LIMITED TIME INTRO SALE -
SAVE $25
Get the Pipe Major Off Your Back!
Rhythm for Bagpipers ...a Dojo University "Core" Course
An in-depth, "big picture" rhythm course, geared specifically toward bagpipers, guaranteeing rhythmic comfort and confidence.
Dear developing bagpiper, do you ever feel
Disheartened When Trying to Get The Hang Of Bagpipe Rhythms?
... It shouldn't be that way! Rhythm should be the simplest and most fun of all bagpipe fundamentals!
For several months, as I developed this rhythm course specifically for bagpipers, I asked many of our students: What sort of struggles do you have with rhythm?
I took notes. What I want to ask YOU is, do any of these apply to your piping? I urge you to take a moment to process each one of these...
- "I want to be able to figure out a tune without having to hear it first, but the rhythm always majorly throws me off."
- "I want to learn to play up to tempo with the band. So far, I can't keep up."
- "I'm always told that I'm RUSHING but I don't know how to fix it."
- "I feel like if I can just get the basics of Strathspeys, Jigs, etc., I'll be able to finally get my feet under me as a bagpiper."
- "I have trouble tapping my foot and/or marching while playing."
- "I should be able to tap out the rhythm of a tune before I play it, but I never really can."
- "I can play the notes as written, but I'm still missing how it's "supposed to be played."
- "My rhythm is too mechanical and I don't know how to fix it."
I always have taught that rhythm is the absolute bedrock of bagpiping fundamentals. Yet, pipers all over the world are disheartened and lacking confidence with rhythm. Something that should feel effortless, playful, and fun, is causing frustration, failure, and some pipers completely give up as a result of not being able to "feel it."
And to top it all off? I've NEVER (I mean NEVER) seen rhythm taught comprehensively, in a system that's easy to follow, and easy to practice.
The truth is, there are only three elements that make up the rhythmic structure of ALL beat-based music (especially ALL beat-based bagpipe tunes). If we can understand and control these three elements, which isn't really very hard, we are all set to go!
These three elements are all we need to really worry about, or to practice. And I'll give you a hint - the scary rhythmical words we hear all the time (like "time signatures," "compound rhythms", "16th notes," "syncopation," etc, etc, etc...) - they don't really rank very high on the priority list. Are these things important? Eventually, sure! But, we'll be able to "tick them all off" the checklist as we explore the basic three dimensions of rhythm together in our all-new course.
Rhythm is something you can practice in your car driving around, and should be more FUN than hard work. But, I will admit that it helps to have a solid foundation underneath your feet before this process will make a lot of sense.
This "Rhythm For Bagpipers" course is step one for any developing piper. And from there, the sky is the limit!
I sincerely hope you enjoy the course!
Andrew Douglas from Dojo University
What You'll Learn In This Course
Quit Fighting with Rhythm - Understand the "Three Dimensions".
Quarter notes, eighth notes, dots, cuts, long notes, short notes - and which notes go where? What if I told you not to worry about that stuff any more? The truth is, all of these tricky elements naturally fall into place when you understand the "three dimensions" of all beat-based music. The three dimensions are: Beats per bar, divisions of each beat, and straight vs. swing style. Once we understand this, all of those previously complex rhythmic puzzle pieces will fall into place as a means of documenting, reading, and communicating rhythm comfortably and with precision.
Play Any Tune Without Having to Hear it First - Understand How Each Tune-type is "Built."
Marches, strathspeys, reel, jigs, hornpipes - how do we figure all of this stuff out? The truth is, it all comes (again) from the three dimensions. By the end of this course, no rhythm you see written out on any sheet of bagpipe music will seem too daunting. It's all just the same basic puzzle pieces, arranged in different ways. (And - the puzzle isn't really that hard!)
Never Rush Again?
Did you know - 99% of all pipers tend to rush the beat? It's just something that is a universal problem for almost all of us! The prescription? Rhythmic accuracy. Rhythmic accuracy means that we train ourselves to be perfectly precise with the beat, each and every beat. By training our accuracy, we'll defeat rushing once and for all. This course shows you how to do that.
Get the P/M Off Your Back - Get Tunes Up to Speed and In Unison!
The biggest thing holding you back from getting your tunes "up to tempo" and in unison with your band mates doesn't have nearly as much to do with crossing noises, bad gracenotes/embellishments, or lack of expression. It has to do with your comfort and confidence with rhythm. Throughout this course you'll be developing the key ingredients to put rhythmic struggle in the rear-view, and you'll be pleasantly surprised to find that it's easier and easier to keep up with your band. If that's not the case? We'll just give you your money back - (See our guarantee below).
The course interface makes it easy for you to consume the content and track your progress. Enroll Today >>
You'll learn how becoming confident and comfortable with your rhythm can be achieved by developing the right thought process and "rhythmic language" - this beats confusion and frustration any day of the week. Enroll Today >>
"Great course! Reckon this will be the teaching norm for the bagpipes in a few years' time."
Derek Martin, Queensland, Australia
"The new rhythm material by Dojo University is, simply put, truly exceptional. It introduces the student to concepts with a rational and logical method, unlike anything we have used in the past."
Dr. John Holcombe, Indiana
"OK I was a bit of a sceptic – been a competition band piper for a long time – but I had a niggling feeling: my PM sometimes observes, "Stewie, you are getting ahead of the beat!"
Nothing to lose by doing this course, eh? Well – epiphany! I'm now a complete convert! This is essential foundation for every piper! So few have a natural rhythmic ability – and most of us are not comfortable with a metronome.
We should ALL be using a metronome EVERY time we practice a tune – become obsessed with your metronome!"
Stewart Wallace, Melbourne, Australia
Rhythm for Bagpipers -
Course Details
In this 16-hour course you'll learn everything you need to know to master the simple, un-complicated fundamentals that create relaxed, confident rhythm for bagpipers.
Module 1:
What is Rhythm?
- Defining Rhythm
- Defining Beats
- Defining Tempo
- Defining the "Groove"
- Rhythm Workshop Session 1: Covering Some Basics
- It's All About Quarter Notes
- Quick Introduction to Metronomes
- Quiz: What is Rhythm?
Module 2:
Quarter Note Modifiers
- Understanding Quarter Note "Modifiers"
- Modifier #1: Doubling a Quarter Note
- Modifier #2: Halving Quarter Notes
- Rhythm Workshop #2: What if Quarter Notes Were Pizzas?
- Modifier #3: Adding 50% to a Quarter Note
- Rhythm Workshop #3: Groove-Based Rhythms in Simple Time
- Quiz: Quarter Note Modifiers
Module 3:
Rhythmic Structure of Bagpipe Tunes
- Rhythmic Structure, Parameter 1: Beats Per "Musical Idea"
- Rhythmic Structure, Parameter 2: Number of Divisions Per Beat
- Rhythmic Structure, Parameter 3: Straight vs. Swing Feel
- Rhythm Workshop #4: Listening for Rhythmic Structure
- Time Signatures, Bar Lines, Beaming, Dots & Cuts (It's all about Rhythmic Structure)
- Recap: How to "strip down" a bagpipe tune to see its basic rhythm...
- A "Parameter Chart" of Common Bagpipe Tunes
- Quiz: Rhythmic Structure
Module 4:
Developing Our Bagpipe Rhythm "Chops".
- Practical 1: Compound Time (Jig Rhythm) 1
- Practical 2: Compound Time 2
- Practical 3: "Groove Based" Simple Time Exploration 1
- Practical 4: GBST2
- Practical 5: GBST3 (Introduction to Sequencers)
- Practical 6: GBST4
- Practical 7: Strathspey Rhythm Development 1
- Practical 8: Strathspey Rhythm Development 2
- Practical 9: Strathspey Rhythm Development 3
- Practical 10: Reel ("Cut Time") Groove-Based Rhythm Exploration
- Practical 11: Compound Swing Time (6/8 March Rhythms)
- Quiz: True or False
Module 5:
Rhythmic Accuracy
- The "Complete Solar Eclipse"
- Rhythmic Accuracy Workshop
- Quiz: Help Me Grade These Assignments...
Module 6:
Tricky and/or Rare Rhythmic Concepts.
- Tricky Rhythm Stuff - Workshop.
What You'll Get: When you enroll today, you'll receive instant access to:
- The Rhythm for Bagpipers Online Course
- 6 Core Modules
- 20+ Hours of "Workshop Style" Instruction.
- Detailed Reference Text to Accompany Workshop Videos
- Quizzes concluding each module.
Course Details:
Tuition: $74
Level: Beginner through Advanced (no matter how long you've been playing you'll benefit from a complete bagpipe rhythm re-boot!).
Setting: Online/Virtual
Course Length: 15-20 Hours
Expected Completion Time: 1-3 Months (Depending on how hard you work!)
How It Works
SIGN UP
Sign up by clicking "enroll now." Direct access will be sent to your inbox.
TAKE THE COURSE
The course take 1-3 months to complete, with several in-depth modules, quizzes on each module, and a final exam.
PASS THE TESTS
At the end of the course, 80% or higher on the final quiz means you've passed and you're now a officially great at rhythm (Well, you're CERTAINLY off to a great start!
RHYTHM FOR BAGPIPERS CORE COURSE
The Rhythm For Bagpipers Course
- 6 Core Modules
- 20+ Hours of "Workshop Style" Instruction.
- Detailed Reference Text to Accompany Workshop Videos
- Quizzes concluding each module.
Course Details:
- Tuition: $49 for a limited time!
- Level: Beginner through Advanced (no matter how long you've been playing you'll benefit from a complete rhythmic re-boot!).
- Setting: Online/Virtual
- Course Length: 15-20 Hours
- Expected Completion Time: 1-3 Months (Depending on how hard you work!)
WARNING: $25 Discount Expires In Just...
RHYTHM FOR BAGPIPERS CORE COURSE
The Rhythm For Bagpipers Course
- 6 Core Modules
- 20+ Hours of "Workshop Style" Instruction.
- Detailed Reference Text to Accompany Workshop Videos
- Quizzes concluding each module.
Course Details:
- Tuition: $74
- Level: Beginner through Advanced (no matter how long you've been playing you'll benefit from a complete rhythmic re-boot!).
- Setting: Online/Virtual
- Course Length: 15-20 Hours
- Expected Completion Time: 1-3 Months (Depending on how hard you work!)
Who Should Take This Course?
Sally the Newbie
The beginning of your career is the BEST time to zero in on rhythm.
Band Player Bob
Rhythm IS pipe corps unison. If you're struggling to keep up, this is step number 1!
Pipe Major Pam
A lot of pipe majors need help teaching others the art of rhythm. This is the way forward.
"Cool" Bagpipe Teacher Tim
Students need a great rhythmic foundation, but it's tough to develop a language that can convey what they need. This can be that language for you and for your students to thrive.
Martha the Mom/Spouse
It's always super handy (and not annoying at all) when your mother and/or spouse helps you with your rhythm. For real. It is!
About Your Instructor
“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 esstential fundamental elements of being a great piper... So glad to have you aboard!"
— Andrew Douglas
A bit more about Andrew:
- Founder, Creator, and CEO of the Piper's Dojo and Dojo University
- 2017 & 2019 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: "Is this course right for my ability level?"
A: Chances are, yes!
Whether you are brand new to the practice chanter, or you have been playing for a while but need a fresh look at the process of becoming confident and comfortable with rhythm - this course is ideal for you.
Q: "What is a 'core' course?"
A: A "core" course is an A-to-Z, soup-to-nuts, in depth bagpipe course.
If you've been around Dojo U for long at all, you'll know that we offer a wide variety of resources, materials, and activities to help make this truly the world's first "piping school" on the web. Some of our courses are "short and sweet," with only the bare-essentials presented. Other courses are somewhere in between. "Core courses" are the full story, 100%
Q: "How long will it take to access my course when I deliver it?"
A: Immediate. We'll send you a username and password to access the course right to your email address.
Q: "Can I download the course to watch offline?"
A: This course is hosted and protected "in the cloud." If you have an internet connection, you can literally access this course anywhere, on any device. Unfortunately, none of the video materials are downloadable onto your device for offline viewing. (The documents and other share-ables are though!
Q: "Can I do this course on my phone/tablet?"
A: Yes! Our updated interface jives extremely well with all modern devices.
Q: "Is there a guarantee?"
Yep...all our trainings have a 30-day, no-questions-asked guarantee.
In other words, if you aren't happy for any reason, just let us know and we'll give you your money back. We obviously don't think it'll come to that, but if you're even the least bit worried if this will work for you, then put your mind at ease.
You either get the results you want or you get your money back. It's as simple as that!
Dojo University Is Different
Yes, you can find bagpipe instruction elsewhere on the internet and in person, but a Dojo University course is unique because it's built and taught by real-world bagpipers who have actually built these courses based on real-world experience (read: successes).
In other words, we aren't people who couldn't do so we made a course instead. We've been in the trenches teaching AND performing - we detest untested theory and believe that the best way to learn something is to roll up your sleeves and get your hands a little dirty. If that sounds appealing, then welcome! In Dojo U you've found your bagpipe home.
© 2018 | Legal Information