University of PEI and College of Piping Join to Offer Highland Piping Degree

Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada – June 22, 2001 – The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), together with the College of Piping & Celtic Performing Arts of Canada, has announced that it will offer a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Highland Bagpiping.

The degree is the first of its kind for Canada, and only the third in the world.

“The College of Piping has enhanced PEI’s rich heritage in Celtic culture by providing exceptional instruction in Highland bagpipes,” said UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan. “Combining this with UPEI’s strength as leader in liberal arts education makes sense. Graduates of the program will be well-rounded citizens with knowledge and cultural awareness.”

Admission to the program is based on a successful audition at the level equivalent to the Institute of Piping’s Senior Certificate.

According to Scott MacAulay, Director of the College of Piping, “The entire worldwide piping community will be pleased to see that the University of Prince Edward Island has shown the initiative to establish this new degree program.”

The program still needs final approval from the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission, which is expected to occur soon. UPEI expects to begin enrolling students for the 2001/2002 academic year, and will offer eight new courses at different levels of individualized instruction.

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