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Awesome Bagpipers

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Welcome to Awesome Bagpipers! I’m Jeanie Hawes, and I’m here to take you inside the incredible world of piping. From major competitions in Scotland and North America, to more than a thousand live performances.

Now I get to share those stories, lessons, and conversations with you. We’ll also talk shop about gear, have some great interviews, and probably have a few tales that should never be told near a judging panel.

If you love bagpipes you’re in the right place. So grab your headphones and let’s explore the world of piping together, one podcast and one tune at a time.

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  • 9 episodes
  • Avg 24 min
  • English

Episodes 9

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  • S1 · E9
    May 7 · 27 min

    Bagpipe Myths Busted - Episode 9

    Bagpipe Myths Busted - Women, Reeds, Beginners & Tradition | Episode 9 Think women aren’t strong enough to play bagpipes? That you need to start as a child to ever be good? Or that you must use a hard reed to sound good? In this myth-busting episode of Awesome Bagpipers, Jeanie Hawes takes on the biggest misconceptions about the bagpipes and sets the record straight with straight-talk, personal stories, and practical wisdom. You’ll discover: Why one of the oldest (and most ridiculous) myths about women and bagpipes is completely wrong The surprising truth about starting bagpipes later in life — and why it might actually be an advantage The hidden dangers of the “harder is better” reed mentality that every beginner needs to hear How modern gear stacks up against traditional setups — and what really matters for great sound Inspiring real-life stories of pipers breaking barriers across age, gender, and culture Whether you’re a woman considering the pipes, an adult thinking it’s “too late,” a parent of a young player, or just tired of outdated piping advice, this episode will challenge what you thought you knew and leave you motivated to play. Perfect for anyone searching: bagpipe myths, women bagpipers, bagpipe reed advice, adult beginners bagpipes, bagpipe strength training, starting bagpipes later in life, or hard vs easy bagpipe reeds. If you love bagpipes and a bit of Scottish spirit, you’re in the right place. Grab your headphones and let’s explore the world of piping together, one podcast and one tune at a time. Subscribe to Awesome Bagpipers for more real-talk stories, gear secrets, motivation, and adventures from Scotland to Calgary! 🎶🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 #Bagpipes #BagpipeMyths #WomenBagpipers #BagpipeReeds #AdultBeginners #PipingTips #ScottishMusic #PipeBand #BagpipeLife #MythsBusted

  • S1 · E8
    April 2 · 35 min

    Bagpipe Motivation Tips - Episode 8

    Bagpipe Motivation Tips - How to Keep Playing And Practicing When You Don’t Feel Like It | Ep. 8 Some days the pipes feel heavy, your fingers are sluggish, and the practice chanter looks way more appealing than firing up the full set. Sound familiar? In this episode of Awesome Bagpipers, Jeanie Hawes shares practical tools and tips to build motivation that actually lasts — whether you’re a busy student, working adult, or seasoned piper hitting a plateau. Jeannie reveals: • The surprising motivation killer that affects almost every piper and why fighting it usually backfires • Her personal “just start for 10 minutes” trick • How busy students and working adults can sneak in effective practice without waiting for the “perfect” day • The clever way she keeps young players excited instead of burning out • Why short-term targets beat long-term willpower every single time • How to push through frustrating plateaus without losing your love for the pipes • The unexpected reward she uses to make even tough practice sessions feel worthwhile Plus real stories: opening for Alan Doyle of Great Big Sea, the hilarious Taylor Swift “Love Story” wedding request, the wild Robbie Burns Night stairwell incident no one saw coming and the Cosmopolitan fueled practice trick that actually worked. Whether you’re struggling to find time after school, sports or work, feeling stuck on a plateau, or just need fresh ways to make practice enjoyable again, this episode gives you simple mindset shifts that turn “I should practice” into “I get to practice.” Searching for bagpipe practice motivation, how to stay motivated on bagpipes, piping practice tips, overcoming bagpipe practice burnout, or building consistent bagpipe habits? This one’s for you. If you love bagpipes and a bit of Scottish spirit, you’re in the right place. Grab your headphones and let’s explore the world of piping together, one podcast and one tune at a time. Subscribe to Awesome Bagpipers for more real-talk stories, gear advice, interviews, and motivation from the pipes! 🎶🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 #Bagpipes #Bagpipe #Bagpiper #Bagpipers #PipeBand #Piping #ScottishMusic #BagpipePractice #PipingMotivation #BagpipeTips #PracticeMotivation #ScottishPiping

  • S1 · E7
    March 15 · 28 min

    Bagpipe Anxiety Tips - Episode 7

    Piping Anxiety Tips - Turning Anxiety and Nerves into Energy: Mindset Shifts, Routines & Tips for Bagpipers | Ep. 7 Have you ever stepped onto the stage with pipes on your shoulder, heart pounding so hard you can barely hear your drones, fingers suddenly feeling like strangers? What if you could turn that rush of performance anxiety into pure energy that lifts your music instead of holding it back? In this must listen episode of Awesome Bagpipers, host Jeanie Hawes (1,000+ performances, competition medals chaser) opens up about her own journey from debilitating nerves in high-level competitions to confidently harnessing them as excitement. Jeanie reveals: The one mindset flip that turned her “debilitating” competition nerves into performance fuel Why fighting anxiety usually makes it worse — and what to do instead The surprising rehearsal mistake that actually causes memory blocks on stage The personal “excitement sweet spot” every piper needs to find (and how to know when you’ve overshot it) The brutal truth about peer pressure when other top pipers are watching Why “I’m not doing brain surgery” became her ultimate perspective reset The instant confidence booster she swears by before every gig or competition Plus real stories: the judge who asked “When are you going to get serious?” after her set, why her brother might call her piping style “attention deficit disorder,” the infamous one-eyed full-mask sporran staring down the competition, and why pipers would max out an imaginary volume knob. Whether you’re a beginner frozen by first-competition jitters, a solo competitor at the top level, or a pipe-band member worried about being the weak link, these battle-tested tools will help you play freely, interpret music better, keep steady blowing, and actually enjoy performing. Searching for performance anxiety bagpipes, piping nerves, bagpipe stage fright, overcoming competition anxiety, piping mindset shifts, or how to harness nerves for better bagpipe playing? This episode is for you. If you love bagpipes and a bit of Scottish spirit, you’re in the right place. Grab your headphones and let’s explore the world of piping together, one podcast and one tune at a time. Subscribe to Awesome Bagpipers for more piping stories, gear secrets, interviews, and adventures from Scotland to Calgary! 🎶🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Awesome Pipers website: https://www.awesomebagpipers.com/ Highland Shoppe: https://thehighlandshoppe.com/ Jeanie Hawes on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/jeanie.hawes.39 #Bagpipes #PerformanceAnxiety #PipingNerves #BagpipeTips #OvercomeStageFright #PipingMindset #CompetitionAnxiety #ScottishMusic #PipeBand

  • S1 · E6
    February 27 · 23 min

    Bagpipe Tune Memory - Episode 6

    Bagpipe Tune Memorization Tips: Master Patterns, Visualization & Repetition for Pipers | Ep. 6 Struggling to make bagpipe tunes stick? What if you could memorize faster, play from memory with confidence, and turn frustrating brain meltdowns into autopilot mastery? In this must-listen episode of Awesome Bagpipers, host Jeanie Hawes (1000+ performances, competition medals) reveals her tools and tricks that transformed her own memorization game. Jeanie reveals: The "beat it to death" repetition method that builds unbreakable muscle memory (even when some days feel like starting over) How spotting hidden patterns, like identical lines in tunes, can cut your learning time dramatically Music visualization: literally seeing sheet music in your head for Piobaireachd and medleys The power of singing/humming (and the history of Canntaireachd saving tunes following the Jacobite rising) Simple drills like flipping your music away to test yourself, plus mindset shifts to ditch self-doubt Fun stories: learning a competition Piobaireachd in just 5 days to win…and the mortifying moment of a memory glitch during a pro competition Whether you're a beginner learning your first tunes, a competitor prepping for Highland Games, or a piper tired of sheet-music crutches, these insider tips will help you memorize tunes faster, play confidently, and enjoy piping more. Curious how pros really memorize? Searching for bagpipe tun memorization tips, how to memorize bagpipe tunes, bagpipe memory techniques, Piobaireachd memorization, piping pattern tricks, or bagpipe learning hacks? This episode is for you. If you love bagpipes and a bit of Scottish spirit, you’re in the right place. Grab your headphones (or chanter), settle in, and let’s make your tunes unforgettable, one podcast and one tune at a time. Subscribe to Awesome Bagpipers for more piping stories, gear secrets, interviews, and adventures from Scotland to Calgary! 🎶🏴 Awesome Pipers website: ⁠https://www.awesomebagpipers.com/⁠ Highland Shoppe: ⁠https://thehighlandshoppe.com/⁠ Jeanie Hawes on Facebook and Instagram: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/jeanie.hawes.39⁠ #Bagpipes #BagpipeMemorization #MemorizeBagpipeTunes#PipingTips #Piobaireachd #ScottishMusic #PipeBand

  • S1 · E5
    February 13 · 25 min

    Bagpipe Stamina Tips - Episode 5

    Bagpipe Stamina & Fitness Secrets: Build Endurance, Breath Control & Power for Pipers | Awesome Bagpipers Ep. 5 Discover how bagpiping is a full-body workout that rivals marathon running or high-intensity training! In this episode of Awesome Bagpipers, host Jeanie Hawes (pro piper with 1000+ performances and competition medals) shares real-talk tips on building stamina, mastering steady blowing, improving breath control, and strengthening the muscles that matter—core, diaphragm, arms, fingers, and more. Jeanie reveals: Why most beginners struggle with endurance (and how "playing more" + smart setup fixes it) Cross-training ideas (cardio, HIIT, yoga, hiking) that boost piping without injuring fingers Hydration, nutrition & pre-performance prep secrets from great pipers Overcoming injuries, finger cramps, and marching demands (parades, Highland Games marches) Funny stories: playing in -30°C wind chill, hockey rink gigs, and treating your pipes like a "beasty" Whether you're a beginner battling to hold a steady tone, a solo competitor pushing for medals, or a pipe band member facing long parades, these practical fitness and mindset tips will help you play longer, stronger, and with better tone. Perfect for anyone looking for: bagpipe stamina tips, bagpipe breath control, piping fitness, bagpipe endurance, physical demands of bagpipes, or how to blow steady on the Great Highland Bagpipe. If you love bagpipes, and a bit of Scottish spirit, you’re in the right place. So grab your headphones and let’s explore the world of piping together, one podcast and one tune at a time. Subscribe to Awesome Bagpipers for more insider stories, gear talk, interviews, and piping adventures from Scotland to Calgary! 🎶🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Awesome Pipers website: ⁠⁠https://www.awesomebagpipers.com/⁠⁠ Highland Shoppe: ⁠⁠https://thehighlandshoppe.com/⁠⁠ Jeanie Hawes on Facebook and Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/jeanie.hawes.39⁠⁠ #Bagpipes #BagpipeFitness #PipingStamina #BreathControl #ScottishMusic #PipeBand

  • S1 · E4
    January 21 · 32 min

    Robert Burns Special - Episode 4

    On today’s podcast we discuss all things Robert Burns, from attire and accessories, what to play if you're piping at a Burns event, food and haggis, how to host an event, and of course some classic Burns stories. Welcome to Awesome Bagpipers! I’m Jeanie Hawes, and I’m here to take you inside the incredible world of piping. If you love bagpipes, and a bit of Scottish spirit, you’re in the right place. So grab your headphones and let’s explore the world of piping together, one podcast and one tune at a time. Awesome Pipers website: ⁠⁠https://www.awesomebagpipers.com/⁠⁠ Highland Shoppe: ⁠⁠https://thehighlandshoppe.com/⁠⁠ Jeanie Hawes on Facebook and Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/jeanie.hawes.39⁠⁠

  • S1 · E3
    January 14 · 15 min

    Billy Hawes Pipe Chat - Episode 3

    Welcome to Awesome Bagpipers! I’m Jeanie Hawes, and I’m here to take you inside the incredible world of piping. On today’s podcast we’re joined by my brother Bill Hawes who is an accomplished piper and co-owner of the Highland Shoppe. We talk about piping for gigs including weddings and special events, synthetic vs traditional bags for the bagpipes, custom kilt outfits, and a few memorable piping gig stories. If you love bagpipes, and a bit of Scottish spirit, you’re in the right place. So grab your headphones and let’s explore the world of piping together, one podcast and one tune at a time. Awesome Pipers website: ⁠⁠https://www.awesomebagpipers.com/⁠⁠ Highland Shoppe: ⁠⁠https://thehighlandshoppe.com/⁠⁠ Jeanie Hawes on Facebook and Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/jeanie.hawes.39⁠⁠

  • S1 · E2
    Dec 23, 2025 · 19 min

    Great Sounding Pipes - Episode 2

    Welcome to Awesome Bagpipers! I’m Jeanie Hawes, and I’m here to take you inside the incredible world of piping. On today’s podcast we continue to discuss some of the more frequent questions I’m often asked while piping. These include solo piping vs band piping, tips for a great sounding bagpipe, and secrets for a great performance. If you love bagpipes, and a bit of Scottish spirit, you’re in the right place. So grab your headphones and let’s explore the world of piping together, one podcast and one tune at a time. Awesome Pipers website: ⁠⁠https://www.awesomebagpipers.com/⁠⁠ Highland Shoppe: ⁠⁠https://thehighlandshoppe.com/⁠⁠ Jeanie Hawes on Facebook and Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/jeanie.hawes.39⁠⁠

  • S1 · E1
    Dec 4, 2025 · 14 min

    Episode 1

    Welcome to Awesome Bagpipers! I’m Jeanie Hawes, and I’m here to take you inside the incredible world of piping. From major competitions in Scotland and North America, to more than a thousand live performances. On today’s podcast we discuss some of the more frequent questions I’m often asked while piping. I’ve spent at lot time chasing medals and working hard to make a living as a piper — and now I get to share those stories, lessons, and conversations with you. We’ll also talk shop about gear, have some great interviews, and probably have a few tales that should never be told near a judging panel. If you love bagpipes, and a bit of Scottish spirit, you’re in the right place. So grab your headphones and let’s explore the world of piping together, one podcast and one tune at a time. Awesome Pipers website: ⁠⁠https://www.awesomebagpipers.com/⁠⁠ Highland Shoppe: ⁠⁠https://thehighlandshoppe.com/⁠⁠ Jeanie Hawes on Facebook and Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/jeanie.hawes.39⁠⁠

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