Plum piping posts open

Testament to the increasing ability of skilled pipers to make a career out of their expertise, two significant professional piping jobs are currently on the market.

 

The National Piping Centre in Glasgow is currently searching for a new Head of Piping Studies for the BA (Scottish Music – Piping) and Study Abroad Semester Programme in conjunction with the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and Glasgow University.

 

The position had been held by the well know solo piper, Simon McKerrell, PhD, who has held the role since its inception in 2005.

 

With an annual salary of £29,000, the Head of Piping Studies, among other tasks, manages all piping degree course development and delivery of components, develops marketing and promotional opportunities, maintains library and learning resource materials, and monitors the quality and consistency of teaching standards with the policies of the National Piping Centre.

 

The Head of Piping Studies reports to National Piping Centre Principal Roddy MacLeod, and, according to search coordinator, Robert Churchill, applicants should have “experience teaching bagpipes at all levels, demonstration of a thorough knowledge of the bagpipes as an instrument and their place in an historical context, and excellent communication, organizational and administrative skills.” Churchill says that a degree-level qualification is preferable but not required.

 

Interested potential candidates can contact Robert Churchill directly.

 

On the other side of the Atlantic, the Canadian Forces Music Branch is searching for pipers and pipe band drummers to audition for permanent positions paying a starting salary of between $51,000 and $58,700. The Canadian Forces will cover travel, meal and accommodation costs for candidates invited to the final auditions.

 

Pipers and drummers interested in the Canadian Forces jobs can inquire by e-mail here.

 

McKerrell will reportedly leave his role with National Piping Centre in August to pursue further academic research and piping performance.