Get One Month of Real Feedback on Your Real Playing
Begins June 5th, 2025
Join Dojo University free for one month and spend June getting direct feedback on the actual material you plan to play this summer.
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Don't Let Your Off-Season Work Stall Out Now
For a lot of pipers, this is the uncomfortable moment in the year.
You put effort in during the off-season. You worked on tunes. You meant to get farther than this. And now summer is getting close, and there is still a nagging feeling that things are not really ready.
That's frustrating not just because of the music itself, but because piping takes real time, real energy, and real commitment.
If you care about this deeply, the last thing you want is to drift into summer and feel like all that effort is starting to go stale right when it should be coming together.
Real Feedback on Real Material
This is not a month for vague improvement.
This is a month for looking at the actual material you're actually going to play and getting direct feedback on it.
You make a recording of your playing on your smartphone. We show you how to do that if you've never done it before. Then we review those recordings in class and help you understand what to fix, what to keep, and what to focus on next.
- Less guessing
- Less spinning your wheels
- More specific guidance on your actual strengths and weaknesses
Why This Matters Right Now
General skill work has its place.
But when summer is around the corner, many pipers do not need more random information. They need help getting their real material performance-ready.
That is what makes this month different.
Instead of wondering whether your preparation is good enough, you get a clearer picture of what is happening in your playing right now and what to do next.
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
Real Feedback on Real Material
Most classes during this month will revolve around reviewing student recordings and giving practical feedback that you can use right away.
A Whole Month Free
You can join Dojo U for one month free, take part in this program, and see if it's a good fit before any paid membership begins.
15+ Live Classes Per Week
Your membership includes access to more than 15 live classes each week, with many of them shifting toward this feedback theme during the month.
Everything You Need to Record Is Already in Your Pocket
If you've got a smartphone, you've got what you need to start making excellent recordings that are easy to upload to Dojo U for feedback.
Learn From Other People's Feedback Too
As you watch other student recordings get reviewed, you'll start noticing common patterns, recurring mistakes, and big-picture ideas that often apply to your own playing too.
Access From Anywhere
You do not need to travel. You do not need a perfect schedule. And you do not always need to be sitting at your computer live, as long as your recording is submitted ahead of time.
Community and Camaraderie
You're part of a community of pipers working through similar struggles and trying to make real progress together.
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.
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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."
