RNZPBA 2026 SUMMER SCHOOL

7th – 11th January 2026, St Andrew’s College, Christchurch

TUTOR ANNOUNCEMENTS

Check out who will be assisting Stuart and Steven at the Summer School

Tutors

Come and learn from some of the best at one of the world’s biggest and most successful piping and drumming schools.

The annual RNZPBA Summer School is back for 2026 and includes some of the piping and drumming world’s biggest names. A full-on week of learning in small group and individual sessions, there is something for everyone at Summer School.

One of the most gifted pipers in the world today, Stuart Liddell has won three Clasps at Inverness, the Senior Piobaireachd at Oban five times, both Gold Medals, is a three-time Glenfiddich Piping Champion and has won the Donald MacLeod Memorial in 2016 and, most recently, The Springbank Invitational in Campbeltown 2023.

Stuart is founder and Pipe Major of the Inveraray & District Pipe Band, winners of the World Pipe Band Championship in 2017, 2019 and 2024 in Grade 1. Previously he was a member of the Scottish Power Pipe Band for seven years thereafter joining the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band from Vancouver, Canada with whom he played for ten years.

A piano tuner by trade, he is also a piping instructor at Mid Argyll Primary and Lochgilphead High Schools.

Steven McWhirter is a native of Northern Ireland and now resides in Falkirk, Scotland with his wife Grace and children, Harry and Maggie. He is the Lead drummer of 2024 world pipe band champions, Inveraray and District pipe band and is twelve time, and current, Adult World Solo Drumming Championships.

Steven teaches drumming full time at The Edinburgh Academy and Falkirk Schools authority.

Steven began drumming in 1993 at the age of ten, with initial lessons from his father, Dessie. Steven joined his local Cullybackey Pipe Band in 1994, receiving snare instruction from Adrian Hoy until 2001. Steven played with the SFU Pipe Band from Vancouver, Canada, from 2002-2008, winning the World championships both as a band and drum corps. 2008 saw Steven assume the role of leading drummer of the Inveraray and District Pipe Band.

The band and drum corps have become a regular feature of the prize list, winning the World Championship titles in 2017, 2019 and 2024.

Registrations

Registrations are now closed.

Register

Code of Conduct

Each student at the RNZPBA Summer School must sign a Code of Conduct to attend the School. This includes adhering to rules to keep everyone safe both at the school and in the accomodation.

Read the Code of Conduct

Contact the Summer School Director

If you have any questions regarding the Summer School, please contact the Summer School Director Innes Jephson.

Contact Innes

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the RNZPBA Summer School held?

The 2026 RNZPBA Summer School is being held at St Andrew's College in Christchurch. Situated in the heart of New Zealand's second biggest city, and easy transfers from Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin, St Andrew's College and Christchurch offer a fantastic venue for the Summer School.

What will I learn?

Over the Summer School there will be group lessons, Masterclass workshops and more for students. Each student will be provided with a digital music pack so everyone will have new music to learn.

What will the Summer School cost?

The cost of the Summer School will vary depending on your registration type. Our pricing for the accomodation is a direct cost to the student, and will be different depending on where the Summer School is located. The tuition pricing is partially subsidised if you are an RNZPBA member. This page has full pricing for all registration types

What will my timetable look like?

We are just finalising the exact timetable and will update this soon, but you can expect Masterclasses with the world's best, practice time, masterclasses, workshops, new music, social activities and more.

Is it for me?

There is something for everyone at the RNZPBA Summer School. It doesn't matter how long you have been learning, or what your ability level is, there are group sessions, individual lessons, Masterclasses and practice times for you to hone whatever skill or interest you have.

What am I waiting for?

We don't know! Get registered today to guarantee your spot.

Pricing

RNZPBA Member - Tuition

The price of tuition only for any RNZPBA member - early bird applies until 31 August

$529

RNZPBA Member - Full Package

The price of accomodation, food and tuition for any RNZPBA member

$1,139

Non-RNZPBA Member - Tuition

The price of tuition only for any non-RNZPBA member

$644

Non-RNZPBA - Full Package

The price of accomodation, food and tuition for any Non-RNZPBA member

$1,254

Parent supervisors

Pricing includes both catering ($610.00) and non catering ($327.00) options for accomodation. Contact the Summer School Director for more information

Don’t just trust us – see what students had to say themselves!

I loved the community aspect, being able to meet other pipers and drummers where otherwise I don't really have many opportunities being only in my small school band. The tutors and workshops were genuinely invaluable and really amazing when it comes to what I was able to learn as well.

Drumming Student2025

This year I found the tutors exceptional. I loved the variety of teaching styles, skills, and interests/passions of the tutors. And so patient. I don't think I'll ever forget Matt Wilson grinning and bearing us botching Donela Beaton!

Piping Student2025

What I loved most about Summer School was meeting pipe band players from all around the country. To play alongside people you've never met before is really something memorable, and I've been able to meet people from all walks of life and skill level. The connections I made in the span on 5 days will definitely stick with me for awhile, and learning about others' inspirations and aspirations has only fueled my love for pipe band more.

Drumming Student2025

Register Today!

We can't wait to have you at the Summer School. Registration is just a couple of clicks away.

Register