I would suggest that songs were not grown evenly, that individual craftsmen were responsible for the major themes and verses altered, tweaked for local conditions and with time. They may even be formulaic for historical reasons with the template lasting for centuries.

Which is a platitude you could have picked up from what Jim or I were saying weeks or months ago.

You might also be expected to take an interest in finding out who some of these individual craftsmen were, and learn something about them. Jim's studies of Mikeen McCarthy would be an obvious one to look at. Here's another (email from Matt Seattle):

William Dixon Weekend, 17-18 October 2009

Autumn 2009 is the 100th anniversary of William Dixon's manuscript of pipe tunes being pulled out of the flames. It also marks 14 years since the publication of the music as The Master Piper.

Combining historical legitimacy with musical substance, Dixon's remarkable cross-border repertoire provides an exceptionally solid foundation for the revitalisation of Border piping, and demonstrates an approach to music which can inform our own playing.

The Weekend is for pipers and others who wish to become acquainted with Dixon's music or to deepen their acquaintance with it. The emphasis will be on hands-on playing, complemented by discussion and instruction.

By sharing in an exploration of Dixon's music it is hoped that a door will be opened for those who have previously found it inaccessible, and that all will come to a sense of how astounding the music is and how much it is needed today.

"Beyond all reasonable doubt, this is the oldest known manuscript of bagpipe music. Need I say more? It's one of the great discoveries of the century. It takes the history of Border piping back by two or three generations and gives us a whole new way of playing the bagpipes. But don't just take my word for it: play the tunes, learn them, and see how well they 'lie under the fingers'. It's the real thing ......."

(Professor R D Cannon)

The event will take place in Hawick, Scottish Borders. To register an interest or a firm intention, email Matt Seattle {theborderpiper(at)googlemail(dot)com} and you will be sent further details.

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Dixon Weekend 17-18 October: Update

I have received expressions of interest from 11 people so far and I now need sufficient confirmations to go ahead. Please will those who do wish to come confirm by 1st Sep or earlier as one person is considering coming from overseas and will need to book travel. I will then confirm the Event.

This will take place at Artbeat Studios, an open access community arts project. The room is large and comfortable but not luxurious. A proportion of the overall costs will go to support this registered Scottish charity.

I have arranged catering with the Damascus Drum for midday and evening Saturday and midday Sunday. I recommend the café and its food as inspiring. If you have individual dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian) please let me know when you confirm your booking.

The overall cost including tuition and three meals is £80. Accommodation is not included. Hawick is around an hour and a half from Edinburgh so some of you may be able to share transport to save on travel and B&Bs.

There will be an optional informal session on Saturday evening.

I have gained enormously from a close study of William Dixon's tunes. For fourteen years they have informed my playing, composing and understanding of pipe music. I know of no more direct route to Border piping. A list of tunes for study will be sent in good time and scores will be sent to those who do not have The Master Piper, which is currently out of print.