We last talked about “Timing” and its importance in music. Without proper timing one cannot represent the tune as the composer intended nor can he or she play in unison with other pipers. What is intended as “music’ becomes “noise”.

Equally important is “Technique”. Many pipers will thrash through a piece of music with apparent disregard for either timing or technique for the sake of tempo. Just as an example, many pipers struggle to play Scotland the Brave with proper timing and technique at a marching tempo of 86 BMP. They might tumble through the tune destroying the melody line. Equally they might crash through embellishments to an equally disturbing outcome. STOP! STOP! STOP!

You’re baking in issues that will prove VERY difficult to correct down the road. I have stated over and over that every note is to be played separately, distinctly, and sequentially. If you follow that one rule, you will become a better musician.

In order to do this, a few things have to happen. First of all, study the damn tune. Become familiar with every note, every embellishment, and every grace note. Break down the complicated embellishments into their individual notes and practice them correctly. Slow down and do things correctly over and over. Slow down! Slow down painfully so and work the competency into your fingers. Slow down to 50 BPM if you need to and execute the tune or exercise correctly. Gradually increase your tempo. NEVER sacrifice timing or technique for the sake of tempo. NEVER!

Now look at the tune. Are some embellishments too difficult for you to play correctly within the context of the tune? Take them the hell out! If an embellishment is ruining your technique and timing, it’s not an embellishment. It’s like a dead mouse handing from a Christmas Tree! It’s ugly and it stinks! It’s also not necessary to the melody line.

Here’s the bottom line. If you do something incorrectly, you’ll need to do it a thousand times correctly in order to re-program your brain and your fingers. So whatever train you’re on, stop doing things incorrectly and start doing things correctly. It’s really that simple. Slow down and do things correctly! You’ll thank me later AND you’ll be able to pass these good habits on to your students.

Today’s picture – Hugh MacPherson. You can’t read the Hugh MacPherson story without reading the Sinclair Bagpipes story. Both are found in The Bagpipe Museum.