Whilst the Scottish bagpipe is associated with the culture of Scotland, the popularity of its music is becoming ever more international. 
Competitive piping reflects this popularity, with an increasing number of competitors at every level coming from overseas to compete at the major gatherings.  
Scotland remains the true home of solo piping, and the world’s leading competitions, traditionally held here, now comprise competitors of unequalled depth and quality from almost every corner of the world.
As the standard of such international competition at these events indicates, many of the world’s leading pipers now come from outside of Scotland. 
It is our aim to ensure that pipers around the world are graded consistently on an international basis, based on an analysis of a competitive track record and comparison against their peers. 
This means that while the major competitions continue to use the CPA’s grading system, the best pipers in the world will play at the best competitions. 
Our key objective, as office bearers of the Competing Pipers’ Association, is to represent the interests of competing pipers at competitions in Scotland.
The CPA truly reflects the global competitive piping community with Committee members hailing from all of the world’s major piping communities. 
We have also ensured that the Grading Committee comprises leading piping experts from the international piping community to ensure that every member can obtain a grade based on consensus of opinion amongst these leading experts – a true international comparison.
The key to success in competitive piping is to get out and compete. 
If you want to play at the major competitions, you must establish a track record against those pipers competing at that level. 
Quality of competition is important, not just prizes.
If you have any concerns at all, we would really appreciate if you could forward them to us at secretary@competingpipers.com
Where appropriate, Tracey Williams, our Secretary, will then be able to route them through to your regional contact who will be in touch directly. 
These contacts are:
UK                      Michael Gray
Canada                Andy Rodgers
USA                     Lyric Todkill
Australasia            Richard Hawke
Rest of World        Simon McKerrell

For young pipers, we have also a special contact in Andrea Boyd.
Please talk to any of the Committee members whenever you see us.  Tell us about what you feel is good and what needs improvement in competitive piping.
We too are competitive pipers and are committed to the development of solo piping.
Let’s all look forward to a successful 2008 - respect your fellow competitors and the opinions of the judging bench, particularly when judges are prepared to share their thoughts.


Best wishes,
John-Angus Smith