To enroll in any of The College of Piping programs, please download the Enrollment Form.
For Registration Information, including Policies and Procedures, please download the Registration Information.
The College offers regular curricula in the Great Highland Bagpipe, Pipe Band Drumming, Highland Dance and Step Dance.
The regular programming begins the Monday after Labour Day and wraps up in late June, following the public school academic year and holidays. Students have a variety of options in how their curriculum will take shape, depending on their experience and aspirations. Many come for private sessions, many for group work; some come once a week, and others multiple times a week.
All regularly scheduled programs are goal-driven, with the student and instructor mutual partners in achieving excellence.
For detailed information for the 2011/2012 programming, click on the link for each discipline:
Bagpiping Programs
½ Hour Group
The standard and basic offering for students of piping is a half-hour group lesson. These are offered weekly from September through June. Every effort is taken to keep the class sizes small so that each student gets as much individual attention as possible. Qualified students may be eligible for the Doug and Debbie Hall Scholarship
TUITION: $592.00
Other options will be offered in the 2011-2012 regular session in addition to the ½ Hour Group course.
2nd Lesson/Week
An additional half-hour session. This is highly recommended for first and second year students. In the earlier stages of development, continuity is key in building a solid foundation and is proven to get students on the pipes much quicker.
TUITION: $480.00
NB: Monday evening Charlottetown students should be prepared to come to Summerside for the second session, or to conduct the lesson on Skype. (Skype students must provide their own computer and internet access.)
1 Hour Private
Many advanced students and adult learners prefer a full hour of individual instruction. A certain level of ability will be required to sign up for the hour-long option in order to ensure productivity.
TUITION: $1,000.00
Other Courses
Leadership and Pipe Major Skills Cross-disciplinary with Drumming
For the serious pipe band student, this session will cover a range of topics. Leadership, motivational skills, organization, communication and best practices in running a rehearsal will be mixed with learning the basics of ensemble (including snare drumming), the art of setting up and tuning a pipe section, selecting and arranging appropriate music, and more.
September 19 to October 10
Pipers and drummers together ½ hour/week
October 17 to November 7
Pipers only ½ hour/week plus
time at grade 5 band practice
September 19 December 12
Pipers in the drumming studio ½ hour/week
TUITION: $225.00
Piping for Highland Dancing
Cross-disciplinary with Highland Dance
This course will give pipers the repertoire and experience needed to be proficient at piping for highland dancing and hireable! Highland Dance competitions often have trouble finding qualified pipers to hire. The course includes time in the Highland Dance studio to familiarize pipers with the steps.
October 10 to December 12
Piping ½ hour/week
January 9 to March 12
In the Highland Dance studio ½ hour/week
tuition: $225.00
Competition Track
Taking place in the late winter and early spring, this session addresses all aspects of preparation for competition. Students must have their competition repertoire prepared. Includes tips to prepare for individual events, confidence and nerve-management, presentation, and opportunities to perform in recreated competition conditions for practice. Participation in the College of Piping Indoor Contest (to be scheduled) and the Halifax Citadel Mini Competitions is recommended.
Week of Jan. 16 Mar. 5 - ½ hour/week
TUITION: $125.00
Stage Performance Track
Cross-disciplinary with Step Dance and more
For pipers who are interested in a future of performance on stage, at ceilidhs, and/or a part of a celtic group, this session will cover a broad range of topics depending on the experience of the class. The course includes time in the Step Dance studio, time with other instruments, and celtic music appreciation. A background in time signatures, tempos, key signatures, basic dance steps and the fundamentals of playing Highland and Small pipes with other instruments will be covered.
April 2 to May 21
½ hour/week
tuition: $125.00
Workshops
Piobaireachd Workshop
All students have the opportunity to work on piobaireachd during their weekly classes; this workshop will take a look at a range of topics depending on the experience and interests of the registrants. Focuses could include the current or next years Medal Lists, canntaireachd, manuscript traditions, and myriad other topics.
November (TBD)
Saturday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
price: $50 (includes lunch)
Teaching Skills Workshop
Multidisciplinary
For students who have an interest in becoming music or dance teachers. This workshop will cover teaching techniques, motivators, creative approaches, communication and all key aspects in ensuring each student in each environment receives optimal instruction. The course will be four sessions, facilitated by an instructor from each core discipline.
February 6 to 27
1 hr/week
price: $75
Composition Workshop
This course will cover all the background knowledge and skills required to compose, transcribe and write out new tunes. Upon completion of the course, registrants will submit an original tune for the College of Piping tune-writing contest.
April 9 to 30
½ hour/week
price: $50
Drumming Programs
½ Hour Group
The standard and basic offering for students of drumming is a half-hour group lesson. These are offered weekly from September through June. Every effort is taken to keep the class sizes small so that each student gets as much individual attention as possible. Qualified students may be eligible for the Doug and Debbie Hall Scholarship
TUITION: $592.00
Other options will be offered in the 2011-2012 regular session in addition to the ½ Hour Group course.
2nd Lesson/Week
An additional half-hour session. This is highly recommended for first and second year students. In the earlier stages of development, continuity is a key in building a solid foundation and is proven to get students on snare drums much quicker.
tuition: $480.00
NB: Monday evening Charlottetown students should be prepared to come to Summerside for the second session, or to conduct the lesson on Skype. (Skype students must provide their own computer and internet access.)
1 Hour Private
Many advanced students and adult learners prefer a full hour of individual instruction. A certain level of ability will be required to sign up for the hour-long option in order to ensure productivity.
tuition: $1,000.00
Other Courses
Leadership, Ensemble and
Composition Skills
Cross-disciplinary with Piping
For the serious pipe band student, this session will cover a range of topics. Leadership, motivational skills, organization, communication and best practices in running a rehearsal will be mixed with learning the basics of ensemble (including studying piping), the art of setting up and tuning a drum corps and writing scores appropriate to the level of the membership.
September 19 to October 10
Pipers and drummers together ½ hour/week
October 17 to November 7
Drummers only ½ hour/week plus
time at grade 5 band practice
September 19 to December 12
Drummers studying piping ½ hour/week
tuition: $225.00
Competition Track
Taking place in the late winter and early spring, this session addresses all aspects of preparation for competition. Students must have their competition repertoire prepared. Includes tips to prepare for individual events, confidence and nerve-management, presentation, and opportunities to perform in recreated competition conditions for practice. Performance with their chosen accompanying piper is required. Participation in the College of Piping Indoor Contest (to be scheduled) is recommended.
January 16 March 5
½ hour/week
tuition: $125.00
Stage Performance Track
For drummers who are interested in a future of performance on stage, at ceilidhs, and/or a part of a celtic group, this session will cover a broad range of topics depending on the experience of the class. The course includes time with other instruments, and celtic music appreciation. A background in time signatures, tempos, key signatures, basic step dance steps and the fundamentals of playing a wide range of percussion instruments in a celtic setting will be covered.
April 2 to May 21
½ hour/week
tuition: $125.00
Workshops
Teaching Skills Workshop Multidisciplinary
For students who have an interest in becoming music or dance teachers. This workshop will cover teaching techniques, motivators, creative approaches, communication and all key aspects in ensuring each student in each environment receives optimal instruction. The course will be four sessions, facilitated by an instructor from each core discipline.
February 6 to 27
1 hr/week
price: $75
Highland Dancing
Programs
½ Hour or 1 Hour Group
The standard and basic offering for students of Highland Dancing is the group lesson. These are offered in 30 or 60 minute sessions, depending on the age and experience of the dancer. These classes are offered weekly from September through June.
There are four general levels offered, with different scheduling requirements:
Beginner no previous experience
½ hour per week
tuition: $325.00
Returning beginner and novice
Recreational and competitive
1 hour per week
tuition: $475.00
Intermediate (recreational) &
Pre-premier (competitive)
Minimum 1 hour per week
Competitive dancers are encouraged to take a second lesson per week.
tuition: $555.00
Premier Competitive
1 hour twice per week
tuition: $1195.00
NB: Beginner classes will be divided by age.
Program Options
Other options will be offered in the 2011-2012 regular session in addition to the Group course.
2nd Lesson/Week
An additional 30 or 60 minute session. This is recommended for more advanced and competitive students.
½ hour tuition: $370.00
1 hour tuition: $555.00
½ Hour or 1 Hour Private
Many advanced students prefer the intensity of individual instruction. A certain level of experience will be required to sign up for the hour-long option in order to ensure productivity.
½ hour tuition: $555.00
1 hour tuition: $740.00
Other Courses
Open Class
A year round opportunity for retired or recreational dancers to get into the studio to stay fit and have fun!
Open to all levels.
September to June
½ hour/week
tuition: $125
Choreography Group
Intermediate and Advanced
Become part of a dance team. Whether designed for competition or for stage performance, the choreography groups will develop and refine routines, build teamwork skills and have fun!
January 9 to June 11
½ hour/week
(extra time may be added as necessary)
tuition: $175
Fitness Class
A targeted fitness and exercise class, designed to improve conditioning for both Highland and Step dancers. Recommended for competitive dancers.
January 9 to June 11
½ hour/week
tuition: $175
Workshops
Teaching Skills Workshop
Multidisciplinary
For students who have an interest in becoming music or dance teachers. This workshop will cover teaching techniques, motivators, creative approaches, communication and all key aspects in ensuring each student in each environment receives optimal instruction. The course will be four sessions, facilitated by an in-structor from each core discipline.
February 6 to 27
1 hour/week
price: $75
Step Dancing Programs
½ Hour or 1 Hour Group
The standard and basic offering for students of Step Dancing is the group lesson. These are offered in 30 or 60 minute sessions, depending on the age and experience of the dancer. These classes are offered weekly from September through June.
There are four general levels offered, with different scheduling requirements:
Beginner
½ hour per week
tuition: $325.00
Novice
1 hour per week
tuition: $475.00
Intermediate
1 hour per week
tuition: $475.00
Advanced
1 hour per week
tuition: $555.00
Program Options
Other options will be offered in the 2011-2012 regular session in addition to the Group course.
2nd Lesson/Week
An additional 30 or 60 minute session. This is highly recommended for more advanced students.
½ hour tuition: $370.00
1 hour tuition: $475.00
½ Hour or 1 Hour Private
Many advanced students prefer the intensity of individual instruction. A certain level of experience will be required to sign up for the hour-long option in order to ensure productivity.
½ hour tuition: $555.00
1 hour tuition: $740.00
Other Courses
Choreography Group
Intermediate and Advanced
Become part of a dance team. Whether designed for competition or for stage performance, the choreography groups will develop and refine routines, build teamwork skills and have fun!
January 9 to June 11
½ hour/week
(extra time may be added as necessary)
tuition: $175.00
Fitness Class
A targeted fitness and exercise class, designed to improve conditioning for both Highland and Step dancers. Recommended for competitive dancers.
January 9 to June 11
½ hour/week
tuition: $175.00
Workshops
Teaching Skills Workshop
Multidisciplinary
For students who have an interest in becoming music or dance teachers. This workshop will cover teaching techniques, motivators, creative approaches, communication and all key aspects in ensuring each student in each environment receives optimal instruction. The course will be four sessions, facilitated by an in-structor from each core discipline.
February 6 to 27
1 hour/week
price: $75
