01Great Highland Bagpipe
Begin on the practice chanter, learning fingering, rhythm and tunes before progressing safely to the full pipes.
Practice chanter → pipes → ensembleZimbabwe’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
Music connectspeople beyond borders
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
02Snare Drumming
Build stick control, rudiments, music reading and the crisp rhythmic precision required in a pipe-band drum corps.
Practice pad → snare → drum corps
03Tenor & Bass
Learn pulse, dynamics, visual flourishing and how the mid-section brings the pipes and drums together.
Core rhythm → flourishing → ensembleBeginner foundations→Developing musician→Performance band
Experienced musicians
Bring your skills to the Zambezi Senior Band.
If you already play the pipes, snare, tenor or bass drum, we invite you to become part of a growing performance band. Rehearse with fellow musicians, strengthen the ensemble and help inspire the next generation.
Join the Senior BandWho should enquire?
- Experienced pipers and drummers
- Former school or community band members
- Musicians returning to piping or drumming
- Adults ready to rehearse and perform as a team
Placement is discussed according to experience, availability and the Band’s current needs.
School Pipe Band Programme Fees
Flexible term-based training for schools and colleges.
Zambezi Pipes & Drums Academy helps institutions establish and develop professional pipe bands through structured instruction, music theory, discipline and ensemble development.
Student enrolment
Programme fees are based on a minimum cohort of 30 students. Where enrolment exceeds 30 students, fees may be adjusted according to the number of additional learners, teaching requirements and equipment needed.
Classes exceeding 40 students may require an additional tutor or a separate training group.
Standard Programme
Weekly school-based training
First termUS$2,100US$1,500
ThereafterUS$2,100 per term
Includes one structured school-based training session per week, covering piping, drumming, music theory, discipline and band development.
Intensive Band Launch Programme
Faster performance development
First termUS$2,800US$2,000
ThereafterUS$2,800 per term
Provides longer, more focused training sessions designed to develop students towards performance readiness within a shorter period.
Equipment is quoted separately. Final scope, timetable and payment arrangements are agreed with each institution.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
Registration
US$15 once-offConfirms the learner’s enrolment and Academy record.
Practice equipment
Quoted separatelyChanters, pads, sticks and other requirements can be purchased through the Academy.
Family access
Ask about supportPayment arrangements and discretionary support may be considered where available.
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 performanceZambezi 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.