News
NIPDS Secures Arts Council of Northern Ireland Funding for 2026–2027
We are delighted to announce that the Northern Ireland Piping and Drumming School (NIPDS) has successfully secured funding from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI) for the 2026–2027 programme year.
This funding will enable us to continue delivering our high-quality piping and drumming tuition from September to December 2026 and again from January to March 2027, ensuring that children, young people and adults across Northern Ireland have continued access to professional instruction in our rich musical heritage.
For more than 40 years, NIPDS has been at the heart of preserving, promoting and developing the traditional arts of piping and drumming. Generations of musicians have started their musical journey with us, progressing from complete beginners to accomplished performers, band members, tutors and ambassadors for Northern Ireland's unique cultural traditions.
The continued support of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland recognises the vital role that heritage music plays in strengthening communities, building confidence, promoting wellbeing and creating opportunities for lifelong learning. By subsidising lesson costs, this funding ensures that high-quality tuition remains affordable and accessible to as many people as possible, helping to remove financial barriers that might otherwise prevent participation.
At NIPDS, we believe that cultural music belongs to everyone. Whether someone is picking up a practice chanter or drumsticks for the first time, returning to music after many years, or developing advanced performance skills, our experienced tutors provide a welcoming and supportive learning environment where students can thrive.
As we look ahead to another exciting programme of lessons, workshops and community engagement, we remain committed to safeguarding and celebrating Northern Ireland's rich piping and drumming heritage for future generations.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for their continued investment in traditional arts and to all of our students, families, tutors, volunteers and partner organisations whose passion and dedication have helped sustain NIPDS for over four decades.
We look forward to welcoming both returning and new students this September as we continue inspiring the next generation of pipers and drummers.
NIPDS Annual Presentation Evening 2026
In June 2026, the Northern Ireland Piping and Drumming School (NIPDS) held its Annual Presentation Evening, bringing together students, tutors, families and friends to celebrate another successful year.
The evening featured a range of excellent performances from our students, showcasing the hard work, dedication and musical progress they have made throughout the year.
Certificates were presented to recognise students' achievements, while a number of special awards celebrated outstanding commitment, progress and excellence. We were also delighted to honour our tutors, whose passion and expertise continue to inspire the next generation of pipers and drummers.
Congratulations to all of our students and award winners, and thank you to everyone who helped make the evening such a memorable celebration of our shared musical heritage.
Northern Ireland Piping and Drumming School Presentation of Awards Evening 2025
On Friday 16th May 2025 the Northern Ireland Piping and Drumming School held their presentation of awards at the Hill of O’Neill, Ranfurly House Dungannon. There were students and tutors from all three schools in attendance, Lisburn, Dungannon and Enniskillen, as well as many family members. The awards were presented by Sam Bailie, the original founder of the school which started 45 years ago back in 1979. In a show of respect and gratefulness for Sam's dedication he was presented with an celebratory gift of a wooden practice chanter with the school motto engrarved. There were over 50 certificates awarded over the various disciplines from within the school, Piping, Drumming, Music theory and Drum Majoring, ranging from Grade 1 to grade 8.
World Solo Drumming Championships 2024
Congratulations to our pupils who won prizes at the 2024 Championships.
Lexi Kerr who came 5th in the Juvenile Snare Section 3 March Strathspey and Reel and Jamie Coffey who came 1st in the Juvenile Snare Section 4 MSR – Final.
Lexi
Jamie
2024 Presentation Night - September
There were three higher achievement awards given to the highest achievers in each of the schools, Mark Smyth, a student at the Lisburn School achieved Grade 8 in Music theory which is an outstanding achievement, Mark joins an elite group of students who have completed the music theory course with honors, well done Mark.
Lexi Kerr was the recipient for the school in Dungannon having achieved Honors in grade 3 drumming as well as being a member of the Syerla Pipe Band drum corps who won at the recent the world championships this year in grade 3B.
Elaine Beacom a Student from the Enniskillen school received the higher award for her achievements in gaining grade 3 in practical piping and an astonishing 100% in her grade 4 music theory examination, comments were made from the examiners that this was one of best grade 4 theory paper ever handed in.
Special awards were also made to Louise Smiton and Lexi Kerr, Louise became the 2024 Juvenile Drum Major World Champion, Louise is the Drum Major tutor at the School in Enniskillen.
Lexi was part of the Syerla Pipe Band grade 3B World Champion Drum Corps, very well done.
The Ivor Spence Award
This year the Ivor Spence Perpetual Cup award for outstanding achievement was presented to Brian Rea, Brian who attended the school when it started in 1979 as a student and after he achieved his qualifications became a tutor at the school teaching both Music theory and Practical Piping. Brian went on in recent years to achieve qualifications at the London College of Music in Piping and is always ready to pass on his skills and experiences to others.
Brian is also well known for his achievements with Ballycoan Pipe Band who over the years have won titles at Ulster, all Ireland and at World Championship levels as a Pipe Major whose career spanned over many decades in later years he passed on Pipe Major reigns to his son Alfie. Congratulations Brian.
We were entertained by three drums majors all tutors at the school who put on a breath-taking display, thanks to Andrea Gibson, Carys Graham and Louise Smiton.
Tea and coffee and light refreshments followed.
The evening concluded with both Students and Tutors singing in the ground of the Piobaireachd The Glen is Mine conducted by Clive McFarland.
Pupils who received certificates
Brian Rea was presented the Ivor Spence Perpetual Cup from Sam Bailie (founder of the Northern Ireland Piping and Drumming School).
Mark Smyth is presented with a Higher Achievement Award by Sam Ballie (founder of the Northern Ireland Piping and Drumming School).
Drum Majors Tutors Andrea Gibson, Louise Smiton and Carys Grahamgave a Drum Major display at the awards presentation.
Special award to Louise Smiton, 2024 Juvenile Drum Major World Champion,