Throughout that time our aim has always been to deliver high-quality, low-cost instruction in a caring, supportive and safe environment, focussing on enjoyment rather than competition. We teach accordion, banjo, concertina, fiddle, flute, harp, session playing, singing, tin whistle and of course the uilleann pipes. 

The 2026-27 teaching year starts in September. However, we won’t be told the outcome of our Arts Council funding application until the week commencing 10 August, so we don’t yet know if we can hold our fees at the same level as we have since 2013 (the charges for Term 1 and Term 2 have been £100 per term for one student, £175 for two from the same household, £225 for three and £275 for four or more. We do not charge for Term 3, but welcome voluntary donations). From 15 August onwards, register at this link: bit.ly/pipers-registration. You can also sign up in person, by coming in to the office (call first: 07748 986379). Once you have registered, payment can be made online or in person by card, cash, bank transfer or cheque. 

Classes take place in rented school premises in Armagh, with other events in the Pipers Club’s base at Aonach Mhacha, the Market Place Theatre and other venues. 

Term 1 runs until Christmas with class nights, family sessions, “Fonn Friday” concerts with visiting artists, National Harp Day, International Uilleann Piping Day and a Carols Concert, with the William Kennedy Weekend of concerts and sessions taking place from 13 to 16 November. Term 2 runs from 5 January to 30 March, with a mix of class nights, family sessions, London College of Music exams and other events including the Club’s Annual Concert and a Burns Night celebration. Term 3, from 10 April to 15 June, has class nights, a singing session, LCM exams, a Fonn Friday concert and a family session or picnic to round off the year.