A detailed curriculum to get you off the sidelines and on to the field.
Begins Oct 20th, 2025
"Make the Band" is a 16-week plan, led by Dojo founders Andrew Douglas and Carl Donley, designed for you to master your pipe corps skills and make it out on the field.
Join Now for $99Doors close October 20, 2025, at 8:00 AM ET—act now or wait another year!
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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 your own important band tunes, and gain the confidence your is going to need from you. It’s not about practicing harder — it’s about practicing smarter with accountability, support, and feedback (and some continuity).
By the end of the program, you’ll be able to walk into band practice knowing you’ve done the right work, the right way. Make the Band gives you the structure and encouragement to finally become a key player in your band, instead of someone that holds the band back.
How it works:
1. Monday Lecture at 8:00 AM New York Time with Andrew Douglas (easy replay if you have to miss).
This course is designed to begin each week with a live interactive lesson on Zoom with Andrew Douglas. It's not a total deal-breaker if you can't make every session, but a lot of the magic happens here, so it's highly recommended you try to make it! If you have to miss some sessions though, don't worry - the replay will be posted shortly after the session ends, so you can watch and re-watch to your heart's content!
Time Zone Calculations:
🇺🇸 New York (ET): 8:00 AM EDT
🇺🇸 Pacific (PT): 5:00 AM PDT
🇬🇧 Glasgow: 1:00 PM BST
🇦🇺 Brisbane: 10:00 PM AEST (11:00 PM AEST after Nov 2, 2025)
Times shift slightly due to daylight savings (US: Nov 2, 2025; UK: Oct 26, 2025).
No classes on holidays.
Can’t make live classes? Replays keep you on track!
2. Practice and prepare for your Thursday Workshop Session with Carl Donley (also at 8:00 AM New York Time).
After your monday lecture with Andrew, you'll receive an assignment. Don't worry - it's nothing too formal, and there's no grade! However, you will want to work on that assignment in time to get feedback during Thursday's workshop session with Carl Donley. During these sessions, we'll follow up on the week's challenges, and you can get as much help as you need on the key concepts.
Time Zone Calculations:
🇺🇸 New York (ET): 8:00 AM EDT
🇺🇸 Pacific (PT): 5:00 AM PDT
🇬🇧 Glasgow: 1:00 PM BST
🇦🇺 Brisbane: 10:00 PM AEST (11:00 PM AEST after Nov 2, 2025)
Times shift slightly due to daylight savings (US: Nov 2, 2025; UK: Oct 26, 2025).
No classes on holidays.
Can’t make live classes? Replays keep you on track!
3. Utilize as many other classes as you'd like by Dojo Staff throughout the week, or dive into our in-depth courses on key topics!
Andrew and Carl's sessions make up the "core" of this program - but it doesn't stop there. When you sign up for "Make the Band," you'll also have access to upwards of 10 additional live classes each week (with members of our world-renowned staff). These are optional to attend, but can be infinitely helpful, especially if you have a key topic you need help with.
We also have several courses (such as our beginner's tutor, our "Transitioning to the Bagpipes" course, and our "Rhythm for Bagpipers" course) that you can dive into if and when needed. The sky is the limit in these 4 months together.
4. Interact on our Community, submit recordings for critique, and more, any time!
Throughout our time together, you'll be linked to our instructors and all of the pipers that share the same passions and struggles as you on our internal Dojo U Community. It's like our own mini-facebook, without all the other noise!
Ask questions, submit recordings for critique, and socialize together as much (or as little) as you'd like to during the program.
Camille Layt
"The thing I love the most is actually the community. There's this incredible group of pipers from around the world who are really fun to banter with, ask for advice, and they love the same instrument that you do."
Ephraim Dean
" My favorite part of Dojo U is being part of a group of friends and colleagues who enjoy bagpiping as much as I do. I would definitely recommend Dojo U to others. "
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 removes uncertainty. Each week builds on the previous one, focusing on developing the skills needed to excel in band performance. Stay organized, and the sky’s the limit.
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 making it to 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 courses — Beginner's Tutor, Transitioning to the Pipes, Rhythm for Bagpipers, and more — to close gaps and strengthen fundamentals whenever you need a deep dive.
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 Champion Guests!
Special guest instructors — internationally renowned pipers — bring fresh perspectives, real-world strategies, and the motivation to raise your playing to the next level. We'll bring several guests during our time together.
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. There is no obligation to continue with a Dojo U Membership after the program concludes.
Your 16-Week Mission to Make the Band
With expert instructors Andrew Douglas (Mondays, 8:00 AM ET) and Carl Donley (Thursdays, 8:00 AM ET), you’ll follow a clear, structured plan to transform your playing. Here’s a tentative outline of how you’ll become the piper your band needs:
| Week | Topic | Lecture Date/Time (Andrew Douglas) | Workshop Date/Time (Carl Donley) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Core Principles of Making the Corps | Mon, Oct 20, 2025 - 8:00 AM ET | Thu, Oct 23, 2025 - 8:00 AM ET |
| Week 2 | Bagpipe Airtightness and the Basics of Tuning | Mon, Oct 27, 2025 - 8:00 AM ET | Thu, Oct 30, 2025 - 8:00 AM ET |
| Week 3 | Mental Modelling and Breaking Down Tunes | Mon, Nov 3, 2025 - 8:00 AM ET | Thu, Nov 6, 2025 - 8:00 AM ET |
| Week 4 | Blowing Mechanics, Bagpipe Efficiency, and Tuning Drones | Mon, Nov 10, 2025 - 8:00 AM ET | Thu, Nov 13, 2025 - 8:00 AM ET |
| Week 5 | Building Simple-Time Tunes (Rhythm and Basic Melody) | Mon, Nov 17, 2025 - 8:00 AM ET | Thu, Nov 20, 2025 - 8:00 AM ET |
| Week 6 | Building Compound-Time Tunes (Rhythm and Basic Melody) | Mon, Nov 24, 2025 - 8:00 AM ET | No workshop this week |
| - | No Class - Thanksgiving | Thu, Nov 27, 2025 | - |
| Week 7 | 5 Bagpipe Tuning Actions and Tuning Your Full Instrument | Mon, Dec 1, 2025 - 8:00 AM ET | Thu, Dec 4, 2025 - 8:00 AM ET |
| Week 8 | Memory Lane - Cycling Through the Stack | Mon, Dec 8, 2025 - 8:00 AM ET | Thu, Dec 11, 2025 - 8:00 AM ET |
| Week 9 | Blowing Anomalies (Mental and Psychological) | Mon, Dec 15, 2025 - 8:00 AM ET | Thu, Dec 18, 2025 - 8:00 AM ET |
| Week 10 | Embellishments and Embellishment Strategy | Mon, Dec 22, 2025 - 8:00 AM ET | No workshop this week |
| - | No Class - Christmas | Thu, Dec 25, 2025 | - |
| - | No Class - Holiday Break | Mon, Dec 29, 2025 | - |
| - | No Class - New Year’s Day | Thu, Jan 1, 2026 | - |
| Week 11 | Creating Unison - Target Practice | Mon, Jan 5, 2026 - 8:00 AM ET | Thu, Jan 8, 2026 - 8:00 AM ET |
| - | No Class - Back to Basics in-person workshop | Mon, Jan 12, 2026 | - |
| - | No Class - Winter Storm event | Thu, Jan 15, 2026 | - |
| - | No Class - MLK Day | Mon, Jan 19, 2026 | - |
| Week 12 | How Tuning Changes As You Play | Mon, Jan 26, 2026 - 8:00 AM ET | Thu, Jan 29, 2026 - 8:00 AM ET |
| Week 13 | Tempos and Tempo Strategy | Mon, Feb 2, 2026 - 8:00 AM ET | Thu, Feb 5, 2026 - 8:00 AM ET |
| Week 14 | Nerve Busting - The One Take Rule | Mon, Feb 9, 2026 - 8:00 AM ET | Thu, Feb 12, 2026 - 8:00 AM ET |
| Week 15 | Student Performances | Mon, Feb 16, 2026 - 8:00 AM ET | Thu, Feb 19, 2026 - 8:00 AM ET |
| Week 16 | Review and Continuation | Mon, Feb 23, 2026 - 8:00 AM ET | Thu, Feb 26, 2026 - 8:00 AM ET |
Anders Udsen — British Columbia, Canada
"Through Dojo U 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. 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!"
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.
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 NOW00
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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.
Charlie Elliot
"Whatever your level of piping might be, the Dojo team not only encourages you to improve, but shows you how to do it."
Magnus Stone
"My favorite part is how you can learn with piping masters without having to move to Scotland."
