Free Bagpipe and Drum Lessons in Kansas City
Always wanted to play the bagpipes or the drums? Join the Kansas City St. Andrew Pipes & Drums. We teach new pipers and drummers of any age, for free, from players who compete with top Grade 1 bands. No experience needed.
- Free weekly lessonsGreat Highland bagpipe, Scottish snare, tenor and bass drum.
- No duesOnce you make the band, kilts, vests and other uniform items are provided at no charge.
- All ages welcomeSeveral young students have gone on to become top-rated soloists at Winter Storm.
- Moving to Kansas City?Experienced players are welcome, and we'll help you connect with the local piping community.
Lessons: Tuesday nights at 6:00 PM
Full band practice: Tuesday nights, 7:00 to 9:00 PM
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
6401 Wornall Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64113
How to start learning the bagpipes or drums
Get in touch
Email our bagpipe student coordinator or our Drum Sergeant below. Tell us a little about yourself and whether you've played any music before. No experience is needed.
Come to a Tuesday practice
Lessons start at 6:00 PM at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Brookside, and the full band practices from 7:00. We'll set you up with an instructor, and you can stay to meet the band and hear the pipes and drums up close.
Learn the basics
New pipers start on a practice chanter, a small, quiet instrument for learning the fingering and tunes before moving to the full bagpipe. New drummers start on a practice pad. Ask us what to get before you buy anything.
Join the band
When you make the grade for the band, you'll march and perform with us at parades, concerts and competitions, and we'll provide your kilt, vest and other uniform items at no charge.
Get in touch
BagpipeLessons@kcpipeband.org
DrumLessons@kcpipeband.org
Questions about lessons
Are the bagpipe and drum lessons really free?
Yes. Lessons are free, and the band charges no dues. Students are taught weekly by players who compete with top Grade 1 bands.
Do I need any musical experience?
No. We teach complete beginners, including how to read pipe music, performance etiquette and good technique. Experienced players are welcome too.
How old do you have to be?
New members are welcome at any age. Several young students have moved quickly through the band grades to become top-rated soloists at the Winter Storm international competition.
Which instruments can I learn?
The Great Highland bagpipe, the Scottish snare drum, and the tenor and bass drums.
How long until I can play with the band?
It depends on how often you practice. Your instructor will tell you when you're ready to move up and play with the band.
I already play. Can I join?
Yes. If you're moving to Kansas City or looking for a new band, come to a practice. We'll help you connect with the local piping and drumming community.
Curious what the band is like? Read about us, see the photo gallery or come hear us at an upcoming performance.