Register and pay before 31 August and pay only $479NZD for your tuition fees (increasing by $50NZD from 1 September).
RNZPBA 2026 SUMMER SCHOOL
7th – 11th January 2026, St Andrew’s College, Christchurch
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT UNTIL 31 AUGUST
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.


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.
Register Today
Registrations will open shortly. There is an ‘Early Bird’ discount available for all those who register and pay before 31 August.
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.
Contact the Summer School Director
If you have any questions regarding the Summer School, please contact the Summer School Director Innes Jephson.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pricing

RNZPBA Member - Tuition
$479

RNZPBA Member - Full Package
$1,089
Non-RNZPBA Member - Tuition
$594
Non-RNZPBA - Full Package
$1,204
Parent supervisors
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.