Get Feedback To Become a Better Piper or Drummer

To improve as a piper or drummer, you're going to need to get objective feedback on how and where to focus your practice.

If you're a beginner, you have a great opportunity to learn things right the first time - something a lot of more experienced players wish they'd done! This means learning some key fundamentals, locking them in, and building your skills over time towards mastery.

And because all of us are learners at a different stage in our musical journey, as you progress, you should seek out further feedback, guidance and knowledge from expert players to continue to evolve as a musician.

Here at Dojo University, we take pride in our unique feedback mechanisms designed to support your growth as a bagpiper or drummer. As a Dojo U Member, you can receive feedback in several ways:

Tune in to feedback-focused live classes: We offer more than 30 live classes every week, tailored for beginners and intermediates. These sessions are an excellent way to receive real-time feedback, learn from the experiences of fellow students, and engage with our instructors on a wide range of topics.
Submit YouTube recordings for feedback: Our Community forums allow you to share your progress with a supportive community, receiving constructive feedback from both peers and instructors. It's a great way to track your improvement over time and gain insights from a diverse group of pipers and drummers.
Beginners: Tune in to beginner-focused classes. We have several beginner-focused classes each week, with esteemed beginner instructors. Check out the class schedule in the community to locate these classes and to add them to your calendar!
Participate in the Freedom Process: Our "Bagpipe Freedom" and "Drumming Freedom" programs are a unique, five-step process designed to hone your skills to a level where you can confidently express yourself independently through your music. Through regular gradings, your recordings are critiqued by world-leading pipers and drummers.

Not a Dojo U member? Fear not! Our online platform isn't the only avenue for receiving quality feedback.

Get In-Person Lessons

Finding a skilled tutor in your area who can work with you one-on-one in person is without a doubt a fantastic way to supercharge your progression. A good teacher can adapt lessons to suit your learning pace and focus on areas that need improvement, ensuring that you build your skills systematically and effectively. If you're not sure where to start, ask your local pipe band association, solo piping or drumming organisation, or local pipe bands for recommendations.

Get Online Lessons

Geographical limitations or scheduling conflicts should not hinder your learning. Plenty of professional bagpipe and Scottish snare drumming teachers now offer virtual lessons via Zoom, Teams, Skype, or a range of other video calling services, which are a flexible and accessible way to receive high-quality instruction from expert teachers anywhere in the world. This approach allows for real-time feedback and personalized guidance, ensuring your progress isn't stalled by your location or schedule. Ask around with players you trust for suggestions, or search for 'online bagpipe / Scottish snare drumming lessons' to find someone suitable.

Find a High-Level Mentor

Connecting with a mentor who has a wealth of experience can be incredibly beneficial. A mentor can offer not just technical guidance, but also share wisdom on the nuances of performance, competition, and the broader cultural aspects of bagpiping. Their insights can inspire and guide you through your musical journey.

Participate in Band Practice

Playing in a band isn't for everyone, but it is a great way to socialize with other players, immerse yourself in the piping and drumming culture of your area, and stay connected with other players to encourage your musical development and practice. Regular attendance at band practice offers a valuable opportunity to receive feedback from experienced players. Asking seasoned band members to listen and provide critiques can offer practical advice and tips for improvement. This communal learning environment fosters growth and camaraderie among musicians. If you're not yet a member of a pipe band and don't know where to start, try searching for piping bands in your area online, or ask your local pipe band association for suggestions.

Attend a Piping Workshop or School

Piping workshops and schools are excellent venues for immersive learning experiences. These events often feature a range of classes, from technique to performance, taught by accomplished pipers. They also offer a chance to connect with a community of learners and enthusiasts, further enriching your musical journey. Depending on where you're based, you might be surprised to find that there are plenty of local options for you to check out, or you might enjoy tying it in with a holiday to a destination. Several organisations, including the National Piping Centre (and us!) also offer online workshops and schools that remote players can enjoy too.

Seeking feedback and using the advice to improve your playing will supercharge your progress. By engaging with any or a combination of these feedback opportunities, whether in-person or online, you'll be well on your way to enhancing your skills and deepening your connection to the rich tradition of bagpiping and Scottish snare drumming.