N H School of Scottish Arts

- 922 Elm St, Manchester, NH 03101

The New Hampshire School of Scottish Arts (NHSSA), located in the heart of Manchester, stands as a premier regional center for education and performance in traditional Scottish music and dance. Serving the New Hampshire community since 1984, the school is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and sharing the vibrant folk arts, heritage, and traditions of Scotland. More than just a dance school or music instructor, NHSSA operates as a central hub for Scottish cultural enthusiasts, offering professional, high-level instruction that caters to everyone from casual learners to competitive performers.

The school is a collective of passionate teachers, artists, parents, and friends united by a shared mission to keep the Scottish arts alive for future generations in New England. Their programs are designed to accommodate students of all ages and abilities, ensuring that the study of Highland Dance, Bagpipes, and Fiddle is accessible and enjoyable, whether a student seeks a path to competition, performance, or simply personal enrichment. The organization's deep roots and consistent focus on traditional standards have led to a community where students consistently achieve high goals in the competitive landscape across the Eastern United States.

For New Hampshire residents looking to explore a unique cultural art form, connect with their Scottish heritage, or simply gain a new skill, the NH School of Scottish Arts provides a welcoming and expertly guided path. The offerings are comprehensive, moving beyond simple lessons to encompass master classes, workshops, and participation in significant local and regional Scottish cultural events like the New Hampshire Indoor Scottish Festival.

Conveniently situated in Manchester, New Hampshire’s largest city, the school’s main operations and contact point are centrally located for easy access by residents across the region. The address for primary correspondence and inquiries is:922 Elm St, Manchester, NH 03101, USA.

The Elm Street location places the school in a vibrant, easily reachable downtown area of Manchester. For local users, accessibility is enhanced by the provided parking amenities. The facility features a wheelchair accessible parking lot, demonstrating a commitment to welcoming all members of the community to participate in the Scottish arts. As a location that hosts activities good for kids, it is a family-friendly cultural destination.

It is always recommended to call ahead to confirm the exact location of specific classes or events, as the school often utilizes various venues for different programs, such as weekly pipe band practices or large festivals like the New Hampshire Indoor Scottish Festival which may be held at other community locations, like local high schools, to accommodate the scale of the event.

The New Hampshire School of Scottish Arts provides a focused curriculum spanning the three main pillars of Scottish traditional performing arts: Bagpipes, Highland Dance, and Fiddle. Instruction is available for all experience levels, from absolute beginners to advanced competitors.

Key services and class types include:

• Bagpipe Instruction: Individual, one-on-one bagpipe lessons from professional instructors, including study of Piobaireachd (the classical music of the pipes). They boast one of the largest bagpipe communities in the northeast and follow a specialized curriculum.
• Highland Dance Classes: Weekly dance classes for children (starting as young as 4 years old) and adults of all ages, covering traditional dances like the Highland Fling, Sword Dance, and Seann Triubhas. Classes range from New Beginner to Adult Class levels.
• Fiddle Lessons: Individual instruction in the fiddle, exploring Scotland’s musical history through both traditional and modern Scottish tunes.
• Music Training: Comprehensive music training that includes bagpipes, fiddle, and drumming instruction (the latter often delivered through the associated pipe band).
• Group Classes: Fun, energizing group classes, particularly for Highland Dance, which help build camaraderie and performance skills.
• Beginner and Single Classes: Options for beginners to start their journey, including trial classes, as well as Single Class options for flexibility.
• Special and Master Classes: Opportunities to learn from some of the most respected names in the Scottish arts through workshops, especially during organized events.
• Night and Weekly Classes: Scheduled classes to fit different schedules, offering consistent, weekly training throughout the year.
• Performance and Competition Preparation: Tailored instruction for students aiming to compete or perform publicly.
• New Hampshire Pipes & Drums (Affiliate): Direct pathway for students to join one of New Hampshire’s premier pipe bands, with free drumming instruction offered at practices.

The NH School of Scottish Arts is distinguished by several features that make it a standout institution for Scottish arts education in New England:

• Historical Significance: Educating in Scottish arts and culture since 1984, the school has a long, established history of excellence and commitment to traditional standards.
• Professional & High-Level Instruction: The faculty includes top professionals, adjudicators, and teachers—some with globally recognized experience, such as those formerly connected to the Scots Guards and the personal bagpiper to HM Queen Elizabeth II.
• Competitive Excellence: Students from the school consistently place highly in the ranking tables of the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association and other regional competitions.
• Community Focus: The organization fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and support, known for helping out other Scottish groups and providing students with access to resources like borrowable bagpipes and uniforms.
• Major Event Host: The school is the driving force behind significant regional events, including the New Hampshire Indoor Scottish Festival (often cited as the largest of its kind in the USA) and Pipetoberfest.
• Accessibility: The school is good for kids and features wheelchair accessible parking, making it an inclusive and family-friendly environment.
• Comprehensive Arts Coverage: One of the few institutions offering high-level instruction across all three major Scottish arts: Bagpipes, Highland Dance, and Fiddle.
• Focus on Classical Piping: Bagpipe students are typically taught one-on-one and serious students are encouraged to play Piobaireachd, the classical music of the pipes.

To learn more about registration, class schedules, or upcoming events, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 922 Elm St, Manchester, NH 03101, USA
• Phone (General): (603) 621-9949
• Mobile Phone (Inquiries): +1 603-621-9949

Prospective students are encouraged to contact the school directly to discuss the most appropriate class or lesson structure for their age and experience level.

Choosing the NH School of Scottish Arts is an investment in quality instruction, cultural immersion, and a supportive community. For New Hampshire residents, it offers a rare opportunity to study authentic Scottish arts under the tutelage of highly experienced, often award-winning, professionals.

The commitment to traditional standards ensures that whether you are learning the Highland Fling or the complexities of the Great Highland Bagpipe, you are receiving the highest caliber of education. Moreover, the school's active role in organizing and participating in major Scottish cultural events—like the annual festivals—provides students with invaluable performance experience and a tangible link to a vibrant global tradition.

The NHSSA is a vital cultural artery in Manchester, providing a family-friendly, inclusive, and professionally guided journey into the compelling world of Scottish music and dance. It is the definitive local choice for anyone seeking expert instruction and deep community engagement in the Scottish arts.

N H School of Scottish Arts

922 Elm St, Manchester, NH 03101, USA