505 - Crushed Reeds, Confusing Feedback & Hard Truths About Tuning (Dojo U "Strike In" Q&A Session)

This week on Dojo U’s "Strike-In" Q&A, Andrew and Carl dig into everything from reed disasters and confusing judges’ comments to tuning, piobaireachd mindset, and band dynamics.

Here’s what we cover this week:

• 00:00 – Exhibit D: introducing the new segment breaking down piping-related social media images
• 01:25 – A crushed, darkened reed: what it reveals about mold, storage, and poor setup habits
• 06:18 – Another smashed reed: how it happens (yes, the chanter cork) and a simple pre-play check to avoid it
• 10:01 – Matching shirts Q&A: “Who’s the nice one?” (inspired by Ed Best)
• 12:45 – Piobaireachd: is it more about mental endurance or technique?
• 20:38 – “Pipes tuned too close”: making sense of confusing or contradictory judge feedback
• 27:46 – Struggling to hear locked-in drones: how to actually develop your ear (and why it never really ends)
• 37:20 – Favourite places to play: from the World’s to the band hall when everything clicks
• 40:56 – Demoting players in a band: how to handle it clearly, fairly, and without unnecessary friction
• 46:00 – Blowing inconsistencies at band: what helps, what doesn’t, and why the real work happens at home