About Us
Who we are
A Passion for Scottish Music & Excellence
The Sydney School of Piping & Drumming is dedicated to sharing the rich tradition of Scottish piping and drumming with students across Sydney and beyond. Founded by experienced musician and instructor Barry Gray, the school provides quality tuition in a supportive environment where students of all ages and abilities can learn, develop and perform.
Whether you’re picking up the bagpipes or drums for the first time, or looking to take your existing skills to the next level, our structured lessons focus on building strong foundations, musical confidence and performance ability.
More than just learning an instrument, we help students become part of a community that celebrates Scottish heritage, music, discipline and friendship—creating a pathway from beginner to confident performer.
LEARN • GROW • PERFORM
A Clear Pathway From Beginner to Performer
START
No experience? No problem.
LEARN
Structured lessons, tutor books & online support.
PERFORM
Join in events, band activities & local performances.
COMPETE
Take your skills to competitions & festivals in Australia & beyond.
SUCCEED
Opportunities for touring, growth & lifelong friendships.
Meet Our Founder
Barry Gray
Barry Gray founded the Sydney School of Piping & Drumming with a vision to provide high-quality, inspiring tuition for pipers and drummers of all ages and abilities.
With more than 50 years of involvement in the pipe band movement and over 40 years of teaching experience, Barry has mentored hundreds of students, from complete beginners through to Australian Champions and international competitors. A multiple NSW Open Solo Piping Champion, former Grade 1 Pipe Major, adjudicator, educator, and administrator, he has dedicated much of his life to developing the next generation of musicians.
Barry’s philosophy is simple: inspire people, provide quality instruction, and create opportunities for students to achieve goals they never thought possible.
Barry Gray
Founder & Principal Tutor
Barry led the City of Blacktown Pipe Band from 1982 to 2008, guiding the organisation through its first Grade 1 contest and establishing successful Grade 3, Grade 4, and Juvenile bands within the organisation. He has competed at the highest level of pipe band competition with the City of Blacktown Pipe Band, the New Zealand Police Pipe Band, and Scotland’s Fife Constabulary Pipe Band, appearing with all these bands at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow in Grade 1.
His achievements as a tutor and Pipe Major extend internationally. In 1992, the City of Blacktown Pipe Band’s Grade 4A band achieved 2nd place at the World Pipe Band Championships. In 2010, Barry served as tutor to the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley Pipe Band Juvenile Band, which placed 6th at the European Pipe Band Championships in Ireland and 10th at the World Pipe Band Championships in the Novice Juvenile category. In 2014, the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley Pipe Band won the Australian and South Pacific Grade 4A Championship titles.
A multiple NSW Open Solo Piping Champion, Barry has served the piping community as a Pipe Major, adjudicator, educator, workshop presenter, and administrator. He currently serves as President of the New South Wales Pipe Band Association Inc. and has held numerous leadership roles within the Australian pipe band movement throughout his career.
Beyond the pipe band world, Barry has performed alongside internationally renowned artists including Sir Paul McCartney, Bryan Adams, Robbie Williams, John Farnham, Jimmy Barnes, Delta Goodrem, and The Battlefield Band.
Today, Barry remains passionate about helping students of all ages discover the rewards of learning an instrument and becoming involved in pipe bands. Through quality instruction, encouragement, and opportunity, he helps students build confidence, achieve personal goals, and become part of the worldwide piping and drumming community.