BagpipeLessons.com hosts the highest-ranked online piping and drumming competition worldwide, regularly drawing competitors from more than 25 countries and six continents. Our competitors span all ages and ability levels, from beginners performing on practice drum pads and practice chanters to seasoned professionals competing in Open events for cash prizes. We publish every comment card and video on our results pages for the benefit of the entire community. To learn more and sign up for our next season’s events, visit BagpipeLessons.com/competition. In addition to our ranked events, we also offer evaluation-only options, for those that are seeking the valuable feedback of our world-class judges on their individual piping or drumming performances.

Entering the World Online Piping & Drumming Championships for the first time is a huge step toward increasing your motivation and self-confidence. We strive to make it simple to enter regardless of wherever you’re hailing from. Read more about one of our longtime evaluation-only participants Brian Harrison below!

Originally from the northern city of Yellowknife in Canada’s Northwest Territories, Brian Harrison picked up the pipes in his 50s after playing trumpet in his community band for many years. Now residing in south central British Columbia, he’s one of our most consistent Evaluation-Only performers in the World Online Piping & Drumming Championships.

“I have several goals and use the evaluation-only component to see if I’m improving. My goals include better drone tuning, consistency of timing, and clearer embellishments,” he explained. 

“The evaluation-only events give me a relaxed opportunity to play for a judge. The format is a great way to get a second opinion and to take the comments back to my teacher for discussion.” 

We think our Evaluation-Only events are incredibly useful for many competitor interests — whether you’re just looking for that additional feedback on a single performance, wanting to try out a new tune, or just aren’t particularly interested in being ranked against others, these ungraded events can provide great motivation for development. 

Find answers to more questions below or email [email protected].