NYPBS Trainee Tutors

NYPBS Tutors Training Programme gives young people the skills for a career in music education

Applications Are Open Until 15th June 2025

What we’re offering

Structured training and paid work experience for emerging practitioners aged 18-25, interested in working with young people

A Chance to work as a Professional with support.

Our Trainee Tutors programme is now in it’s fourth year. Our programme is a one-of-a-kind training programme that provides genuine work experience to young pipers and drummers looking to start a career in music and music education.

This role is suitable for recent music graduates, current music students, and those with a stong foundation in pipe band music who didn’t study music. This opportunity is for those looking to start their careers in music. Grow your CV , build connections and work as part of a wider team in a professional setting.

Trainees have the opportunity to get involved with all aspects of NYPBS sessions, working alongside NYPBS staff and freelance tutors to deliver our Ensembles programme. This includes leaving workshops, directing musical rehearsals, manageing pastoral care and rehearsal logistics.

Gain valuable, hands-on tuition experience in a large ensemble setting. Learn new skills and get to try them out in a real-world setting. So many teaching experiences are focused on 1:1 tution, out Trainee programme is unique in that it requires trainees to engage with large groups of people.

Phase One

Phase one is all about training. We will start off with 3 training weekends between June-August, where you will receive guidance from industry topping mentors to equip you with skills and knowledge to lead rehearsals and workshops. This includes workshops on pipe band specific setting, and also workshop on how to approach community music settings.

At the end of phase one, you will work to deliver 4 days of NYPBS workshops as part of our NYPBS Audition workshops. in September. These audition workshops will take place in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness.

After these workshops, we will have our 4th training weekend, do discuss what we have learned and also plan towards delivering our NYPBS Ensembles programme.

Phase Two

Phase two of the course runs from October - April and is all about putting into practice what you’ve learned during NYPBS Ensembles Sessions. The great thing about this programme is that we give you more control and responsibility as you grow into the role. This can and should be different for everyone and will be tailored to the individual.

On Average we will run one session a month per ensemble. Drumming trainees will be required for two ensembles and Piping trainees will be required for all three ensembles.

Each trainee will be expected to help prepare resources and materials for the NYPBS Ensembles and help manage and maintain NYPBS equipment.

Trainees will have an active roll in planning and carrying out NYPBS sessions and work as part of a team. Each trainee will bring their own set of skills to the project, and trainees should be learning from each other as much as they are learning from the NYPBS staff and mentors.

Phase two culminates in our end of year concert at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. This is always a unique and rewarding specticle, where we get to showcase and celebrate their work throughout the year.

Developing confident and skilled youth music tutors.

“This year has been an eye-opening experience being able to work with talented musicians and (NYPBS participants), creating a fantastic concert for all to see.”

“I thoroughly enjoyed being a trainee tutor in the (NYPBS) this year, it’s been great seeing the participants work alongside the emerging composers, sharing their thoughts on new music and performing some fantastic arrangements! A huge well done to all involved!”

Previous Trainee Tutors

  • Emma Hill

  • Fionnlagh Mac A' Phiocar

  • Arren McWilliams

  • Kenneth MacFarlane

  • Sheena Peteranna

  • Bronwen Davies

  • Hamish Wallace

  • Ben Muir