Zimbabwe’s academy for piping & drumming

Where tradition inspires excellence.

Young people learn music, discipline, teamwork and leadership through expert instruction and the shared experience of a pipe band.

Boys & girls
All skill levels welcome
Saturday academy
Borrowdale, Harare
Ages
Children & young people
Two young Zambezi Academy musicians wearing Douglas Ancient tartan kilts, with bagpipes and a drum
Music connectspeople beyond borders
Discipline in our drumsTradition in our pipesUnity in our heartsExcellence in our performance

About the Academy

A Zimbabwean pathway into a global musical tradition.

Zambezi Pipes & Drums Academy (Private) Limited is a not-for-profit youth-development initiative. We make Scottish piping and drumming accessible while nurturing confidence, perseverance, teamwork and responsible leadership.

The Academy connects structured tuition with ensemble rehearsals, public performance and opportunities to engage the worldwide pipe-band community.

Choose your instrument

Start with the fundamentals.
Grow into the band.

No previous musical experience is required. Learners are assessed and placed at the right stage.

01

Great Highland Bagpipe

Begin on the practice chanter, learning fingering, rhythm and tunes before progressing safely to the full pipes.

Practice chanter → pipes → ensemble
02

Snare Drumming

Build stick control, rudiments, music reading and the crisp rhythmic precision required in a pipe-band drum corps.

Practice pad → snare → drum corps
03

Tenor & Bass

Learn pulse, dynamics, visual flourishing and how the mid-section brings the pipes and drums together.

Core rhythm → flourishing → ensemble
Beginner foundationsDeveloping musicianPerformance band

For schools

Bring a complete music programme to your learners.

Zambezi supplies the instruction and helps the school procure the recommended practice and performance equipment through the Academy. Programmes are organised around the school term and can be adapted to each school’s timetable.

  • Instruction for piping, snare, tenor and bass
  • Up to 30 learners in the standard programme
  • Curriculum, assessments and ensemble rehearsals
  • Equipment recommendations, sourcing and quotations
  • Pathway towards a school performance band
Request a school proposal

School programme

Term-based instruction

First termUS$1,500
ThereafterUS$2,100

Intensive band launch

First termUS$2,000
ThereafterUS$2,800
Equipment is quoted separately. Final scope, timetable and payment arrangements are agreed with each school.

Weekend Academy

Accessible tuition. Clear commitments.

Individual membership

US$25per month

or US$60 for three months paid upfront

  • Weekly group instruction
  • Ensemble development
  • Progress guidance
  • Performance opportunities when ready
Join the Academy

Registration

US$10 once-off

Confirms the learner’s enrolment and Academy record.

Practice equipment

Quoted separately

Chanters, pads, sticks and other requirements can be purchased through the Academy.

Family access

Ask about support

Payment arrangements and discretionary support may be considered where available.

Front and rear view of the Zambezi official pipe band uniform with Douglas Ancient tartan kilts

Identity & presentation

Our official pipe-band uniform.

The Academy’s presentation combines Zimbabwean identity with the dignity and discipline of Highland dress.

  • Blue Douglas Ancient tartan kilt
  • Light-blue short-sleeved band shirt with epaulettes and embroidered Academy crest
  • Navy Academy tie
  • Black Glengarry with badge and white hackle
  • Horsehair sporran, navy hose and blue flashes
  • White spats and black shoes

Selected uniform items are issued or prescribed according to performance requirements.

Book the band

A distinctive sound for meaningful occasions.

Invite Zambezi Pipes & Drums Academy to suitable school, community, corporate and ceremonial events. Every engagement is agreed according to the occasion, ensemble availability, duration and location.

Performance fees fromUS$500Transport and special requirements are quoted separately.
Request a performance

Zambezi in performanceFleur performance · 29 August 2026

Take the first step

Register your interest.

Tell us whether you are enquiring for a learner, a school partnership or a performance. The Academy will contact you to discuss the next step.

zambezipipesanddrums@gmail.com12 Cosham Road, Borrowdale, Harare

This opens your email app with the enquiry ready to send.