Certificate of Pipe Band Musicianship – Part 2

The RSPBA CPBM Qualification is offered in 2 parts

CPBM Part 2 Criteria

Entry Criteria: Candidates need to have achieved an ‘A’ level pass in CPBM Part 1 to be accepted on to CPBM Part 2.

CPBM Part 2 Programme

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.

CPBM Part 2 Theory Studies

  • 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 Assessment Process

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.

CPBM Part 2 Achievement

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.

RSPBA CPBM Part 2 Outcomes

On completion of CPBM Part 2, candidates will also receive The RSPBA Approved Instructors Certificate and the PDQB Tutor Certificate.

Progression

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.

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