An Overview

This is the UK’s only Bachelor of Music curriculum dedicated to traditional and folk music, and to the music of the Scottish Highland Bagpipe. Aspiring performers on this course explore Scotland’s unique and dynamic musical traditions as a conceptual, critical and creative framework within which to achieve a historically-informed yet distinctively personal voice as a piper and artist. This is interwoven with a solid basis in contemporary and eclectic performance practice.

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and The National Piping Centre offer a specialist degree that allows pipers to study piping within the context of Scottish traditional music to the highest level. This unique degree offers the chance for students to concentrate on the total study of piping in all forms, whilst also developing their performance under some of the best players in the world. Students receive instruction individually and in small groups and workshop settings. The course includes substantial study of the history, repertoire, traditions, performance practice and organology of the bagpipes, producing expert performers that have a deep understanding of their own, and other, traditions.

The nature of the Highland bagpipe and its repertoire, defined by highly individual and highly complex parameters of performance and musical structure, demands a teaching approach which integrates the instrument with the rest of Scottish traditional music while simultaneously respecting its uniqueness. The piping degree is therefore carefully structured to give the most thorough grounding possible in vital specialisms such as solo piping, piobaireachd, light music, and piping in a folk ensemble context, whilst sharing the same structure and range of contextual curriculum as in the main Traditional Music department. The degree’s core studies in Highland piping extends also to optional tuition in bellows-blown piping and other piping-specific electives, such as piping for dancing, regional Highland piping traditions, comparative European traditions, Gaelic for pipers, and more.

The two academic qualifications share an immense amount of common ground and the institutional emphasis is always on co-operation. This is based on the mutual recognition that a large part of the bagpipe’s future lies in working with other instruments, both from the wider Scottish tradition and beyond.

Institution Code:

R58

Programme Code:

251F

UK Deadline:

2 October 2023

International Deadline:

1 December 2023

Programme Structure

In your first year, you will consolidate and enhance your technique and your grounding in traditional repertoire in Highland pipe music, interwoven with development as a critical and creative artist, able to connect and engage critically with your own experience as a piper.

You will receive an introduction to music theory and website design, as you not only begin to construct your identity as a musician, but interpret it to the world.

This year also features a grounding for all students in Scots and Gaelic song, sources and folklore so as to instill a shared foundation in the roots of Scottish music and its relationship to language and culture.

Year 1 has a total of 120 credits across the modules below.

Principal Study Exam Requirements

Year 1 Performance A (Recital):

Internal recital, 30 minutes in duration, consisting of a varied programme of traditional (e.g. non-copyright or no later than 1960s) repertoire developed over the course of the academic year and drawn from key collections/sources fundamental to your Principal Study discipline.

Year 1 Performance B (Recital Audition):

Two in-lesson recitals (Last week of T1 and of T2) in which you should prepare a programme of 10-15 minutes duration, demonstrating evidence of progress in performing traditional repertoire from collections/sources fundamental to your Principal Study discipline. In your programme you should articulate how they are informing your own personal stylistic approach.

Material demonstrated in these lessons may be performed formally on the occasion of Performance A.

 

Performance (Piping) 1

Principal Study Lessons

Supporting Studies

  • Performance, Technique & Maintenance
  • A Concise History of Piping
  • Performing Ceol Beag of the 20th Century
  • The Piobaireachd Pit 1
  • Folk Ensemble Level 1
  • Sang Scuil | Sgoil nan Oran
  • Rhythmic Awareness

Critical Programme Notes

Credits: 60

Conceots in Traditional Music

ePortfolio of Research Tasks

Pecha Kucha presentation

Credits: 10

Creative Skills in Traditional Music 1

Traditional Music Theory Exam

Composition Folio of Tunes

Credits: 10

Scottish Traditional Repertoire 1

Performance

Programme Notes

Credits: 10

Introduction to Professional Skills for Musicians

ePortfolio

Credits: 10

Music Leadershop

Group Delivery of Activity and Supporting Reflection

Credits: 10

Creative Citizenship

Collaborate Creative Presentation

Credits: 10

In your second year, you will continue to nurture and extend your knowledge and practical skills as a solo and collaborative traditional musician through a broadening exploration of technique, repertoire and style relative to the bagpipe.

You will extend your skills in group Scots and Gaelic singing and in programming, performing and calling a ceilidh. You will expand outwards as a musician-researcher, exploring historic and social contexts and concepts, and draw relationships between practice, perception and context.

You will further nurture your composition and arrangement skills and expand your entrepreneurial skillset with reference to multiple audiences, licensing issues, intellectual property, marketing and digital music distribution.

Year 2 has a total of 120 credits across the modules below.

Principal Study Exam Requirements

Year 2 Performance A (Recital):

Internal recital, 30 minutes in duration, consisting of a varied programme of repertoire drawn from different regional, national, period or other styles/repertoires (or similar), drawn from appropriate sources (both traditional and contemporary), developed over the course of the academic year and open to observation by other students and staff.

Year 2 Performance B (Recital Audition):

Two in-lesson recitals (Last week of T1 and of T2) in which you should prepare a programme of 10-15 minutes duration, demonstrating evidence of progress in performing different regional, national, period or other styles/repertoires fundamental to your Principal Study discipline, drawn from appropriate sources (both traditional and contemporary).  In your programme you should articulate how they inform your own personal stylistic approach.

Material demonstrated in these lessons may be performed formally on the occasion of Performance A.

Performance (Piping) 2

Principal Study lessons

Supporting Studies

  • Performance, Technique & Maintenance
  • Performing Ceol Beag of the 19th Century
  • The Piorbaireachd Pit 2
  • Scottish Traditional Repertoire 2
  • Folk Ensemble Level 2
  • Sang Scuil | Sgoil nan Oran
  • Ceilidh Skills
  • Optional Study

Critical Commentary

Credits: 60

Traditional Music Research Portfolio

ePortfolio of Research Tasks

Presentation

Credits: 20

 

Creative Skills in Traditional Music 2

Composition Folio of Multi-Instrumental Pieces

Continuous Observation

Credits: 10

Music Leadership

Group Delivery and Supporting Reflection

Credits: 10

Options

Various

Credits: 20

Year three will see you develop a solid musical persona through fluent knowledge and expertise informed by your piping and a consolidation of your critical artistry in research and reflection. You will do this whilst developing your pedagogical knowledge and your practical skills in teaching traditional music in a range of environments.

You will address essential vocational issues in greater detail, such as self-assessed taxation, contract negotiation, creative arts funding and administration and the option of a formal work placement with, for example, the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland.

There is also an ongoing array of elective opportunities to be found in the department, the Royal Conservatoire and beyond; thereby continuing to nurture your own distinct artistic specialisms in a traditional, folk, or broader arts context.

Year 3 has a total of 120 credits across the modules below.

Principal Study Exam Requirements

Year 3 Performance A (Public Recital):

Public recital, 45 minutes in duration, that articulates a specific theme developed over the course of the academic year. Your theme may be soloist in nature or may involve collaboration with other singers or instrumentalists, accompaniment and (if appropriate) improvisation. Your programme may include, or indeed emphasise, your own compositions and arrangements so long as this is in alignment with your recital’s theme and your tutor’s approval.

You may involve a maximum of two accompanists in your public recital.

Year 3 Performance B (Recital Auditions):

Two in-lesson recitals (Last week of T1 and of T2) in which you should prepare a programme of 15 minutes duration, demonstrating evidence of progress in performing project material being developed to date that contribute to the theme of the final public recital.

Material demonstrated in these lessons may be performed formally on the occasion of Performance A.

Performance (Piping) 3

Principal Study lessons

Supporting Studies

  • Performance, Technique & Maintenance
  • Performing Ceol Beag of the 21st Century
  • The Piobairechd Pit 3
  • Scottish Traditional Reprtoire 3
  • Folk Ensemble Level 3
  • Optional Study

Critical Commentary

Credits: 60

Traditional Music Research Project

ePortfolio of Project

Presentation

Credits: 10

The Freelance Musician

ePortfolio

Credits: 10

The Teaching Musician

Video Documentation and Supporting Materials

Credits: 10

Core Option

Any Level, School of Music

Credits: 10

Options Module

From Music/Drama/Dance, Any Level

Credits: 20

Year four — the Honours year — occasions a synthesis of your critical, technical and creative development as a piper. In addition to engaging in your own substantial project work, deeply rooted in both tradition and innovation, toward an independent and original contribution to the field, you will continue to take advantage of the array of elective opportunities to be found in the department, including an intensive internship with the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust.

The Honours year is student-centred: working to achieve a distinct identity and musical voice within your own established parameters, culminating in a themed final public recital.

Year 4 has a total of 120 credits across the modules below.

Principal Study Exam Requirements

Year 4 Performance A (Public Recital):

Public recital, 45 minutes in duration, that articulates your distinct idiomatic voice through a specific theme or project developed over the course of the academic year in collaboration with your tutor(s) and, if appropriate, your peers, making explicit your depth of learning in one or more specialisms. Your programme may focus on, for example, composition, arrangement, improvisation, historical period styles, contemporary cross-genre, exploration of particular canons of repertoire, innovative collaborations, etc (you are free to choose).

You may involve a maximum of two accompanists in your public recital.

Year 4 Performance B (Recital Audition) Indicative content:

Two in-lesson recitals (Last week of T1 and of T2) in which you should prepare a programme of 15 minutes duration, demonstrating evidence of progress in performing project material being developed to date that contribute to the theme of the final public recital.

Material demonstrated in these lessons may be performed formally on the occasion of Performance A.

Year 4 Research Paper (20%)

A paper of c. 4,000 words analysing a chosen topic relevant to your performance practice and professional/artistic aspirations.

Year 4 Viva examination (10%)

A 20-minute viva examination to discuss your learning and forward planning.

Performance (Piping) 4

Principal Study lessons

Supporting Studies

  • Performance, Technique & Maintenance
  • Spring Piping Concert Arr. & Leadership
  • Optional Studies

Research Paper

Viva examination

Credits: 80

Core Option

Must be Level 10, School of Music

Credits: 10

Option Modules

From Music/Drama/Dance, Any Level

Credits: 30

Meet the Staff

Professor Joshua Dickson

Head of Traditional Music

Finlay MacDonald

Principal of the National Piping Centre

John Mulhearn

Head of Piping Studies

Willie McCallum

Piping Degree Tutor

Ross Ainslie

Piping Degree Tutor

Teaching Staff

Tutors

Ross Ainslie
Willie McCallum
John Mulhearn

Frequent visiting tutors for piping have included Barnaby Brown, Iain MacInnes, Fred Morrison, Roderick D Cannon, Hugh Cheape, Mike Katz, Peter McAllister and many more.

Masterclasses

The Royal Conservatoire’s Traditional Music department holds frequent masterclasses led by world-famous tradition-bearers, teachers and professional musicians from a broad range of backgrounds and expertise.

In addition to all the masterclass artists noted in BMus (Traditional Music) section of this website, artists specific to piping have recently included Roddy J MacLeod, Fraser Fifield, John Wilson, Rona Lightfoot and Fred Morrison.

Graduate Destinations

The Traditional Music programme has an excellent track record of graduate employment or self-employment within six months of graduation — upward of 90%. The programme prepares students for a wide and varied range of careers in traditional music; not all related to performance. Our graduates have gone on to establish their own recording labels, agencies or other entrepeneurial ventures; to tour extensively around the world; to become noted composers, producers and broadcasters; and to earn teaching qualifications to become classroom teachers; even to go on to further study in psychology and law.

Some noted alumni of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Department of Traditional Music include:

  • Finlay MacDonald (Director of the National Piping Centre; The Finlay MacDonald Band)
  • Findlay Napier (Back of the Moon; Findlay Napier and the Bar-Room Mountaineers)
  • Emily Smith
  • Paul McKenna and Ruairidh MacMillan (The Paul McKenna Band)
  • Daniel Thorpe (The Daniel Thorpe Trio)
  • Cameron Drummond (Highland Society of London Double Silver Medallist; Strathallan School)
  • Calum MacCrimmon (Man’s Ruin; Seudan; Breabach)
  • Siobhan Miller and Jean Leslie
  • Gillian Frame (Back of the Moon, Glasgow Fiddle Workshop)
  • Simon McKerrell (Lecturer, Newcastle University)
  • Angus MacPhail (Skippinish)
  • Jenna Reid
  • Stuart Cassells (Red Hot Chilli Pipers)
  • Kathleen MacInnes
  • Deirdre Graham
  • James Graham
  • Jack Smedley, David Foley and Steven Blake (Rura)
  • Robyn Stapleton (BBC Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2014)
  • Ainsley Hamill (Barluath)
  • Gordon Bruce (Highland Society of London Double Silver Medallist)
  • Grant McFarlane (CherryGrove)

Why Choose Us?

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is consistently ranked in the World Top 10 for performing arts education (QS World Rankings 2023)

We are uniquely placed in the UK to deliver the BMus (Hons) Traditional Music programme, working alongside professionals partners such as the National Piping Centre to really ensure our students get the very best from their education.

In addition to our position as educators and our reputation for having expert staff renowned in the field of Scottish traditional music with formidable reputations in the traditional music field, this programme offers additional benefits you won’t get studying anywhere else.

  • Unparalleled one-to-one tuition
  • Performance, Technique and Maintenance
  • Folk Ensemble
  • Ceol Beag of the 19th, 20th and 21st Centuries
  • The Piobaireachd Pit
  • Spring Piping Concert

A Campus Built For The Performing Arts

Explore the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in our 360 virtual tour. You’ll be able to see our rehearsal and practice rooms, professional performance venues, production workshops, editing suite, ballet studios and more.

Entry Requirements

General Academic Entrance Requirements
  • Scottish Highers — 3 passes (grade C or above)
  • A Levels — 2 passes
  • International Baccalaureate — minimum score of 24 with 3 subjects at Higher Level
  • Recognised equivalences (EU and International Entry Requirements)

We welcome the Scottish Baccalaureate and will accept combinations of Highers and Advanced Highers.

We offer a flexible approach to students taking Higher over more than one academic year and/or who achieve their qualifications in more than one sitting.

Subjects recommended

Within the minimum academic entrance requirements listed above, the subject recommended are:

  • Music at Higher, Advanced Higher or Advanced level or equivalent
  • English at Higher, Advanced Higher or Advanced level or equivalent
Other Standards

A strong indication of potential is sought at the entrance audition for this programme. Successful applicants will normally be of a standard at least equivalent to Grade 8 with Distinction of the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music in their Principal Study. You can apply and audition without having obtained Grade 8 with distinction, however as an indication only, applicants are normally expected to have reached this standard in their performance.

Language of Study

The language of study is English. Applicants who first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. We accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Level 6.0 (with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component) is required of applicants to the School of Music.

Direct Entry

Applications for direct entry beyond Year 1 will be considered on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with the Royal Conservatoire’s Recognition of Prior (Experiential) Learning policy. If you wish to apply for direct entry, please mark the point of entry on UCAS Conservatoires application as 2 or 3.

Non-Standard Entry

We welcome applications from individuals whose academic qualifications or English language qualifications do not match (in terms of equivalence) or fall short of the normal entrance requirements, where specified*. Having satisfied the Audition Panel that they meet the selection criteria and demonstrated that they have the capacity to pursue the proposed course of study, such applicants will be considered through examination of contextualised data provided in accordance with the Non-Standard Entry Policy. The appropriate Head of Department/ Programme will make a case in support of the applicant for consideration by the Directors of the Schools and Convener of the Quality and Standards Committee.

*Note that UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) imposes minimum English Language qualifications in respect of international (non-EU) applicants who require a Tier 4 Visa to study in the UK.

Mature Students