…I’m a perpetually aspiring uilleann piper. I’ve always greatly preferred to play with people rather than for people. I hate listening to recordings of myself, and I start to fumble a tune even just thinking about having other people listen to me. Actually performing solo? Sheer panic!

So, of course, I’m starting a piping practice blog where I can post audio snippets of myself for all the world to hear.

You ask: Am I crazy? Why am I doing this?

Of course I’m crazy. All uilleann pipers are crazy. Most of us are nuts long before we pick up the instrument — then we lose what remains of our sanity along the way.

OK, OK. The real reason I’m starting the blog is to hold myself publicly accountable for using my practice time wisely.   In theory, if I’m going to post a tune, I’m somewhat more likely to practice it diligently and carefully and thoughtfully. And if, in the process, I manage to face down some of those other fears, so much the better.

P.S. Since this is the internet, I may occasionally also post a cat picture.