The College of Piping and Drumming runs courses in various centres throughout the winter months . Players are brought from the very basics of playing and musical theory at Grade 1 through to an in-depth knowledge of musical theory and playing technique at Grade 7 .
Examinations consist of a practical test and a theory paper .
Certificates are awarded by the college and students are also encouraged to sit the examinations set by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association . The students of the College of Piping and Drumming have had a very high success rate in these examinations to date . The ultimate aim of the college is to produce a large pool of knowledge and expertise for the IPBA which should eventually improve the playing standards of all our bands . The following are some of the areas covered over the various grades . During the course all candidates will learn a standard tune or drum score and will play as a band on the final weekend of the course .