PDQB Level 3 – Piping

National Progression Award Scottish Bagpipes (Bagpipes)
SCQF Level 5 Certificate

Can normally be taken within the first two years of learning.

  1. Maintenance
    Candidates must demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the following:

    1. Removing the Bagpipe Chanter from the stock
    2. Cleaning and drying the Bagpipes
    3. Correct hemping/sealing of Bagpipe joints
    4. Testing for airtightness of the Bagpipes, including seasoning as appropriate
    5. Different types of Drone reeds
    6. Handling reeds and securing them in the Chanter/Drone reed seat. Includes a practical demonstration.
    7. Ensuring that the Bagpipe is an appropriate fit for the piper, e.g. correct size/spread/fit of the bag, bag cover, blow stick, cords/drone spacing
  2. Practical
    Candidates must demonstrate competence in the following:

    1. Monotone Exercises
      1. Tap out the rhythm of Simple and Compound Time Monotone Exercises
    2. Tunes on the Bagpipe
      Candidates submit five tunes comprising:

      1. 2 parts of a Slow Air
      2. 4 parts of a March in Simple Time
      3. 4 parts of a March in Compound Time
      4. 4 parts of a Strathspey
      5. 4 parts of a Reel
      6. 4 parts of a Hornpipe
      7. 4 parts of a Jig
      8. One Ground of a Piobaireachd and one variation singling and doubling

    Candidates will be expected to make a reasonable attempt at tuning their Drones and be able to explain the basic principles of Drone tuning.
    Candidates will also be assessed on Marching and Deportment.

  3. Theory
    Candidates must be able to:

    1. Write out Monotone Exercises in Simple and Compound Time
    2. Write out 8 bars of a 6/8 March from memory
    3. Write out 4 bars of either a Strathspey or a Reel from memory
    4. Explain the purpose of a Leger Line
    5. Draw out the Great Staff and show the pitch of the Tenor Drone, Bass Drone, and all the notes in the Bagpipe scale
    6. Sight reading of a set piece (on the Practice Chanter)