Balmoral's Mission

“To raise the standard and promote the appreciation of bagpipe music in the USA
by providing world-class instruction, cultivating excellence in youth,
presenting innovative musical events and fostering tradition."



America’s leader in bagpiping and drumming instruction, performance and collaboration, Balmoral School was established in 1979 by co-founders George Balderose and James McIntosh, MBE, and is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt educational organization. The school celebrates and teaches traditional bagpipe music dating to the 15th century, as well as more recent compositions in the traditional style, including the competition repertoire.

We encourage a long term commitment among families and young people to the culture and heritage associated with the great traditions of bagpiping. The most successful students are the ones who take up and continue playing the instrument with the full support of their families. Learning the bagpipe through the Balmoral School builds character, promotes heritage and fully supports family values.


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Balmoral Summer Schools

Students at a Balmoral Summer Session.

Immerse yourself for a week on one of several beautiful USA campuses with some of the world's best bagpipers and pipe band drummers. Receive intensive personal instruction in multiple small classes (5 students or less) at all levels, beginning to advanced, for individuals and pipe bands, on the Great Highland pipes, smallpipes, Scottish snare, tenor drum, and bass drum. You'll get workshops, music sessions, presentations on choice piping and drumming topics, as well as friendships that can last a lifetime.

Elementary School Programs

Elementary school students watch Balmoral's music program.

Educational performances of Western Pennsylvania’s heritage of traditional Scottish and Irish bagpipe music and dance, with introductions and stories by George Balderose, Executive Director of the Balmoral School of Piping. Performances by Balmoral School pipers & dancers of The Conroy-Burke School of Irish Dance and The Erskine School of Scottish Dance.

* DVD & Study Guides available * Certified Clearances *
* References *

Pittsburgh Piping Lessons

George Balderose teaches piping in Pittsburgh.

For those living within traveling distance of the Pittsburgh area, classes are available with George Balderose, Executive Director of the Balmoral School of Piping.

"Whether blowing a spry jig or 'Amazing Grace' ('not even a Scottish tune,' he noted), Mr. Balderose showed a virtuoso's gift for careful shading." - Ann Powers, The New York Times.

For information and fees: Contact George Balderose at CONTACT or call 412 323-2707

WANT TO SPEND PART OF SUMMER 2023 PIPING AND DRUMMING WITH BALMORAL?

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Nondiscriminatory Policy

The Balmoral School of Piping and Drumming admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of their policies, educational policies, scholarships, and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.