Structured Learning

With the intention to support those that want to follow the structured learning / PDQB certificates, this page is intended to make it all very clear and concise what’s involved and what to study.

The RSPBA used to provide structured learning and subsequent certification, but in 2006 the PDQB was formed to standard teaching and certification across the RSPBA, College of Piping, National Piping Centre, Piobaireachd Society and the Army School of Piping & Drumming.

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), offer certification under the National Progression Awards (NPAs). These range from Level 2 to Level 6 qualifications comparable to English qualifications starting just below GCSE through the A Levels. Here’s a comprehensive comparison chart that shows this in more detail.

Whether you want to obtain certification, establish a bit of structure to your learning, or use the structure to fill some theory gaps, it’s hoped that there will be an appetite amongst band members to digest some of this material, and generate enough interest to justify bringing an assessor down from one of the above organisations for those that want to be assessed.

You don’t have to follow a course of study to be assessed and you don’t have to start at the bottom, but you do have to demonstrate an understanding of the lower levels if you want to gain certification at one of the intermediate or higher levels.

The syllabus for each certificate is on the PDQB website, although a summary of the first few piping levels has been documented on Structured Learning – Piping.

The RSPBA learning resources are still valid and are now freely available from their website, and where there are other resources freely available, links will appear below:

RSPBA Structured Learning – Book 1 – Elementary Certificate

Dojo University – Understanding Harmonics Part 1

Dojo University – Understanding Harmonics Part 2

Dojo University – What is a dotted note all about?

Dojo University – Tuning the Chanter Part 1

RSPBA Structured Learning – Book 2 – Intermediate Certificate

RSPBA Structured Learning – Book 3 – Advanced Certificate