The North American Academy of Piping and Drumming is fortunate to be staffed by professional instructors, offering some of the finest education available in all aspects of piping and drumming.
After arrival, students are assessed by one of the instructors and grouped into classes of students with similar skill levels.
Typical Daily Schedule:
(Each student participates in three classes a day alongside one practice block):
What to bring:
Pipers: Bagpipes (if you are on the pipes), practice chanter, music that you might be working on and/or desire help with, a recording device (cell phones work well!), and any other music books
Drummers: Drum, sticks, drum pad, notebook
All: Kilt (optional), toiletries, warm clothing for cool evenings and rain gear. Extension cords can be very helpful as outlets are limited in the rooms in this historic venue.
All bedding and towels are furnished by the Conference Center.
NAAPD proudly engages with the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games which will be held July 10-13, 2025 this year. Annually, NAAPD students attending week 3 have the opportunity to attend and participate in the opening ceremonies by playing en masse as a school band to help open the games. If you plan to attend the remainder of the festivities that weekend and/or compete in solo competition, please visit their website GMHG.org for entry forms and ticketing information.
Students attending sessions during weeks 3 and 4 have first preference for lodging at the Valle Crucis Conference Center during the games weekend. Please indicate on your registration form in the comments section if you plan to stay over the Games weekend as it is a popular option and spaces become limited. The cost for lodging at VCCC for the games weekend is $124 which includes a hearty breakfast both Saturday and Sunday morning. You will pay the conference center directly for that fee.