425 - The Best Way To Build Stamina (Dojo Conversations Episode 95)

Piper's Dojo Audio Experience

After a piping hiatus, it can be exhausting to play for even a short time until your stamina builds again. So what's the best way to get your piping fitness back?

This week, Andrew and Jim answer a reader question about how to build stamina after a break, focusing on the importance of finding joy and fun in playing – because enjoyable practice will naturally lead to improved stamina and skill. They also highlight the dangers of taking piping too seriously – because for many pipers, that might be why they took a hiatus in the first place...

Here's what we cover in this episode:
00:00 Embarrassing Vocal Warm-Ups
01:07 Forming Season Two's Strategy
01:57 Stamina Advice for Returning Pipers
05:37 The Fun Factor in Bagpiping
09:34 Setting Up Your Bagpipes for Success
16:15 The Hard Reed Debate
21:40 Developing Stamina for Soccer and Bagpipes
22:04 The Importance of Enjoying Your Practice
23:11 Maintaining Motivation and Avoiding Burnout
27:29 Practical Tips for Improving Stamina
30:26 The Role of Fun in Mastery
33:47 Balancing Tradition and Modernity in Bagpiping
39:57 The Importance of Fun and Community in Piping
44:05 Final Thoughts and Reflections