"Ready to Finally Make the Band?"
16 Weeks to Become the Player Your Band Can Count On
October 20, 2025 – February 23, 2026 • Online Worldwide
Live Bagpipe Classes Every Monday & Thursday at 8:00 AM ET
Register Now
Hi there,
In 2001, Jack and Terry Lee invited me to join Simon Fraser University Pipe Band just after their Sydney Opera House concert. It should have been the thrill of a lifetime—but instead, I was staring down hours of unfamiliar music and even a sheepskin bag switch I’d never done before. Honestly, it felt impossible.
My solution? I built a binder, made a plan, and chipped away at it slow and steady. By summer, I walked into practice prepared, and I made both the stage and the field—successfully.
That experience taught me a lesson I see in pipers everywhere today: it’s not desire you’re missing—it’s structure and accountability. Most players practice hard, but don’t know if they’re practicing the right things. They want to contribute to their band, but fear they’ll never quite be ready. They wonder, “Why don’t I sound good enough yet?”
Make the Band is inspired by that very journey—except this time you don’t have to invent the plan. We walk you through a clear 16-week process with live classes, feedback, and community support—so you can bridge the gap to your band without the stress and guesswork I faced back then.
If your goal is to finally make the band, this is your chance. I know how it feels to be on the edge of ready, and I’d be honored to help you take that last step with confidence.
See you in class,
Andrew Douglas
Founder, Piper’s Dojo & Dojo University
Introducing Make the Band
Make the Band is a structured 16-week program that takes the guesswork out of getting band-ready. Instead of wondering if your practice is moving you forward, you’ll follow a clear plan with twice-weekly live classes, guided assignments, and step-by-step goals.
Each week builds on the last, so you steadily improve your fundamentals, apply them to real tunes, and gain the confidence your band expects. It’s not about practicing harder — it’s about practicing smarter with accountability, support, and feedback.
By the end of the program, you’ll be able to walk into rehearsal knowing you’ve done the right work, the right way. Make the Band gives you the structure and encouragement to finally become the kind of player your band can count on.
Tim Gunn — Washington State, USA
"I've been piping for 30 plus years and struggling along the way. The Dojo U method works! My family and pets have seen and heard the improvement in my piping! That has been the best kind of feedback for me. The success of improvement builds on my desire and I look forward to the time of day I get on my pipes! Thank You Dojo!"
Christian Nettell — Michigan, USA
"I have felt 'stuck' for many months in my bagpiping level. I had used up my bag of tricks in being able to progress forward. The 11 Commandments of Mastery Course has (in just a few short weeks mind you) improved my mindset, my practice regime, and in turn my playing. I desperately needed this lifeline and for that I thank you!!"
What To Expect
Accountability & Real-Time Guidance
Join twice-weekly live classes led by Andrew and Carl. These interactive touchpoints keep you on track, correct mistakes early, and build confidence alongside peers tackling the same material.
Clear, Step-by-Step Plan
Follow a structured 16-week curriculum that eliminates guesswork. Each week focuses on the next right skill, helping you steadily build efficiency, control, and band-ready tunes.
Never Fall Behind
Every class is recorded and posted promptly. Rewatch at your own pace, revisit tricky parts, and catch up after travel or family commitments so your progress never depends on a single session.
Support Whenever You Need It
Connect with a supportive online community for Q&A, critiques, and feedback. Share recordings, ask questions, and get constructive guidance between classes.
Progress From Home
Skip commutes and logistics. Classes are 100% online, scheduled at predictable times, so you can train from the comfort of home without disrupting family life.
Reinforce Your Foundation
Use on-demand Dojo U backup courses — Tutor, Transitioning, Rhythm — to close gaps and strengthen fundamentals whenever you need extra practice.
Stay Inspired & Broaden Skills
Drop into 10+ extra weekly Dojo U classes covering everything from technique to expression. Keep practice fresh, expand your toolbox, and connect with the wider Dojo community.
Learn From Champions
Special guest instructors — internationally renowned pipers — bring fresh perspectives, real-world strategies, and the motivation to raise your playing to the next level.
Big Results for a Small Price
Pay just $99 one time — roughly the cost of two private lessons — for 32 live sessions plus extras. Far more guidance and accountability than workshops or private lessons alone.
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.
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.
These days are free for you to enjoy. You may want to watch and support your fellow participants in the competitions, volunteer for MHAF to make these events run smoothly, 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.
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.
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.”
REGISTER NOW
"Make the Band" 4-month program
Just $99, Begins Oct 20th
4 months, 32 classes, feedback, and support - for less than the price of 2 private lessons.
REGISTER NOW
There’s absolutely no risk in joining. If you don’t make the band, you don’t pay. We back up that promise with two rock-solid guarantees:
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Try the program for a full 30 days. If you don’t feel it’s right for you, just let us know and we’ll refund your payment—no hassles, no hard feelings.
Double-Your-Money-Back Guarantee
Follow the plan and still don’t make meaningful progress toward joining your band? We’ll refund twice your purchase price. We built this program to get results, and we stand behind it.
- Follow the weekly plan (live or replay).
- Submit your short weekly recordings as prompted.
- Apply the feedback to improve each week.
If you do your part and don’t move the needle, we’ll make it right—times two.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t make the live class times?
What if I fall behind?
Is this for pipers or drummers?
Do I need to be a Dojo U member?
How much time each week?
What if I’m a total beginner?
What if I’m advanced?
What happens after the 4 months?
How is this different from Dojo U membership?
What if it’s not for me?
What computer gear do I need?
Do I have to quit private lessons?
Can I download videos to watch offline?
What timezone are classes?
Where do I submit recordings?
Anders Udsen — British Columbia, Canada
"Through Dojo U I’m finally getting much of the formalized and theoretical training I never obtained through private instruction in the past. On top of this, I’m regularly able to have my playing constructively critiqued to continue to focus my improvement areas and moving forward. Dojo U has been very accommodating with their instruction from all sources and I feel a genuine sense of belonging with so many that participate in the various programs. Thanks Dojo U!"
Ken Hiner — Tennessee, USA
"In today’s technological age, Dojo University has created an educational institution where pipers of all levels can obtain much needed instruction. Offering not only live weekly classes that suit anyone’s schedule, they also have a full back catalog of old lessons covering all aspects of piping. Living in Memphis, I am devoid of higher instruction, so the Dojo has given me an extremely affordable outlet where I can learn on my time from some of the top pipers in the world!"
