Start your year strong—wherever you are in your piping journey.
January 10-13, 2027 • Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza
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Nearly 20 hours of instruction, guided activities, and hands-on piping immersion.
Wherever you are in your piping journey, there is always a meaningful next step.
Winter Warm-Up brings pipers together for three focused days of instruction before MHAF's Winter Storm event. Choose the learning track that matches your experience, work closely with three world-class instructors, and begin the year feeling more confident, motivated, and excited about your playing.
ONE PIPING WORKSHOP.
TWO FOCUSED LEARNING TRACKS:
BACK TO BASICS
For newer, returning, and frustrated pipers who want to feel more comfortable with their instrument.
The bagpipes are complicated. Even after lessons, tutorials, new equipment, and hours of practice, it can be difficult to know whether your instrument is properly set up—or what to do when something does not sound or feel right!
The Back to Basics track gives you time to slow down, ask questions, and work directly with experienced instructors on your own instrument and skills.
You’ll work on:
- Bagpipe maintenance
- Instrument setup
- Diagnosing and fixing common problems
- Drone and chanter tuning
- Rhythmic and phrasing control
- Clean fingerwork fundamentals
- Creating lasting and highly effective practicing techniques
- Building a more confident approach to performing
- and more!
Is Back to Basics right for you?
This track is designed for:
- Newer pipers building a strong foundation
- Returning pipers who need a refresher
- Adult learners who feel overwhelmed by the instrument
- Pipers who feel frustrated or stuck
- Players who want to understand their setup rather than rely on guesswork
Participants should already own and have begun playing a full set of bagpipes and be able to play at least one simple tune. Basic sight-reading is helpful, but not required.
Only 18 students
Three instructors will rotate throughout the workshop, with two instructors always assigned to the Back to Basics group to provide hands-on support, lead breakouts, and offer direct attention.
Every participant will work with the instructors on their own bagpipes—not simply watch a demonstration from the back of a crowded room.
You’ll also receive a workbook to use during the workshop and take home as a lasting reference.
Back to Basics Pricing
Early Bird: $449 until October 1, 2026.
Regular Price: $549
Only 18 places are available!
Secure your place with a $150 nonrefundable deposit. Your remaining balance will be invoiced and due November 15, 2026.
PERFORMANCE LAB
For experienced pipers ready to spend more time playing and refining real performance material.
Performance Lab is an intensive, eligibility-based track limited to just six students.
Each participant will submit one tune that they are actively preparing by December 1, whether it be light music, piobaireachd, or any other performance selection. That selection will become the foundation for three days of performance coaching, group learning, tuning work, structured listening, and individualized feedback.
The goal is not simply to improve one tune. It is to help you understand your music more deeply, communicate musical ideas more clearly, and connect performance challenges back to fundamentals such as:
- Rhythm and musical groove
- Technique and embellishment quality
- Tone and tuning
- Expression, phrasing, and tempo control
- Performance craft and readiness
A highly personal six-student experience
Every participant will have dedicated time to play for the group and receive focused coaching.
You will also learn by listening, playing through material together, observing the work of the other students, and participating in guided peer feedback.
The final day will bring the work together while working on our tuning processes, performance preparation, structured listening, and a performance-style wrap-up.
With only six students and one instructor working closely with the group at a time, this is an hands-on, let's-get-our-hands-dirty workshop—not a lecture.
Who qualifies for Performance Lab?
Performance Lab is open to experienced pipers who meet at least one of the following qualification criteria:
- Competed in solos in Grade 3 or above in the last 3 years
- Received AGLs or received third or better in a field of 12 or more in grade 4 solos in last 3 years
- Active in a Grade 3 Pipe Band in the last 3 years
- Active participant in Dojo Freedom Phase 5 (A Dojo U membership is not required to attend Performance Lab.)
If you believe you have comparable experience that is not captured by the criteria above, email [email protected] with a brief overview of your playing background. Our instructors will review your experience and determine whether Performance Lab would be a good fit.
Performance Lab Pricing
Early Bird: $599 until October 1, 2026.
Regular Price: $699
Only 6 places are available!
Secure your place with a $200 nonrefundable deposit.Your remaining balance will be invoiced and due November 15, 2026.
Why Attend Winter Warm-Up?
Start the year with momentum.
January is the perfect time to reset your habits, reconnect with your goals, and take meaningful action. Rather than beginning another year simply hoping to improve, spend three focused days building confidence and creating a clearer path forward.
Get real hands-on attention.
There is no substitute for having an instructor hear your pipes in the room, work directly with your instrument, and respond to what is happening in real time. This is practical, personalized instruction built around your actual playing and equipment.
Learn in a Small, Supportive Group
With only 18 Back to Basics students and six Performance Lab students, you will not disappear into a crowd. Small class sizes create more opportunities to ask questions, receive feedback, participate actively, and spend meaningful time with all three instructors.
Reconnect with the Piping Community
Winter Warm-Up gives you uninterrupted time to learn, play, practice, eat, and socialize with people who share your enthusiasm for piping. You will leave with new ideas, stronger connections, renewed motivation, and friendships that continue beyond the workshop.
Turn one trip into an immersive piping week.
Winter Warm-Up takes place immediately before Winter Storm at the same hotel. Stay for the competitions, workshops, concert, and social events—and take advantage of an exclusive early bird add-on discount on Winter Storm workshop registration available through Dojo U!
Experience the Sights, Sounds, and Tastes of Kansas City
Make the most of your time outside the classroom by exploring Kansas City’s restaurants, neighborhoods, music, and famous barbecue. Tuesday’s group lunch at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is included, with plenty of additional dining and sightseeing options nearby and along the city’s streetcar route.
Schedule of Events
Sunday: Arrive, Settle In & Meet the Group
Check into the Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza and join us that evening for an informal lobby meet-and-greet. Grab a drink, introduce yourself to the instructors and fellow students, and ease into the week in a relaxed, social setting. Non-piping guests are welcome to join.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: Nearly 20 Hours of Piping Immersion
Spend three focused days in your chosen learning track, with daily shared opening and closing sessions, small-group instruction, hands-on coaching, and time with all three instructors. Your registration also includes Tuesday’s group lunch outing to Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, with optional evening practice and social outings on Monday and Tuesday.
Thursday through Sunday: Continue the Experience at Winter Storm
You may choose to extend your trip at the same hotel to enjoy Winter Storm, featuring world-class solo competitions, workshops, performances, a concert, and social events. Winter Warm-Up participants may add discounted Winter Storm workshop registration through Dojo U, creating one seamless and immersive week of piping.
What’s Included?
Your Winter Warm-Up registration includes:
- Nearly 20 hours of instruction, guided activities, and piping immersion
- Daily shared welcome and closing sessions
- Track-specific small-group instruction
- Hands-on access to all three instructors
- Sunday’s informal meet-and-greet
- Tuesday lunch at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
- Coffee, tea, and water throughout the workshop
- Optional evening access to the workshop rooms on Monday and Tuesday
- Informal dinners and social opportunities
- A workbook or track-specific learning materials
- Access to the Winter Storm hotel room block
- The opportunity to purchase discounted Winter Storm workshop registration (before October 1)
Participants are responsible for their own accommodations, transportation to Kansas City, and meals other than Tuesday’s included lunch.
Meet Your Instructors
CARL DONLEY
Co-founder and Head Instructor
Carl is a professional piper who hails originally from Chicago. Over 30 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 playing in the high level breton piping scene and joined the Bagad Briec Pipe Band.
GRIFFIN HALL
Professional Bagpiper
Griffin Hall is a professional bagpiper, instructor, composer, and recording artist based in Kansas City. He plays with the Grade 2 City of Dunedin Pipe Band, serves as Pipe Sergeant of the Kansas City St. Andrew Pipes and Drums, and competes as an Open/Professional soloist.
Griffin began piping at age 12 and has studied with leading players including Dr. Donald McBride, Willie McCallum, and Brian Donaldson. He manages J. Higgins Ltd., teaches students both online and in person, and holds a degree in Recording Arts and Audio Engineering.
ZEPHAN KNICHEL
Professional Bagpiper
Zephan Knichel is an Open-level soloist, instructor, and longtime Grade 1 band player. He has been a member of the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band since 2014, following ten years with the Alberta Caledonia Pipe Band.
Zephan competes throughout North America and Scotland and has earned prizes at the Argyllshire Gathering and Northern Meeting, including the Silver Medal for Piobaireachd. He teaches full-time through private lessons, group classes, pipe bands, and piping schools across North America.
Our Treat: Joe's KC Bar-B-Que Lunch
On Tuesday, everyone will 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.
What Previous Students Say
Jessi T.
"They tailor the topics to the needs of the learners."
"The instructors break down complex bagpipe concepts that are often rushed through elsewhere, helping students build greater understanding and confidence. Even on my second visit, I came away with more than before.”
Larry D.
"The boost in my confidence was pure gold.”
"The one-on-one time with the instructors, the new things I learned, and the chance to connect with other pipers made the workshop absolutely worthwhile. It reinforced just how important rock-solid fundamentals are to continued progress.”
Chris L.
"A renewed and refreshing perspective.”
"The workshop delivered exactly what it promised. The atmosphere, insights, and camaraderie made it a valuable experience for anyone who wants to approach their piping with renewed energy and perspective.”
REGISTER NOW
Money-Back Guarantee
If you fully participate and don’t walk away from the Winter Warm-Up Workshop feeling like you’ve got a new lease on your bagpiping, just let us know within 7 days after the workshop and we’ll refund you. Plain and simple.