The School of Piping & Drumming

The School of Piping & Drumming at the Halifax Citadel offers year-round instruction in Highland piping and drumming, welcoming students of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time or refining your technique, our experienced instructors provide a supportive, structured environment to help you grow.

Learn the tradition. Carry it forward.

A line of bagpipers and drummers dressed in traditional Scottish attire, performing outdoors with a Canadian flag hanging in the background and an audience watching.

Private lessons

Personalized instruction is the best way to build skill and confidence. We offer one-on-one and small-group lessons year-round, on a weekly basis, with flexible scheduling to fit busy schedules. Lessons are 30 or 60 minutes long and available for both youth and adult learners at beginner to advanced levels.

A group of dancers in traditional dress performing for an outdoor audience, with spectators gathered around and above, outside a stone fort or wall.

Instrument tune-up

Keep your instrument performing at its best. Our experienced team offers maintenance and repair services for both bagpipes and drums — from reed adjustments and pipe bags to drum heads and snares. Whether it’s a quick fix or a full tune-up, we’ll help ensure your instrument is ready to play.

Aerial view of a city with a river running through it, featuring a mix of modern and historic buildings, a green park with fortress walls, and a bridge connecting different parts of the city under a cloudy sky.

Certification & Examinations

For those looking to advance their skills, the School supports students through the Piping and Drumming Qualifications Board (PDQB) examination program. These internationally recognized certifications assess performance, theory, history and instrument knowledge across a range of levels. Our head instructor is a designated PDQB examiner, providing expert guidance and preparation.

Exam fees: Levels 1-2 ($30), Level 3 ($45) and Level 4 ($60)

View syllabi for each level: Syllabus Level I, Syllabus Level II, Syllabus Level III and Syllabus Level IV

“It's easy to see why this is THE signature attraction of Halifax. As first-timers to the city, this was first on the list. We were all enthused to see Canadian history unfold before us as we climbed the steps up the hill. The staff are very much into what they do, and the exhibits are very detailed. It even has a special exhibit on the D-day landing, as we know several vessels left Halifax for the event. We stayed for the noon gun, which was spectacular. Even when leaving the fort, we once again admired the view out over Halifax — you can't beat this place for the perfect panoramic vista!”

— Jason Oliver