2027 Summer School Registrations Are Open! Click here to secure your place today!
Check out who will be assisting Stuart and Steven at the Summer School
The annual RNZPBA Summer School is back for 2027 and includes some of the piping and drumming world’s biggest names. A full-on week of learning in small group and individual sessions, there is something for everyone at Summer School.
One of the most gifted pipers in the world today, Stuart Liddell has won three Clasps at Inverness, the Senior Piobaireachd at Oban five times, both Gold Medals, is a three-time Glenfiddich Piping Champion and has won the Donald MacLeod Memorial in 2016 and, most recently, The Springbank Invitational in Campbeltown 2023.
Stuart is founder and Pipe Major of the Inveraray & District Pipe Band, winners of the World Pipe Band Championship in 2017, 2019 and 2024 in Grade 1. Previously he was a member of the Scottish Power Pipe Band for seven years thereafter joining the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band from Vancouver, Canada with whom he played for ten years.
A piano tuner by trade, he is also a piping instructor at Mid Argyll Primary and Lochgilphead High Schools.
Steven McWhirter is a native of Northern Ireland and now resides in Falkirk, Scotland with his wife Grace and children, Harry and Maggie. He is the Lead drummer of 2024 world pipe band champions, Inveraray and District pipe band and is twelve time, and current, Adult World Solo Drumming Championships.
Steven teaches drumming full time at The Edinburgh Academy and Falkirk Schools authority.
Steven began drumming in 1993 at the age of ten, with initial lessons from his father, Dessie. Steven joined his local Cullybackey Pipe Band in 1994, receiving snare instruction from Adrian Hoy until 2001. Steven played with the SFU Pipe Band from Vancouver, Canada, from 2002-2008, winning the World championships both as a band and drum corps. 2008 saw Steven assume the role of leading drummer of the Inveraray and District Pipe Band.
The band and drum corps have become a regular feature of the prize list, winning the World Championship titles in 2017, 2019 and 2024.
Born in Co. Down, Northern Ireland, and now residing in Stirlingshire, Scotland, Jordan Bailie began tenor drumming at the age of 10. By the age of 13, he was competing on the Grade 1 circuit.
Jordan has enjoyed success at over 30 RSPBA Major Championships, including seven World Pipe Band Championship titles, as well as multiple World Drumming titles.
As a solo tenor drummer, Jordan is a three-time World Solo Tenor Drumming Champion and has competed successfully at numerous solo competitions, including the Gold Medal competition at Winter Storm.
Alongside performing, Jordan is a Bass and Tenor Drumming Instructor at George Watson’s College in Edinburgh and is a recognised PDQB Assessor. He has over 11 years’ experience teaching within school and competitive pipe band systems.
Jordan continues to perform at the highest level with Inveraray & District Pipe Band, while also teaching and developing bass and tenor products through his own business, JB Bass & Tenor.
Registrations are now open!
Each student at the RNZPBA Summer School must sign a Code of Conduct to attend the School. This includes adhering to rules to keep everyone safe both at the school and in the accomodation.
If you have any questions regarding the Summer School, please contact the Summer School Director Innes Jephson.
The 2027 RNZPBA Summer School is being held at St Andrew’s College in Christchurch. Situated in the heart of New Zealand’s second biggest city, and easy transfers from Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin, St Andrew’s College and Christchurch offer a fantastic venue for the Summer School.
Over the Summer School there will be group lessons, Masterclass workshops and more for students. Each student will be provided with a digital music pack so everyone will have new music to learn.
The cost of the Summer School will vary depending on your registration type. Our pricing for the accomodation is a direct cost to the student, and will be different depending on where the Summer School is located. The tuition pricing is partially subsidised if you are an RNZPBA member. This page has full pricing for all registration types
We are just finalising the exact timetable and will update this soon, but you can expect Masterclasses with the world’s best, practice time, masterclasses, workshops, new music, social activities and more.
There is something for everyone at the RNZPBA Summer School. It doesn’t matter how long you have been learning, or what your ability level is, there are group sessions, individual lessons, Masterclasses and practice times for you to hone whatever skill or interest you have.
We don’t know! Get registered today to guarantee your spot.
The price of tuition only for any RNZPBA member – early bird applies until 31 August*
The price of accomodation, food and tuition for any RNZPBA member – early bird applies until 31 August*
The price of tuition only for any non-RNZPBA member – early bird applies until 31 August*
The price of accomodation, food and tuition for any Non-RNZPBA member – early bird applies until 31 August*
Pricing includes both catering ($639) and non catering ($400) options for accomodation. Contact the Summer School Director for more information
You can purchase catering options – from full catering ($239) through to just lunches or just dinners. Contact the Summer School Director for more information.
Drumming Student
2025
Piping Student