Our Story
Originally from Scotland and currently based in New Zealand — Scott is the Head of Drumming at St Andrews College, Christchurch. His knowledge is widely sought after, particularly in New Zealand, Australia, and Scotland. As a life-long snare drummer, Scott Birrell has won every RSPBA major championship titles obtainable in Grade 1.
Available to travel to other overseas ports where he can guide you or your corps to perform at the highest level possible, focussing on key area’s such as: musical appreciation, rhythmical enhancement, technique & execution, and competitive presentation. Reach out for more information.
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Winning the Worlds!
fOUNDER
World Champion Snare Drummer Scott Birrell is originally from Fife, Scotland but currently resides in Christchurch, New Zealand. Scott began drumming at the age of six and was initially taught by his Grandfather, Alec Birrell. He started learning through Burntisland & District Pipe Band under the instruction of Mark Gibson. Scott later progressed to play for Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band. Scott was initially under the tutelage of the legendary MBE Tom Brown, followed by World Champion Gordon Brown. Scott is currently a member of the Scottish Power Pipe Band drum corps who are reigning British Champions under the leadership of Jake Jorgensen.
Scott was very fortunate to be given the opportunity to study at the prestige Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow where he received expert tuition from sixteen times World Solo Drumming Champion, MBE Jim Kilpatrick.
Scott studied there for four years gaining a BA Honours Degree in Scottish Music.
Shortly after Scott’s studies he moved to Invercargill, NZ where he lead the City of Invercargill Highland Pipe Band and was employed by the Southland Piping & Drumming Development Trust. Scott was a strong driving force behind the Invercargill band moving from Grade 4 to grade 1 in just 5 years. Scott continued to travel back to Scotland and compete with Boghall & Bathgate at the World Pipe Band Championships. In 2012 the drum corps took out almost all drumming awards crowning them World Champions as well as the Champion of Champions title. This is by far the proudest moment in his drumming career. Scott joined the Scottish Power Pipe Band in 2017 performing in many competitions and taking part in the Pre-Worlds concert in 2019.
Scott is currently employed by St Andrews College, Christchurch where he is the Principal Drumming Instructor for the school. Scott is available for drumming workshops in Australasia, interactive lessons run through skype and one on one lessons in Christchurch.
Education
ROYAL CONSERVATOIRE OF SCOTLAND
BA (Hons) Scottish Music
PIPE BANDS AUSTRALIA
Advanced Drumming Certificate
Performance Experience
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Scotland
Stade de France Paris, France
Live Earth Wembley, England
Balmoral Castle, HRH Prince Charles
Nanning Folk Festival, China