Could YOU improve the positioning of your fingers on a pipe chanter? This article is for you to think about. It suggests some things that may not suit some people, but I believe it will be helpful to many. Over the last several years, I have come across a number of experienced pipers who … Continue reading Correct finger positioning on a chanter
Dare to play with expression
Why does one piper sound dull and boring while another sounds so interesting and musical? As pipers (and drummers) we are taught techniques of playing bagpipe music. “Hold that low A”. “Your tune needs some more phrasing”. “That note’s a dotted quaver”. These are good things to think about when you’re learning how a tune … Continue reading Dare to play with expression
An example of a good solo drone tuning process
How Brett Tidswell tuned his drones on-stage for a hornpipe and jig contest.
Great piper ≠ great teacher ≠ great judge ≠ great Pipe Major
Today I had a critique sheet I had written fed back to me from nearly two years ago. I remembered the particular performance, because it involved an uncharacteristic “train wreck” on the part of the performing band in their final tune. It reminded me that people often don’t realise that judging is a skill of … Continue reading Great piper ≠ great teacher ≠ great judge ≠ great Pipe Major
Strathspeys are not so hard to play
In my opinion, the strathspey and reel are the crown jewels of light music. Outside of Grade 1 bands, I rarely hear strathspeys played well, by bands or soloists. Even among A grade soloists I hear in NSW, I don’t believe the correct way of playing strathspeys is widely understood. Strathspeys require some strong finger … Continue reading Strathspeys are not so hard to play
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