Evening Classes
The National Piping Centre evening classes offer relaxed, friendly group tuition for pipers and drummers of all levels. Held at the NPC building at MacPhater Street, these small classes are the perfect way to build skills, boost confidence, and share the joy of learning with others.
Classes available for:
- Highland Pipes
- Smallpipes
- Snare Drum
- Bass & Tenor Drum
Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time, returning after a break, or looking to refine your technique, the experienced tutors will guide you every step of the way. With a welcoming environment and a supportive community, you’ll feel at home from your very first session.
Why Join?
- Learn at your own pace with small group sizes
- Expert tuition from world-class piping and drumming instructors
- A sociable, encouraging atmosphere where everyone belongs
- Step-by-step progression, whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced player
Classes run on weekday evenings, making it easy to fit the classes into your routine — and giving you something inspiring to look forward to each week.

Choosing The Right Class For You
The evening programme offers a wide range of classes to suit every level and area of interest. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your playing to the next stage, there’s a class for you.
🎶 Highland Pipes (In Person & Online)
- Absolute Beginner – for those picking up the chanter for the very first time
- Established Beginner – build confidence and expand your repertoire
- Intermediate – develop technique, tone, and musicality
- Advanced – refine performance skills and tackle more challenging music
🎶 Smallpipes (In person)
- Beginners – a welcoming introduction to playing the smallpipes
- Transitioning from Highland Pipes – for pipers moving onto smallpipes for the first time
- Smallpipes in Gaelic – develop your piping skills through the Gaelic language and tradition
🥁 Snare Drum (In person)
- Beginner – learn the basics of grip, rhythm, and technique
- Intermediate – build speed, precision, and repertoire
- Advanced – master complex scores and performance skills
🥁 Bass & Tenor Drum (In person)
- Beginner – an introduction to rhythm, technique, and flourishing
- Intermediate – strengthen playing and ensemble skills
- Advanced – develop artistry, precision, and advanced flourishing
No matter which class you choose, you’ll learn in a supportive, small-group setting with expert tutors who are passionate about helping you progress.
👉 Check the timetable below and book your place today.
At A Time To Suit You
Evening Classes Timetable
🎶 Highland Pipes (In Person)
Monday – Tutor: Aly Williams
- 6:00pm – Advanced
- 7:00pm – Intermediate
- 8:00pm – Absolute Beginner
Thursday – Tutor: Sophie Stringer
- 6:00pm – Established Beginner
- 7:00pm – Advanced
- 8:00pm – Intermediate
💻 Highland Pipes (Online)
Monday – Tutor: Danny Hutcheson
- 6:00pm – Advanced
- 7:00pm – Intermediate
- 8:00pm – Established Beginner
Wednesday – Tutor: Emma Hill
- 6:00pm – Intermediate
- 7:00pm – Absolute Beginner
- 8:00pm – Advanced
🎶 Smallpipes (In Person)
Monday – Tutor: Fionnlagh Mac A’ Phiocair
- 6:00pm – Smallpipes in Gaelic
Tuesday – Tutor: Fionnlagh Mac A’ Phiocair
- 6:00pm – Beginner
- 7:00pm – Transition from Highland Pipes
🥁 Snare Drum (In Person)
Monday – Tutor: Mackenzie Forrest
- 6:00pm – Advanced
- 7:00pm – Intermediate
- 8:00pm – Beginner
🥁 Bass & Tenor Drum (In Person)
Thursday – Tutor: Bronwen Davies
- 6:00pm – Beginner
- 7:00pm – Advanced
- 8:00pm – Intermediate



