"Why Don't I Sound Good Yet?"
Reboot Your Bagpipe Journey at the "Back to Basics" Workshop
January 12-14, 2026 • Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza
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Endless hours, money and energy... for nothing?
Have you poured countless hours, money, and energy into your piping—only to still feel stuck, frustrated, and worried that maybe you’ll never truly “get it”?
If you’re like most adult learners, you’ve discovered that the bagpipes are harder than you ever imagined. Your fingers won’t cooperate. Your tone feels unpredictable. Even after buying the right gear, watching endless tutorials, and taking lessons, you still can’t play a tune that feels smooth, musical, and expressive. Instead of feeling proud and connected, you find yourself doubting whether you’ll ever progress—and wondering if all your effort will just go to waste.
That’s exactly why we created the Back to Basics Workshop. Over three days in Kansas City, Dojo University Founders Andrew Douglas and Carl Donley will join Griffin Hall to help you strip away the noise, rebuild your foundations, and finally experience the clarity and confidence you’ve been searching for. Whether you’re brand-new to the pipes or you simply need to reset your fundamentals, this is your chance to break through the wall of frustration, gain (or regain) momentum, and start playing music that actually feels good.
Oh, and we're going to have a ton of fun doing it!
Dojo Events Are The Real Deal
DR JOHN HOLCOMBE
Indiana, USA
"Other piping workshops might have the instructor ‘demonstrate’ tuning, but this workshop actually trains pipers how to tune their own pipes through efficient, tried and true techniques."
BRETT RADCLIFFE
Kansas, USA
"A great learning experience. The lectures and the one-on-one instructor experience were extremely helpful. I recommend this workshop to all of my piping friends."
LARRY DARNELL
Missouri, USA
"This was a fantastic experience that challenged me as a piper and helped me improve in several areas. There was so much packed into 3 days – highly recommended to anyone who wants to experience a huge growth spurt in their piping skills."
What To Expect
3 Power-Packed Days of Dojo-Style Instruction
Train side-by-side with world-class instructors Andrew Douglas, Carl Donley, and special guest Griffin Hall. You’ll walk away with breakthroughs you never thought possible in just one weekend.
Fundamentals That Stick
Say goodbye to sloppy fingerwork and unpredictable sound. We’ll rebuild your technique from the ground up so you can play with confidence, clarity, and control — every single time you pick up the pipes.
Attention That’s All About You
With a strict 24-person cap, you’ll get personalized feedback and solutions to your specific challenges – no getting lost in the crowd.
Tools for a Lifetime
Your printed workbook becomes your personal “piping bible,” keeping the skills you learn fresh and ready to use for years.
A Launchpad for Winter Storm
Held in the same hotel, this workshop sets you up to hit Winter Storm at full power — sharper skills, better tone, and unbeatable confidence.
Kansas City at Its Best
Between sessions, soak up the city’s culture, nightlife, and world-famous barbecue — including a group lunch on us.
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 Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza. The 35-minute journey from the airport can be covered by various modes of transport - taxis, airport shuttles, or ride shares 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: Back to Basics 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, Carl and Griffin 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.
One day, we'll cross the border into Kansas for a group lunch at the award-winning Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que (included in your registration)!
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.
Additionally, practice rooms will remain open to 8pm Monday and Tuesday.
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.
Your Workshop Workbook — A Resource for Life
Every participant will receive a comprehensive workshop workbook — a thick, ultra-useful guide that walks step-by-step through everything we’ll cover as we build (or re-build) your bagpiping foundation from the ground up.
This isn’t just a handout for the weekend. It’s a resource you’ll be able to take home and lean on long after the workshop is over — so you can revisit key concepts, reinforce your fundamentals, and keep your momentum going anytime you need it.
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Meet Your Instructors
ANDREW DOUGLAS
Founder, Creator, and CEO of the Piper's Dojo and Dojo University
“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!”
• 2017, 2019, 2024 & 2025 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
CARL DONLEY
Co-founder and Head Instructor
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. More recently, Carl has also been exploring bagpiping and bagad culture in France, after moving there in 2018, and still plays with local bands and musicians there.
GRIFFIN HALL
Professional Bagpiper
Griffin Hall is a professional bagpiper based in Kansas City. He plays with the Grade 2 City of Dunedin Pipe Band, competing at the World Pipe Band Championships, and serves as Pipe Sergeant for the Kansas City St. Andrew Pipes and Drums.
Griffin began piping at age 12 and quickly advanced under the mentorship of Dr. Donald McBride, with additional instruction from top players like Willie McCallum, Brian Donaldson, and others. He is an active solo competitor in the Open/Professional grade.
In addition to performing, Griffin is a composer and recording artist whose music has been played by pipers and bands worldwide, including on the biggest stages in pipe band competition. He holds a degree in Recording Arts and Audio Engineering, producing media for himself, other artists, and organizations like the American Opera Studio.
Griffin is also the manager at J. Higgins Ltd., one of the leading highland wear and bagpipe suppliers in North America. As a teacher, he runs a successful studio both in-person and online, with students achieving success in solo contests and band settings.
Our Treat: Joe's KC Bar-B-Que Lunch
One afternoon, we’ll break away from the classroom and head out together for an authentic Kansas City BBQ lunch at one of our favorite spots, Joe's KC Bar-B-Que's original gas station restaurant. Think beef brisket, smoked turkey, pulled pork, and all the fixings — and yes, lunch is on us (included with your registration)!
Not a carnivore? Have dietary restrictions? Don’t worry — there will be options for vegetarians, gluten-free folks, and everyone in between. Take a look at the menu here.
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. I am now much more comfortable with my pipes.”
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Back to Basics Workshop - Early Bird Special
Early Bird Special: $449 until October 20th!
January 12-14, 2026
REGISTER NOW
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
If you fully participate and don’t walk away from the Back to Basics Workshop feeling like you’ve got a new lease on your bagpiping, just let us know within 7 days after the workshop and we’ll refund you. Plain and simple.
