Is Your Band's Culture Holding You Back?

Learning to play an instrument is rarely a smooth ride. There are bursts of excitement when things click, long stretches of frustration when they don’t, and sometimes, roadblocks that have nothing to do with your fingers or your breath control.

In a recent podcast episode, we read a letter from a listener who shared their struggles with learning the bagpipes.

Their story struck a chord – because it wasn’t just about chanter exercises or tricky tunes. It was about teachers, band culture, and the bigger environment around learning music.

And honestly, whether you’re into bagpipes, guitar, or piano, the lessons here go way beyond the practice room.

The Luck of the Draw: Finding the Right Instructor

Finding a good instructor when you’re starting off is completely a matter of luck.

Depending on where you live, you might have access to several great teachers, or you may only have one (or none). And the smaller your pool of available options, the more likely you might start out with someone who isn't the right fit for you.

That’s a sobering thought, because your first instructor often sets the tone for a significant part of your musical journey.

A good teacher can make lessons fun, keep you motivated, and spark a lifelong love of music.

But a bad one can drain your enthusiasm before you’ve even had a chance to get going.

This isn’t just a bagpipe problem – it’s universal across all instruments.

Ego, Exclusivity, and the “One True Way” Trap

In tight-knit communities like pipe bands, you sometimes run into gatekeepers – people who insist there’s only one right way to learn or who make newcomers feel like they don’t belong.

Some instructors won’t even mention other teachers nearby, as if students are possessions to be guarded. Others make band membership sound impossible to achieve, creating more anxiety than excitement.

The truth is, there’s never just one right way to play, learn, or improve.

Music should be about exploration and joy, not fear of stepping outside someone else’s rigid rules.

Of course, it’s not only about teachers. Band culture itself plays a huge role.

Traditions can create a sense of belonging and pride, but they can also turn into barriers. New members sometimes face subtle hazing or resistance when they bring fresh ideas. And veteran players often feel protective of “the way things are done,” which can translate into discouraging newcomers.

But here’s the catch: if bands aren’t welcoming, our traditions won’t survive anyway. The only way forward is to balance respect for history with openness to growth.

Advice for Learners: Explore and Persevere

So, what if you’re the learner stuck in a tough situation? First, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify your learning. Watch YouTube tutorials, listen to podcasts, join online groups, or even try lessons with different instructors if you can. The more voices you hear, the more likely you are to find approaches that click.

Second, don’t take every obstacle as a sign to quit. Personalities clash, teaching styles don’t always line up, and sometimes you just need a change. Give yourself permission to move on from a situation that’s not working.

Music is supposed to challenge you, yes – but it should also be something you look forward to.

Advice for Instructors: Keep the Spark Alive

For teachers, the responsibility goes beyond finger technique and tuning drones. Your job is to nurture excitement. If our students are losing enthusiasm, we've got to do something to stoke that back up. 

That might mean leaning into a student’s favorite tune, celebrating small wins, or simply being encouraging when things get tough. Not every learner wants to compete at the World’s. Some just want to play “Amazing Grace” at a family event.

Meet them where they are and help them love the process.

Advice for Band Members: Welcome, Don’t Haze

Finally, for bandmates: remember what it felt like to be new.

Instead of testing newcomers or putting up walls, open the door. Share what excites you about the music, offer help, and create an environment that makes people want to stick around.

Bands thrive when people feel included.

Keeping the Spark Alive

Learning an instrument is never just about practice. It’s about the people, the culture, and the community around it. A good teacher, a supportive band, or even just a friend cheering you on can make all the difference.

So whether you’re a learner, an instructor, or a bandmate, you have the power to make music fun, joyful, and meaningful – for yourself and for the people around you.

Let's break down the barriers, support each other, and let’s keep the music playing – our community will only grow and become more exciting as a result. 

Check out this episode of Dojo Conversations as we dive into this topic further to explore a listener question about how to bring back the joy when you've been burned out by band culture.