Dunaber Music

One of My Motivators

November through to January have traditionally been my fallow practice months.  In part,  because I’ve been fed up with piping and needed time away and, part because I know time away from practice is a very good and healthy thing, especially when that practice is regular and intense.  I’ve always felt better about piping after a good break.  That’s got to be a good sign of a good “training” regimen.   I recommend planned time away from piping – or drumming – or any crazy intense pursuit.

When its time to get back to the bags and the piping way of things I’ve always found piping music books a great motivator.  Flipping through pages and playing each tune, revisiting old phrases and melodic turns somehow kick-starts my interest.  Through this MBFA (music book flipping activity) motivation technique I’ve not only reignited interest but have often learned many gems once over-looked in haste, or through the fingers of a less-experienced – or different – version of myself.  I like music books for their neat and tidy snapshot of a composer’s way of thinking, his taste, his way of seeing his musical world all in one slim volume.  

There’s a vibe to a good music book and usually a strong thread of brand excellence.  Consider a simple book/word association: 

• John Wilson Book 1 & 4-parted jigs
• Donald MacLeod Book 1 & competition strathspeys
• G S McLennan’s Book & big technique
• John MacFadyen Book 2 & 4-parted hornpipes 

Anyway, need some motivation, a kick-start, fresh eyes on your piping?  Grab your chanter and a music book and go crazy.

M