Get involved with NYPBS

Applications for 2025 Are Now Open!

If you're a piper or drummer aged 10–25, living in Scotland and ready to develop your skills, collaborate creatively, and perform at a national level—this is for you.

We’re looking for young musicians of all backgrounds and experience levels. Whether you’re part of a school band, a major pipe band system, or playing on your own in a rural area, you’ll find a place here.

Who Can Apply

You can apply if you:

  • Are aged 10–25

  • Live, study, or were born in Scotland

  • Play pipes or drums (snare, tenor, bass)

  • Are ready to commit to a national music programme running from October to April

How to Apply

Applications for our 2025-26 programme are open now. Here’s how it works:

  1. Complete a short online form
    Tell us a bit about you—your musical experience, what you’re looking for, and what you’re looking to get out of NYPBS.

  2. Submit a short audition video.
    Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be professional. Just record yourself playing a varied 10-minute programme of music that shows your current level. This helps us match you to the right ensemble and make sure you’re supported from day one.

  3. Take part in an audition workshop.
    If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to attend a group workshop. This includes learning a new piece of music, meeting tutors, chatting with the audition panel, and playing a few tunes in person.

    Audition workshops are completely free and will be held from 7th to 21st September in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Inverness (Pipers only). Find dates and venues on our events page

Already taken part in NYPBS? Everyone re-applies each year so we can make the right group match and track your progress.

What to Expect

Joining NYPBS isn’t just about rehearsing and performing—it’s about growing as a musician, connecting with others, and being part of something bigger.

You’ll take part in eight creative NYPBS Sessions between October and February. These aren’t band practices, they’re spaces where you’ll experiment, collaborate, and challenge yourself, supported by some of Scotland’s leading pipers, drummers, and music professionals.

You’ll be given the support, access to resources, and the autonomy to learn at your own pace—whether you’re building confidence, refining your technique, or pushing into new musical territory. We meet you where you are, and help you get where you want to go.

You’ll play original and traditional music arranged specifically for your group, blending traditional piping with fresh ideas and modern techniques and approaches. Along the way, you’ll work with inspiring mentors from across the music industry, develop your creativity, and expand your musical knowledge.

The programme culminates in a high-production-value, major concert, where you’ll perform alongside your peers and showcase everything you’ve achieved.

And beyond all that, you’ll meet brilliant young musicians from all over Scotland and become part of a welcoming, supportive community and make lifelong friends that will last far beyond NYPBS.

This is your chance to grow, belong, and take your playing to the next level, with people who believe in your potential.

Fees and Support

This is the first year we’ve introduced participation fees, to support the long-term sustainability of the project. But thanks to Creative Scotland funding, every place is subsidised, and we’ve built in a tiered fees system to make sure cost isn’t a barrier.

Visit our Fees & Bursaries page to see if you're eligible for a free or reduced-fee place. We’re here to help you through the process.