🌟 Learn Bagpipes or Drums!

Join our introductory programme. Suited to all ages - kids/teens/adults. Expert tuition.

Pipe bands generally consist of 4 instruments – the highland bagpipes and three types of drums (snare, tenor and bass). The City of Melbourne Highland Pipe Band offers tuition on all four instruments.

Lessons are currently held each Thursday night from 6:30 to 7:30 at the band’s practice venue in the City. If you are interested in learning, or would like to find out more, please contact us. You’re welcome to turn up at our practice, but it helps if we’ve chatted to you first and are prepared.

Learn the Bagpipes

As a beginner you will start playing on a practice chanter (similar to a school recorder). On the practice chanter you will learn the rudiments of playing the pipes: the notes and embellishments, and some basic tunes. After 12 months or so you gradually progress to the full bagpipes.

We provide adult’s and children’s programmes. For adults we provide a mix of online and face to face learning, allowing you to learn at a pace that suits you along with support from experienced tutors. Children will attend weekly lessons at our band hall, starting with small-group lessons then joining in with our Melbourne Youth Pipe Band. You can learn more about the Youth Program at https://melbournepipeband.com.au/youth-program/

To start learning, you will need to purchase a practice chanter. The band can arrange that and provide tuition material. We also loan bagpipes to learners for a year or two until you are able to purchase your own.

Learn the Snare Drum

The snare drum is the rat-a-tat-tat type drum in pipe bands, using hard sticks (rear row in picture below). You will begin on a practice pad. Progression to the drum typically takes around six months, depending on you, and the amount of practice you can do. A practice pad and drums sticks are available for purchase from the band. Tuition materials are provided to you. You will not need to buy a drum – they are provided by the band.

Children will attend weekly lessons at our band hall, starting with small-group lessons then joining in with our Melbourne Youth Pipe Band. You can learn more about the Youth Program at https://melbournepipeband.com.au/youth-program/

Learn the Tenor or Bass Drum

Tenor and bass drums are the boom-boom type drums in pipe bands, using soft sticks. Generally you would learn to play a tenor drum first (front row in picture above), then bass if you liked and the opportunity was available (bands usually only have one or two bass drummers). To begin, you only need drum sticks. These are available for purchase from the band. Progression to the drum typically takes around four months, depending on you, and the amount of practice you can do. Tuition materials are provided to you. You will not need to buy a drum – they are provided by the band.

Children will attend weekly lessons at our band hall, starting with small-group lessons then joining in with our Melbourne Youth Pipe Band. You can learn more about the Youth Program at https://melbournepipeband.com.au/youth-program/

Find out more

Complete the form below and the appropriate band officer will be in touch to discuss your needs. Please include your preferred phone number and contact times.
Tuition enquiry
* indicates required field