More than a course. A piping experience
Book A Gathering Place NowNPC Gatherings
Join us for the National Piping Centre’s Gatherings; our 5 day course where music, learning, laughter and connection are at the heart of the experience.
Enjoy inspiring daily tuition from renowned pipers, explore traditional music through informal recitals, sessions and workshops, and experience the power of group music making! Open to all levels, this is a truly inclusive, social and immersive week where pipers come together to learn and live the music we love.
NPC Gatherings
Bellows Gathering 2026 – In partnership with the LBPS
1–3 May 2026 | The National Piping Centre, Glasgow
Join us this May for the Bellows Gathering 2026, a unique 2.5-day immersive course celebrating bellows-blown piping traditions, delivered in partnership with the Lowland and Border Pipers’ Society. Taking place at the National Piping Centre in Glasgow, this special weekend brings together players who want to deepen their understanding of smallpipes and other bellows-blown instruments in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Across the weekend, participants will take part in a varied programme of hands-on workshops, group sessions, one-to-one lessons and informal recitals, designed to help players get the most out of their instruments. From improving tone and setup to exploring repertoire and playing with others, the Bellows Gathering offers practical learning alongside plenty of opportunities to make music together.
Topics covered across the weekend include:
- Reed making and instrument setup
- Session repertoire and ensemble playing
- Gàidhlig song with smallpipes
- The history of bellows pipes and the folk revival
- Exploring repertoire from related piping traditions
As with all NPC Gatherings, the weekend combines expert tuition with a welcoming social atmosphere, with time built in for sessions, informal performances and meeting fellow pipers who share a passion for bellows-blown pipes.
Participants should bring their own instrument and have prior playing experience, as the course is designed for players who want to develop their skills, expand their repertoire and connect with the wider bellows piping community.
NPC Gatherings
Autumn Gathering 2026
2-6 November 2026 | The National Piping Centre, Glasgow
Be part of The NPC Autumn Gathering in-person at The National Piping Centre this November!
This fantastic four-day immersive experience is designed to be as fun as it is educational, offering a deep dive into piping traditions under the guidance of our world-class instructors. Taking place in the heart of Glasgow, the Autumn Gathering brings together pipers from all backgrounds for a week of intensive learning and musical growth.
Across the four days, participants will engage in a rich and varied programme featuring masterclass workshops, group sessions and performance training. Whether you are looking to refine your technique, explore new repertoire, or gain confidence performing with others, the timetable provides a balanced mix of expert tuition and dedicated practice time.
What to expect:
- Intensive group and individual coaching from top-tier instructors.
- Specialized sessions focusing on advanced techniques and musicality.
- Experience the power of the pipes by learning and performing as a collective pipe corps.
- Practical workshops covering maintenance, tuning and instrument setup.
As with all NPC Gatherings, the week combines high-level musical development with a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere. It includes evening social events, informal music-making and some of the much-loved extras NPC Gatherings are known for, such as sessions, fun group activities and live performances.
The Autumn Gathering is recommended for adult players aged 18+ at intermediate level and above, making it ideal for solo pipers, pipe band players, returning learners and anyone looking for fresh inspiration in their music. The event takes place at the National Piping Centre’s McPhater Street venue in Glasgow.
What is a Gathering?
Gatherings are the perfect blend of world class tuition and social activities. While no two gatherings are exactly the same here is a list of activities you could expect to see:
- Whole group teaching
- Specialist skills breakout sessions
- Pub quizzes
- Tryst sessions
- Whisky tastings
- Entertainment, concerts & performances
- NPC merch goodie bags
2026 Gathering Dates
NPC Gathering FAQs
Where do the Gatherings take place?
Gatherings take place at the NPC’s McPhater Street venue.
Are the Gatherings suitable for complete beginners?
The Gatherings are open to people aged 18+, however we would recommend them for intermediate players and up so that you can make the most of the different sessions.
Who teaches on the Gatherings?
The teaching roster changes every time to give each Gathering a unique feel and ensure returning participants get a different experience. We use a blend of the NPC’s excellent teaching staff and carefully selected guest teachers ranging from Grade 1 PM’s to Glenfiddich winners and Folk Music’s biggest names.
How many Gatherings are there?
There are two Gatherings per year. One in the Spring to get you set for the season and another in the Autumn, after the Glenfiddich, as an end of season get-together!
Quotes From Our Participants
