The National Piping Centre’s Autumn Gathering takes place from October 27 – 30 at the McPhater Street venue with world class tuition provided by Finlay MacDonald, Margaret Houlihan, John Mulhearn and Andrew Bova, including a special guest visit from Finlay Johnston.
Enjoy inspiring daily tuition, 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.
Gatherings are the perfect blend of 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 music sessions
- Whisky tastings
- Entertainment, concerts & performances
- NPC merch goodie bags
The cost for the four days is £400 – click the link below for booking information and look for the Buy Passes link at the top of the page
Are the Gatherings suitable for complete beginners?
The Gatherings are open to all, 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 pipe majors 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!
Is it for me?
If you are still unsure about if it is right for you, we asked attendees at our recent school to tell us about their experiences and here is what they had to say:
“I found the whole Gathering experience absolutely brilliant, being able to attend in person, the staff and guest tutors were so down to earth and approachable, all being World famous Superstar Pipers. Everyone of them brought fountains of knowledge, new techniques for us to consider for our level of piping, and all where so passionate about piping, that most lessons ran over, which is so infectious. I’ve attended one or two Gatherings before, all of which were well worth doing, but this has to be the best to date. I’ve come away with renewed enthusiasm for my piping. I’ve always said, if the NPC says this is how to do it, no one can argue with that. I’ve had an amazing time, met some old friends and made new ones, will be booking for Spring 26.” 2024 Participant, Glasgow
“Thoroughly recommend attending an adult gathering at least once in your lifetime, I’ve done it twice and it resulted both times in a positive step change in my piping. World class instructors, fantastic location, and an easy and open way of teaching.” 2024 Participant, Glasgow