Course
Master the "4 Questions" that ensure your bagpipes are easy to play every time you pick them up out of the case!
$47 Value - FREE with registration today.
Master the Steady Blowing "Trifecta" Online Success Plan Course
There's more to it than just "blowing steady." Master the 3 concepts of great bagpipe tone in this course.
$47 Value - FREE with registration today.
6 Steps of the Bagpipe Tuning Cycle Online Success Plan Course
You need to master 6 steps to be a great bagpipe tuner. Learn each step in depth in this course.
$47 Value - FREE with registration today.
Meet Your Instructors
ANDREW DOUGLAS
Andrew is a prolific practitioner of the bagpipe, active at the highest level of pipe bands, solo competition, teaching, and creative endeavors for the past 20 years. He was 2017 & 2019 World Champion with Inveraray and District Pipe Band, 2017 Winner of the USA Silver Medal for Piobaireachd, 2008–2013 Pipe Major of Grade 1 Oran Mor Pipe Band, multi-prize winner of Silver Medals at Oban and Inverness, the 2004 B-Grade Winner Strathspey/Reel at Oban. Andrew published his debut and award-winning book, Finding Bagpipe Freedom, in 2021. He's also an Accredited Bagpipe Teacher and Examiner (Scottish Qualifications Authority) and holds a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts from Simon Fraser University.
CARL DONLEY
Carl is a professional piper who hails originally from Chicago. Over 25 years of playing, he has taken numerous prizes in solos throughout his rise to the professional grade. Carl started with the Ft. Lauderdale Highlanders in south Florida, and played in the Grade 2 Chicago Midlothian Scottish Pipe Band during high school, before joining the Oran Mor Pipe Band in 2008. Carl was also the Pipe Major of The Iona College Pipe Band and a major influence on the band during his four years at Iona College. Carl helped found Dojo University and runs several popular weekly classes. Carl has also been exploring bagpiping and bagad culture in France, after moving there in 2018, and plays with local bands and musicians.
Third Instructor
Our event has a cap of 20 registrants, guaranteeing you get plenty of personalized attention during the event. In addition, once we pass 12 registrants, this year we'll be adding a third instructor the roster for an even better "ratio." Watch this page for updates!
Our Treat: Let us take you to dinner!
After learning all day, we'll unwind Tuesday night: We want to take everyone out to dinner. We'll head out for some quintessential Kansas City BBQ...Beef brisket, smoked turkey, pulled pork, and more! Food is on us (i.e., it's included with your registration), drinks are on you. Not a carnivore? Have other dietary restrictions? Don't worry—there will be options for vegetarians, those who need gluten-free meals, and everyone in between. Be sure to communicate your needs with us beforehand.
More real results...
CAROL B
Pennsylvania, USA
"...more useful than many other bagpipe workshops that I've attended..."
"My purpose in signing up was to get "unstuck" and get help with specific issues that I had not been able to understand, and I did get the help that I wanted in these areas. In this sense, it has been more useful than many other bagpipe workshops that I've attended."
DAVE O
Alberta, Canada
"I would recommend this event to every piper."
"I have been playing for 35 years, have attended several piping schools, attended, and even helped teach pipe maintenance courses, but I have never been exposed to such a wealth of information in such a short period of time. I would recommend this course to every piper."
CURT
Massachusetts, USA
"Yes, it was/is worth the price."
"I thought the expense was significant (which is typical from a good Scotsman irrespective of price). That being said, yes, it was/is worth the price. I believe I have gained such knowledge and, more importantly, an approach to the pipes that is extremely helpful. It has already changed my approach and practice style and, simultaneously, was encouraging enough to allow me to change my approach so that I am now much more comfortable with my pipes.”
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"C.A.L.M." Before Winter Storm - Early Bird Special
Black Friday Special: $524 until December 3rd!
January 13-15, 2025
REGISTER NOW
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
We promise that you'll experience real progress at our event, and actionable steps you can implement afterwards. It's as simple as that.
Bagpipe comfort and tuning are the main ingredients to FEELING GOOD about playing the bagpipes. It's what gives you confidence, what makes others respect and admire you, what allows you to use the bagpipes to transcend the toils of every day life.
If our usual methods don't work for you, we'll turn over every stone we can think of to help you learn to tune.
And of course - if you're not 100% thrilled with your results from the clinic, we'll give you your money back in full (and you can keep all of the bonuses you received, "on us.") Please let us know within 14 days of the conclusion of the event of your dissatisfaction and we'll refund your tuition fee.
