TRAINEE TUTORS
Learn, Lead, Inspire
Designed for young musicians who are interested in teaching and leading large ensembles, the programme offers hands-on experience, mentoring, and opportunities to work with young people through music.
Applications Close on the 19th June 2026
Why this we run this Programme
Building a career in music is hard, especially if you're a piper or drummer, young, and still building your skills. Opportunities to work with large ensembles are often unpaid, exclusive, or simply not for people in pipe bands.
The NYPBS Trainee Tutors Programme offers paid, structured training and work experience for young pipers and drummers aged 18–25, or up to 30 if you identify as disabled. Whether you're studying music, playing in a band, or just looking for a way into teaching, this is your chance to build your confidence, grow your skills, and inspire the next generation as you start out in your career.
A Chance to work as a Professional with support.
Over the couse of the programme, you willl:
Join a national youth music programme with a strong reputation, big ambitions, and a clear mission.
Deliver real workshops, support rehearsals, and work alongside professional mentors from the world of pipe bands and beyond.
Be trained in community music, ensemble leadership, teaching techniques, and have a clear path from trainee to tutor.
Help lead projects with Scotland’s top young pipers and drummers.
Become part of a network of trainees shaping the future of Scottish traditional music.
Learn by doing, not just observing.
Enjoy a flexible schedule to work around uni, work and the pipe band season.
Work in a supportive and inclusive team of like-minded people to achieve something really worthwhile and musically exciting.
Who are we looking for?
If you’re open-minded, committed, and ready to learn, this is for you.
We're interested in hearing from people who are:
Confident pipers or drummers (Grade 1 level or equivalent).
Passionate about working with young people.
Reliable, open-minded, and ready to learn.
From any background—you don’t have to have a music degree to take part in this training programme–you need the potential and drive to learn.
Key Dates
Applications Close on the 19th June
Interviews will be held 9th-10th July
Training Begins July 2026
NYPBS Ensembles auditions August 2026
NYPBS Ensembles Sessions September 2026 - February 2027
Find more detailed dates in the Job Pack
“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.”
Applications for this role close on the 19th June 2026
“I thoroughly enjoyed being a trainee tutor… it’s been great seeing the participants work alongside the emerging composers, sharing their thoughts on new music and performing some fantastic arrangements! “