The National Piping Centre evening classes offer relaxed, friendly group tuition for pipers and drummers of all levels. Held at the NPC, these small classes are the perfect way to build skills, boost confidence, and share the joy of learning with others. The evening classes restart on the 17th of August, and all the details are below.
Classes available for:
- Highland Pipes
- Highland Pipes Piobaireachd (online class)
- Smallpipes
- Snare Drum
- Whistle
- Gaelic Language
Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time, returning after a break, or looking to refine your technique, our 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.
Book your place today
Learn together, grow together
Evening Class Open Evening
Evening Class Open Evening – Free to Attend
Curious about learning the pipes or drums? Come along to our Evening Class Open Evening and get a taste of what our classes are all about – completely free of charge!
This is your chance to:
- Meet our expert tutors and find out more about their teaching styles
- Chat with prospective classmates and connect with fellow enthusiasts
- Explore the instruments and see what’s involved in our evening programme
- Ask questions about levels, class structure, and progression
Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an experienced player looking to improve, the open evening is a relaxed and welcoming way to discover the right class for you.
Date & Time: Out next open evening will be announced soon!
Location: The National Piping Centre, Glasgow
Drinks and refreshments will be provided – bring your curiosity and leave inspired!
Choosing The Right Class For You
What’s Available
Our 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
Highland Pipes Piobaireachd (Online Class)
- Absolute Beginners – a welcoming introduction to playing piobaireachd
- 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
Gaelic language (In person)
- Beginner – an introduction to Gaelic language
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: Finlay Frame
- 6:00pm – Advanced
- 7:00pm – Intermediate
- 8:00pm – Absolute Beginner
Tuesday – Tutor: Ruairidh Buxton
- 6:00pm – Established Beginner
- 7:00pm – Intermediate
- 8:00pm – Advanced
Wednesday – Tutor: Aly Williams
- 6:00pm – Intermediate
- 7:00pm – Absolute Beginner
- 8:00pm – Advanced
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
Tuesday – Tutor: Lewis Maxwell
- 6:00pm – Absolute Beginner
- 7:00pm – Intermediate
- 8:00pm – Advanced
Wednesday – Tutor: Calum Craib (Piobaireachd)
- 6:00pm – Intermediate
- 7:00pm – Absolute Beginner
- 8:00pm – Advanced
Thursday – Tutor: Finlay Frame
- 6:00pm – Established Beginner
- 7:00pm – Advanced
- 8:00pm – Intermediate
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: Arren McWilliams
- 6:00pm – Advanced
- 7:00pm – Intermediate
- 8:00pm – Beginner
Whistle (In Person)
Tuesday – Tutor: Aly Williams
- 6:00pm – Beginner
- 7:00pm – Intermediate
- 8:00pm – Transitioning from Pipes
GAELIC LANGUAGE (In Person)
Wednesday – Tutor: Eilidh Danson
- 6:00pm – Beginner
Book your place now and secure your spot in this term’s classes!