Version No:
EKPB_April 22
Chanter Exercises and advice for everyone:
Exercise of the day: New "Back to Basics" Exercise
Back to Basics
A series of exercises, the intention of which is to help pipers improve
both their basic technique and rhythmical sense.
My premise is that all pipers, at all stages of their development, have a basic requirement to
improve our mastery of both finger technique and rhythmical accuracy. Having spoken to a
number of grade one band pipers, master soloists and piping adjudicators it became obvious
that basic technique, which is almost totally avoided in the lower grade bands, is the best,
and perhaps the only way, to improve playing.
The exercises that follow will easy to understand and useful right from beginner level to the
most advanced players so there will be something for everyone. If you think you are too good
for the exercises then you most certainly need them.
All exercises will require the use of a metronome (mechanical or app).
Start at the bottom end of the speed range shown, where you can play with maximum precision and accuracy (they are different things!).
Increase the tempo until you start to hear a breakdown of technique, go back to the highest
setting you can play and use that as a maximum for now. In a day or so attempt the higher
setting and you will often be surprised to find that you can now succeed at this tempo.
Back to basics Series Please note that this series uses the material from the "All Exercises" series or variations thereof but includes specific tips and explanatory text in addition.
Other Excercises
All Excercises - embellishments
Doc: Care of your practice chanter
Doc:Improve your piping - ten step program.
Cape folding instructions - Go on, get it right.