The Tunes That Changed Everything (Dojo Conversations Episode 138)

Ever wondered where some of the most loved tunes today came from?

In this episode, Andrew and Jim dive into the life of John McLellan of Dunoon – one of the most iconic figures in Scottish piping. As of 8 August 2025, it's been 150 years since McLellan was born, and the guys take the opportunity to explore what made his music so powerful, memorable, and ahead of its time.

They chat through the cultural and historical backdrop that influenced his tunes, unpack how his personal experiences shaped his writing, and take a look at how his legacy still echoes in the piping world today.

Got a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: [email protected]

Here’s what we cover this week:
00:00 – ChatGPT as a tour guide
01:50 – The Scottish Enlightenment, John Knox, and the rise of literacy
04:40 – The impact of universal education on Scottish society
07:00 – Scotland’s literary and musical giants: Hume, Smith, Burns, Scott
09:15 – John McLellan’s background and the 150th anniversary
11:00 – What makes McLellan’s tunes so special?
13:00 – The role of nostalgia and romanticism in piping
15:00 – Musical literacy, family influence, and McLellan’s musical skills
18:00 – The explosion of printed music and the military pipe band system
21:00 – Why did so many great composers emerge in the late 1800s?
24:00 – The “Bagpipe Musical Enlightenment” hypothesis
27:00 – The enduring influence of McLellan and his contemporaries
30:00 – Reflections on creativity, tradition, and innovation in piping
33:00 – Closing thoughts: McLellan’s legacy and the evolution of bagpipe music
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