Our Program

Our program offers small group and individual instruction, plus larger group lectures, workshops, field trips and fun activities. And that's just the formal part of the learning! Our flexible and varied format works for musicians of all ages and all stages of development.

Small classes are the hallmark of the Ontario School of Piping & Drumming. Classes generally consist of three to five students grouped at the same level of playing achievement and, where possible, similar ages. The experienced, positive instructors, small class size and comparable playing level creates a supportive atmosphere. Students often forge bonds of friendship as they work together and help each other reach common goals.

Classrooms. Where possible, we schedule classes in air-conditioned classrooms, but some classrooms may not be air-conditioned. Individual instructors also may decide to hold some classes outdoors. Practice rooms are provided.

Individual attention. Each piping student is entitled to one 30-minute solo lesson with a designated instructor. Sign-up sheets for the private lessons are posted at the beginning of the week.

Schedule. Students have one morning class and one afternoon class. In between, students practice and work on assigned tunes and skills. Come prepared to work hard!

Evenings feature seminars, lectures, workshops and field trips. Some of the topics we’ve had in the past include:

  • Visit to a Grade 1 pipe band practice
  • Bagpipe maintenance
  • Reed selection
  • Introduction to Piobaireachd
  • An insider’s look at the World Pipe Band championships
  • Tune composition
  • Rhythmic structure of pipe music
  • and much, much more!

Recitals are an important and popular part of the OSPD experience. We hold an instructors recital on the Thursday evening of each school week. Family and friends are welcome to attend, to hear some of the world’s best pipers and drummers in an intimate, informal setting.

Atmosphere. Our atmosphere is friendly and informal. Students and instructors mingle freely: adults and teens, experts and beginners, drummers and pipers together, joined by their common love of the music and desire to improve their own musicianship. Our youngest student to date has been age 8, but we've also had several students over 80.

FUN! Lest this seem like all work and no play, be assured that there is plenty of fun at OSPD!

  • We have access to the College’s indoor pool at assigned times. There are tennis courts on the grounds, plus lots of playing fields for impromptu games, and shady trees for practicing, chatting and relaxing under.
  • A staff member organizes activities for the teens (and sometimes for the adults!) to make it easy for students to get to know each other, and to ensure that everyone is kept occupied in a positive way.
  • Several lounge areas are set aside indoors for students to relax, socialize, watch videos, and hang out.
  • A number of stores, restaurants, coffee shops and bars are within walking distance of campus.
  • Thursday night after the instructors recital is set aside for our ever-popular ceilidh, where everyone is encouraged to perform, and students young and old gather to celebrate a great week of piping, drumming and learning.

Teens. We normally have a number of teenage students at OSPD – often about one-quarter to one-third of our student population. We offer group activities and try to monitor the teens to ensure that they are enjoying the school in productive ways.

  • Under-16 students have a 10:30pm curfew, with lights out at 10:45pm.
  • Students under age 18 must have permission from a designated person before leaving the campus.
  • We have a strict policy of no drug use and no underage drinking, and anyone violating this policy may be sent home early, without a refund.

Questions? Please email or call Ellen Mole, the OSPD Director, to discuss your questions or concerns. (905) 841-5497, or ospd@sac.on.ca



Testimonials

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