I’m expecting some push-back on what I’m about to say. I’ve thrown a lot of information at you these past couple of days as we broke down the first measure of Scotland the Brave. Now I’m going to throw a monkey-wrench into the machinery.

Scotland the Brave, played as written and up to a typical marching tempo of 86 BPM, is beyond the physical abilities of many average pipers. This is reality.

I cringe when I hear pipers massacring the melody, timing, tempo, phrasing, and tone for the sake of complicated embellishments. I maintain that an embellishment is only an embellishment if it is enhancing the melody. If it is compromising those things mentioned above, it is trash! Harsh words, but that’s my position.

Think of a Christmas Tree. We hang lights and ornaments on it to present it in a different and more interesting way. These objects enhance the beauty of the tree. Now think of that same tree, with all this ornamentation in place, but the tree is brown, with needles falling to the ground. Not so pretty anymore, is it? This is the case when pipers crash through a tune focused more on trying to do what their fingers will not allow.

Single grace note embellishments are critical to the music. They emphasize and accent melody notes, creating color and additional interest to the music. Single grace note embellishments are critical and should be played. They are within the ability of every Average Piper.

The precise placement of these single grace note embellishments is also within the ability of every Average Piper and this is where the emphasis needs to be. Hammering away at someone who is not physically capable of playing complicated embellishments within the context of the tune is beyond my comprehension. I would rather listen to a simplified melody presented on a well-tuned bagpipe than experience the impossible struggle.

For the Average Piper, I feel that the following is an appropriate ranking of importance;
1. The sound – something pleasing to the ear
2. Presentation of an overall musical melody
3. Timing – consistent meter throughout the tune
4. Tempo – appropriate for the selection
5. Expression and Phrasing – energy and emotion
6. Complicated embellishments

For the average piper who is going to play parades and casual performances, a melody incorporating single grace note embellishments is acceptable. For those who want to compete or perform at a higher level, inclusion of complicated embellishments is critical. It’s all a matter of your circumstances, abilities, and ambitions. But do not sacrifice items 1 – 5 for the sake of complicated embellishments. Never! Should you practice complicated embellishments? Absolutely. If and when you’re able to execute and incorporate them correctly into a tune, do so. But don’t sacrifice other important elements of a tune for the sake of a toarluath (or whatever).