About the School

The Northern Ireland Piping and Drumming school was founded in 1980 by its current Director and is maintained by an annual grant from The Arts Council of Northern Ireland. The school officiallycarries out all education functions and requirements of the Northern Ireland Branch of The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association but its courses are not exclusively for pipe band members. Students range from 7 to 70 years old, with the majority being within the 16 – 25 age band.

The school places great emphasis on standards in both the theory of music and practical playing, and as a result, appoints an external examiner annually to monitor and report on the performances of students undertaking school examinations. The programme within the school is divided into eight grades for theory of music and practical playing and students are examined separately in these. Failure to satisfy in one aspect does not hinder progress in another. Normally, however, students are not permitted to carry a differential between theory and practice of more than two grades. The history of piping and drumming is also included as an integral part of the course. The practical playing programme incorporates piobaireachd and bass and tenor drumming.

Courses are organised to cover complete grades and students progress from grade to grade according to attainment and ability. Students with some prior knowledge of music theory, piping or drumming can take between 3 to 5 years to work through all 8 grades, complete beginners will take longer. A certificate is awarded for each grade completed and students may discontinue their studies at any time and may return to enrol for the next higher grade as appropriate.

Students of the school have attained awards in solo competitions in both piping and drumming at the highest level and others have led their bands to world titles. The school caters for all abilities, however, and many come, not to gain competitive honours, but to become themselves qualified teachers in the piping and drumming field or just to enjoy the experience of being able to play with a degree of confidence.

The school also provides courses for instructors and master classes for solo players as well as offering a system of accreditation in piping and drumming which is equivalent and comparable to that provided by other colleges of music and music boards. A comprehensive programme of lectures, workshops and master classes is run in conjunction with The Institute of Ulster-Scots Studies at The University of Ulster.

The school also offers help for pipers and drummers wanting to use their knowledge and skills to gain the General Certificate of Education or The Duke of Edinburgh Award. Preparation is also provided for The RSPBA Advanced certificate on request. Minimum entrance standard is Grade7 Theory and Practical.

Classes are currently offered at two centres in Northern Ireland, via Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn City and The University of Ulster Magee Campus, in association with The Institute of Ulster-Scots Studies. Classess take place on Saturday mornings from 10:00am to 12:30pm, from the end of September to March in two semesters.