The RSPBA CPBM Programme is offered in 2 parts

CPBM Part 1 Criteria

Entry Criteria: To be accepted on to the CPBM 1, Candidates need to have achieved an ‘A’ level 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.

Theory Assessment for all Disciplines

  • 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.

CPBM Part 1 Achievement

Candidates must achieve an ‘A’ level pass in each of the assessed areas in the Practical and Theory sections to achieve a successful outcome of the CPBM Part 1.

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