THE ROYAL SCOTTISH PIPE BAND ASSOCIATION
"THE HEART AND HOME OF THE PIPE BAND WORLD"
The Certificate in Pipe Band Musicianship (CPBM) is The RSPBA’s highest level of qualification and focuses on the pipe band as a complete entity.
The RSPBA CPBM qualification is offered in 2 parts:
The aim of the CPBM is to develop the theoretical knowledge and performance skills of candidates who wish to further enhance their understanding of the pipe band ensemble. The qualification is aimed at Pipers and Drummers who aspire to be Pipe Majors and Lead Drummers as well as existing Pipe Majors and Lead Drummers who wish to increase their knowledge and understanding to improve band performance in the competition arena. The CPBM qualification also meets one of the entry requirements for consideration as an RSPBA approved Adjudicator.
The CPBM is a multi – faceted study programme that enables candidates to explore a range of development strategies that will support them to improve their Pipe Band performance.
The programme is delivered by lectures, practical performance, guest speakers, demonstrations and mentor-supported online assignments.
The RSPBA CPBM qualification is awarded on successful completion of Part 1 and Part 2 as well as the RSPBA Approved Instructor Certificate and the PDQB Tutor Certificate.
CPBM Part 1 – Criteria
Entry Criteria: To be accepted on to the CPBM 1, Candidates need to have achieved a pass in either:
• SQA Level 6 Bagpipe or Snare Drum;
• PDQB Level 6 Bass or Tenor Drum;
• Be in receipt of a recognised equivalent qualification, e.g. RSPBA Intermediate Certificate.
CPBM Part 1 – Practical Performance
Practical Criteria Requirements for Bagpipe or Snare Drum
4 x 2/4 Marches
4 x Strathspeys
4 x Reels
4 x Hornpipes
4 x Jigs
All Submissions will be a minimum of 4 parts each of competition standard.
Candidates will play 2 from each of the 4 submissions in each category to be selected by the Assessor.
Candidates will submit all melodies and scores for their performance assessment.
Candidates will perform and be assessed on various practical exercises on either practice chanter or sticks and pads, from RSPBA’s Structured learning Books 2 and 3.
Practical Unit Study – 80 Hour
Practical Criteria Requirements for Bass Section
4 x 2/4 Marches
4 x Strathspeys
4 x Reels
4 x Hornpipes
4 x Jigs
All Submissions will be a minimum of 4 parts each of competition standard.
Candidates will play 2 from each of the 4 submissions in each category to be selected by the Assessor.
Candidates will provide the Bass or Tenor Drum Scores and must include elements from The RSPBA Approved Legend of Flourishing Symbols during their performance.
Candidates will perform and be assessed on various practical exercises from The RSPBA Bass Section Practical Syllabus.
Practical Unit Study – 80 Hour
Bass and Tenor Drum Performance Assessment Accompaniment Requirements
All Bass and Tenor drumming candidates are required to be accompanied for their performance assessment. Requirements are:
Tenor Drum: A maximum of 2 Pipers and 1 Snare Drummer
Bass Drum: A maximum of 2 Pipers and 1 Snare Drummer
Only the Candidate’s individual performance on Bass or Tenor Drums will be assessed.
• The syllabus content is derived from The RSPBA Structured Learning Book 2.
• Delivery is by lecture and supported on-line assignments.
• Theory Study Unit – 50 hours.
• Theory assessment paper is a maximum of 2 Hours duration.
Candidates must achieve a pass in each of the assessed areas in the Practical and Theory sections to achieve a successful outcome of the CPBM Part 1.
Entry Criteria: Candidates need to have achieved an ‘A’ level pass in CPBM Part 1 to be accepted on to CPBM Part 2.
The CPBM Part 2 comprises of a Practical Unit lasting 120 hours and a Theory Unit lasting 60 hours.
The course is delivered through a range of learning experiences including lectures, demonstrations, guest speakers and an on-line mentor-supported assignment.
As part of the course, Candidates are required to:
Construct a Learning Plan for an identified group of pipe band members.
Deliver and record a Programme of Instruction and Tuition for a minimum of 40 hours in a Pipe Band setting. This record must relate to the key elements of the Learning Plan.
Candidates will select a series of Marches or Medley which they will arrange and score to meet the knowledge and performance skills of the identified pipe band members.
Provide evidence in the form of a 15 minute video presentation that highlights the key aspects of the Learning Plan being delivered.
Candidates will undertake a practical study in the theory and practice of ensemble performance within a pipe band setting.
Research and produce a dissertation of 1200/1500 words describing key events or individuals who have made a major contribution to pipe bands and / or pipe band music supervised by the Pipe Band Musicianship Principal.
The Theory component of CPBM Part 2 is derived from The RSPBA Structured Learning Book 3.
Delivery of the Theory component of CPBM Part 2 is through lectures and mentor-supported assignments.
CPBM Part 2 is assessed by a Panel of 3 RSPBA Approved Assessors. To complete the course, Candidates will:
• Undertake a Theory examination paper to be completed within 2 hours.
• Undertake an Ensemble examination paper to be completed within 1 hour.
• Present in person a Practical Lesson Plan lasting 30 minutes on a chosen topic to the Assessment Panel.
• Pipers will also deliver a live practical Piobaireachd lesson to the Assessment Panel.
• Submit their Learning Plan, Record of Instruction and Tuition, and video presentation.
• Submit a practical study of ensemble music accompanied by music scores which demonstrates their ensemble ambitions.
• Submit their dissertation on their chosen topic.
A candidate must achieve a minimum of 80% of the overall total of marks awarded from the entire assessment processes to be awarded CBPM Part 2 qualification, which completes The RSPBA Certificate of Pipe Band Musicianship.
On completion of CPBM Part 2, candidates will also receive The RSPBA Approved Instructors Certificate and the PDQB Tutor Certificate.
Pipers or Snare Drum Candidates
Successful pipers and snare drummers may wish to apply for the following roles:
• RSPBA/ SQA Approved Assessor
• RSPBA Approved Instructor
Successful CPBM candidates meet the academic qualification standards required for consideration within the wider criteria for submission of an application as an RSPBA Pipe Band Adjudicator.
Bass Section Candidates
Successful bass section candidates may also apply to be considered as an RSPBA and PDQB Approved Assessor and Instructor.
Successful CPBM candidates meet the academic qualification standards required for consideration within the wider criteria for submission of an application as a RSPBA Specialist Adjudicator (Bass Section Drums) for solo competitions.