How To Play Embellishments Like You Mean It (Episode 77)

06/10/24 • 29 min

Do your embellishments enhance your playing, or detract from it?

This week, in Part 2 of their deep dive into Chapter 9 of Andrew's book Finding Bagpipe Freedom, Andrew and Jim explore the contrast between technical proficiency and audience appreciation in bagpipe embellishments. They look at the importance of playing with intention, the balance between tradition and creativity, and the importance of purposeful practice.

Got a topic you’d like to see covered in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]!

Here’s what we covered this week:

00:00 Introduction: The Bagpipe Experience

01:09 Understanding the General Public's Perception

02:01 The Complexity of Bagpipe Embellishments

05:09 Intentionality in Bagpipe Playing

07:34 The Value of Traditional Techniques

12:32 Practical Exercises for Improvement

16:46 The Joy of Progress and Overcoming Challenges

27:25 Conclusion: Embracing Creativity and Fun

Do your embellishments enhance your playing, or detract from it?

Got a topic you’d like to see covered in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]!

Here’s what we covered this week:

00:00 Introduction: The Bagpipe Experience

01:09 Understanding the General Public's Perception

02:01 The Complexity of Bagpipe Embellishments

05:09 Intentionality in Bagpipe Playing

07:34 The Value of Traditional Techniques

12:32 Practical Exercises for Improvement

16:46 The Joy of Progress and Overcoming Challenges

27:25 Conclusion: Embracing Creativity and Fun

Previous Episode

406 - Do You Need To Play Tunes With All The Embellishments? (Dojo Conversations Ep 76)

Why do pipers at all levels obsess over embellishments and deep-and-meaningful expression, when they can’t play to the beat, or without crossing noises?

This week, Andrew and Jim jump back into Andrew’s book, Finding Bagpipe Freedom, to discuss Chapter 9, which is all about the importance of mastering the basics before delving into embellishments. Because as Leo Burnett says, it’s better to do the obvious, simple thing, but to do it uncommonly well. Got a question you’d like answered in a future episode? Leave a comment or email it to us via [email protected].

This week we cover:
00:00 Introduction
01:08 Keeping It Simple
01:26 Simple Pleasures
02:24 Story Time: Ghosts of Piping Past
02:49 Andrew Wright and Frank Sinatra
03:52 The Art of Simplifying Music
08:12 Scoffing and Musical Authenticity
09:22 Creativity and Understanding Basics
15:42 Analogies in Art and Music
29:31 Final Thoughts on Basics and Embellishments

Next Episode

408 - The Secret to Learning New Tunes Is... Fun! (Dojo Conversations Episode 78)

Do you struggle to learn new tunes? Get stressed trying to get all those band sets ready for the circle? The solution could lie in... making it fun!

This week, Andrew and Jim look at how to find fun in the process of learning new tunes - how to make the learning process enjoyable, push away stress, and improve your overall musical ability. The also look at the impact of pressure and competition on learning, and the benefits of playing in a band versus solo.

Got a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email [email protected].

On this episode, we're talking about...

00:00 The Importance of Fun in Learning Tunes
03:26 Using Technology to Enhance Practice
05:35 Overcoming Challenges in Music Practice
07:27 The Role of Enjoyment in Memorization
10:56 Balancing Band and Solo Practice
14:43 The Collaborative Process in Band Medleys
21:05 Maintaining Enjoyment in Piping
31:22 Reflecting on Life and Music