Option 1 - Five days School for Pipers and Drummers
The daily program will cover all aspects of performance including practice routines, technique, musical expression, tuning and ensemble playing.
Students will be taught in a small group of similar ability for three to four hours per day. The remaining time should be used for productive practice. Students are encouraged to bring recording equipment to classes.
Beginner level piping students are advised to bring/ buy in advance a copy of The National Piping Centre’s Tutor Book, this can be done on-line from The National Piping Centre Shop.
Pipers will have the opportunity to sit Piping and Drumming Qualification Board examinations. For more information on the exams please see the PDQB Syllabus page.
Timetables, student information and music packs will be issued at Monday morning assembly.
Options 2 & 3 - Two and a half day series
The two and a half day series is for pipers only, and consists of a series of 10 larger group session workshops. Students can opt to take this course starting Monday until lunch time Wednesday (Option 2) or starting after lunch on Wednesday until Friday afternoon (Option 3). You will receive four workshops each day, two in the morning and two in the afternoon, (ten in total over the two and a half days) Aspects such as Piobaireachd, musical expression, tuning, technique, and maintenance will be some of the items covered. This course is not recommended for total beginners. Beginners are recommended to attend the five day school. Please see below for the schedule.
Schedule for two and a half day series & single workshop options
We have carefully designed two different levels of workshops for students to chose from for options 2 and 3 as shown above.
For Option 2 - Novice Piper
Description of Novice Level
Can competently play tunes of varying time signatures including Marches, Strathspeys and Reels on the chanter.
Is starting or has started on pipes and can perform some simple tunes. Needs assistance tuning. Developing finger technique.
For Option 3 - Intermediate/Advanced Piper
Intermediate Level - Working on four parted Marches, Strathspeys and Reels also can play some hornpipes and jigs. Can perform all on the bagpipe. Perhaps ready to progress to Piobaireachd.
Can tune pipes reasonably well or attempt to tune.
Technique quite developed but needs some work.
Advanced Level - Fluent with all aspects of light music. Able to play some Piobaireachd on the bagpipe. Can tune pipes accurately. Perhaps ready to compete in solo competition or able to attain that standard at good junior level or beyond.
Option 4 - Single Workshops
While some students may have opted for the two and a half day series you may not be able to attend all of these workshops due to work or other commitments. Therefore we have introduced an option which you can opt for any single workshops at times which may suit you.
The National Piping Centre and Glasgow University have created a unique opportunity for international students who wish to come to Glasgow University 
With excellent locations and facilities students are sure to enjoy the opportunity to learn from some of the World's leading exponents in piping and drumming.
The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD) and The National Piping Centre (NPC) offer a specialist degree that allows pipers to study piping within the context of Scottish traditional music to the highest level. 
The National Piping Centre has a reputation for excellence and it is no different when it comes to traditional Scottish food. There is always a selection of the finest Scottish produce on offer...
We supply expert pipers in full highland dress for every occasion. Our pipers have abundant experience in piping at all types of engagements and are guaranteed to add a special Scottish touch to your event.
