Our World Online Piping & Drumming Championships competitors come from all over the world and represent a huge range of ages and experience levels. We’re proud to host both seasoned, veteran pipers and drummers as well as those who are new to competing online. This variety and diversity of players is important to us: we want to inspire all of our musicians to strive for improvement and that next goal, whether it’s leveling up a grade, learning a new tune or technique or climbing to a higher rank next season!
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.
“From my point of view, the more competitions I take part in, the better my ability to handle butterflies and tight hands,” says Leo Burns, new World Online Piping & Drumming Championships competitor in 2022.
Leo first picked up the pipes many years ago when his daughter was a student of highland dance. He tried competing locally for a while, but his job took him abroad and he sold his pipes in the process, only just recently returned to them as his retirement approaches.
“I never learned how to tune my pipes,” he told us. “It was a little discouraging traveling three hours to compete for five minutes. With the online format, you have a permanent record and the judges’ comments to marry up with the video — it’s a reference of my own performance, which allows me to self-identify areas for improvement.”
Leo had a great time recording his performance video, wearing a kilt and marching for the first time. “Piping is good for you!” he insists. “Be it the physical demands of playing, or the mental focus required. It’s my opinion that piping isn’t age-restricted and any adult can start at any age.”
We couldn’t agree more with Leo’s sentiments, and are looking forward to our next competition season so we can hear more amazing stories from inspiring performers. Questions? We’ve got answers below!
No, but you should have an accurate idea of which level to enter. For more specific information, please see our Rules page, or take a look at some of our previous competitors for reference.
No, but we encourage attention to dress. Your performance will only be enhanced with a great look to accompany your tune(s).
No. Most competitors record their performance on their phones with no issues, but we encourage you to test your space and lighting before recording.
We have lots of great information and resources on our Competition page. If you still have a question or concern, please email [email protected]
