The Average Piper – I know. It’s been a long time since my last Average Piper blog. I could tell you that I’ve been doing research on learning techniques (which I have been doing) but then the truth is that I just got overwhelmed with life and needed a break.

Apologies aside, new and exciting information continues to come my way which I will share as I’m able to. With that in mind, have a look at today’s picture and tell me what you think. We’ll talk more of this tomorrow.

I’m working with many students at varying levels of proficiency. Each have their own particular challenges. I’ll call one “The cup that is too full.”

These people come in with a plethora of built-in explanations, reasons, and excuses. They create needless barriers to learning and, in many ways, impede or stifle their progress. This is entirely unrelated to any motor-skill or musical cognition issues. STOP! Listen to what your instructor is saying. I realize that it may be deflating and humbling however if you want to improve you have to put your ego aside. It’s just that simple.

I also tell my students that my job is to shine a flashlight. The heavy lifting is up to them. Bagpipes are not taught. They are learned, and the learning is up to you!