The pipes|drums Survey: Grading and Competitive Drive

We set out to find out what the world’s pipers, drummers and enthusiasts think about solo competition. Are they driven to improve? Are score sheets wanted? How many of us actively compete in solo competitions? What standard do pipers and drummers feel they play to? Should solo grading depend solely on playing prowess, or should other factors determine whether a piper or drummer should be upgraded? More than 4,000 readers provide their individual response to our survey, and the results are, as always, illuminating. An article exclusively for pipes|drums subscribers.