386 - How to Simplify Tunes (Dojo Conversations Episode 56)

Ever heard “you’re not a REAL piper unless you play with all the embellishments as written”?

Embellishments are lovely – but they’re the crown moulding, while foundational skills like rhythm, scale navigation, and so many others are vital to master first…

This week, Andrew and Jim look at how to go back to basics with your tunes, by learning to effectively simplify them. They use Bonnie Anne to give a step-by-step explanation, starting with rhythm, then integrating melody notes and grace notes. Each successive layer becomes more complex, with emphasis on learning only one type of embellishment at a time.  

Episode highlights:

02:07 The Importance of Simplifying Tunes

03:15 The Right and Wrong Ways to Simplify

07:27 The Bagpipe Freedom Process

08:42 Breaking Down 'Bonnie Anne'

22:34 Adding Grace Notes to a Simplified Tune

26:00 The Importance of Writing Music by Hand

26:44 Grace Notes

28:54 Simplifying the Setting: Adding and Removing Grace Notes

31:07 The Process of Building a Tune: From Simplified to Fully Embellished

34:36 Addressing Common Mistakes and Misconceptions in Tune Learning

41:27 The Importance of Monotasking in Tune Learning

48:38 The Benefits of the Simplified Approach to Tune Learning

Dojo University is the longest-running and most successful online bagpiping and drumming school in the world.

We teach thousands of students around the world how to play good music – mastering the art of learning and playing the bagpipes and drums in the process – in a highly accessible way that is completely unlike anything else you'll find online or in person, anywhere in the world.

We created Dojo U because we noticed that too many pipers and drummers were struggling out there in the world. Bagpiping should be a joyful experience, each and every day you pick up your instrument. If it's not, we strive to fix that before it's too late.

And whether you're a complete beginner, a parade or experienced player, a pipe major or drum sergeant, or a pro-level competitor... you can free yourself from musical frustration at Dojo U.

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