workshops

Dr. Matthew Welch is highly sought after for his teaching of the all aspects of the bagpipe.

National Piping Centre and Royal Conservatoire, Scotland:

I am pleased to provide this reference for Matthew Welch regarding his teaching contributions to the National Piping Centre and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s collaborative BMus Traditional Music (Piping) undergraduate degree program.

Through his work on our Ceòl Beag of the 21st Century core supporting study – specifically, in relation to avant-garde approaches to bagpipe repertoire – Matthew has demonstrated a unique ability to engage students in exploring new artistic frontiers. His teaching style is both intellectually rigorous and creatively inspiring, fostering an environment where students feel encouraged to challenge conventional boundaries in their musical expression. He effectively bridges historical tradition with contemporary practice, offering students a framework to understand and develop experimental bagpipe music as a legitimate artistic pursuit.

Student response to Matthew’s courses has been overwhelmingly positive. His ability to convey complex and abstract theoretical and practical concepts in an accessible manner has greatly enriched the learning experience.

The impact of his work extends beyond the classroom; in 2022 the National Piping Centre’s annual bagpipe festival, Piping Live! International Piping Festival launched a ‘Ceol Nua’ strand of programming, inspired by Matthew’s work in the area of ‘new music’ for the bagpipe. This event not only validates the artistic credibility of experimental piping but also contributes to the broader discourse on its place within contemporary music. Furthermore, students of the aforementioned class have been able to showcase their efforts in this area to an international audience.

Matthew’s expertise, enthusiasm, and commitment to expanding the artistic scope of bagpiping have left a lasting impression on students and the wider piping community. His contributions have been invaluable in shaping a forward-thinking approach to the instrument, and I wholeheartedly endorse his teaching abilities and impact. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require further information.

John Mulhearn

Head of Piping Studies

National Piping Centre (Glasgow, Scotland)

New York Metro Pipe Band:

Matt Welch’s tenure as a musical director and instructor for the NY Metro Pipe Band from 2010 to 2016 exemplifies his ability to cultivate musical excellence, foster community engagement, and mentor individual players to achieve their full potential. His impact during this period demonstrates his effectiveness as an educator, leader, and mentor. Under Matt’s leadership, NY Metro Pipe Band rose to prominence on both national and international stages, securing several prestigious titles, including:

● 2011 World Pipe Band Championship (Grade 3B) – 1st Place

● 2012 North American Pipe Band Championship (Grade 2) – 1st Place

● 2013 World Pipe Band Championship (Grade 2) – 2nd Place

● 2016 American Pipe Band Championship (Grade 2) – 1st Place

These achievements are a testament to his ability to structure rehearsals, develop unique musical arrangements, and refine performance standards to ensure the band consistently operated at an elite level. His approach to musical direction balanced technical precision with traditional Scottish expression, allowing the band to excel across a diverse array of performance settings.

Beyond competition, Matt played a critical role in strengthening the NY Metro Pipe Band’s presence in the broader piping community. He fostered a culture of collaboration, attracting and retaining talented musicians while also mentoring younger players entering the band. His leadership helped create an environment where members felt both challenged and supported, contributing to the long-term sustainability and reputation of the organization.

Matt’s dedication extended beyond ensemble rehearsals as he provided private instruction to numerous students, many of whom went on to achieve personal success in solo competitions and professional music careers. This private mentorship helped players develop technical proficiency, musical interpretation, and confidence, highlighting his ability to tailor instruction to individual learning styles.

Matt Welch’s work with the NY Metro Pipe Band showcases his success as a musical educator. His leadership led to significant competitive victories, strengthened a thriving musical community, and facilitated the development of countless individual musicians. His ability to teach, and elevate his students skills demonstrates that his educational impact extends far beyond any conventional academic environment.

Michael Mahoney,

Pipe Major, New York Metro Pipe Band

http://www.nymetropipeband.com/

Macalester College Pipe Band:

1. Teaching Effectiveness: Matt is an outstanding instructor with a high standard for musical excellence. He has a unique ability to tailor his message to the abilities of each individual performer. Instead of overwhelming the band with critical feedback, he focuses on a few key concepts in each tune, which makes the learning process more manageable and effective.

2. Subject Knowledge: Matt's deep understanding of music and musical instruction is evident in his teaching methods. He runs the band through creative exercises that help bring his key points home, demonstrating his ability to translate complex musical concepts into practical applications.

3. Workshop Organization: The workshop was well-organized, and Matt ensured that students understood the course expectations and goals. He managed time efficiently, making sure each session was productive and focused on achieving musical excellence.

4. Interaction with Students: Matt excels at getting to know each individual band member, which allows him to fine-tune higher level players while providing more basic instruction to those who need it. His tone and demeanor never waver; he remains positive and energetic while clearly communicating the high standard he believes the band is capable of achieving. He enthusiastically engaged with students at the end of the workshop when they had more personalized questions about their playing and their instruments.

5. Assessment and Feedback: Matt's feedback is constructive and focused, helping students understand their strengths and areas for improvement. He strikes a balance between providing high-level guidance and more basic instruction tailored to the needs of individual students.

6. Professionalism: Matt conducts himself with professionalism and integrity. His passion for music and musical instruction is obvious, and he constantly strives to make those around him better. His positive and energetic demeanor fosters a supportive and motivating learning environment.

Overall Rating: Matt is an excellent instructor who significantly contributes to the students' musical growth and success. His dedication and passion for teaching are commendable, and he sets a high standard for musical excellence.

P/M Mike Breidenbach, Macalester College

Minnesota Pipes and Drums:

I am thrilled to recommend Matt Welch as a bagpipe instructor and educator. Matt worked with our band, the Minnesota Pipes and Drums, at a critical time when we were refining our competition medley and improving our overall sound. His expertise in breaking down complex musical and technical elements made a tremendous difference in our progress.

As our band's newly appointed Pipe Major, I found Matt’s guidance invaluable. He was patient, to the point, and highly effective in helping us improve our tuning, musicality, and focus for rehearsal. His approach was structured yet adaptable, ensuring that our session was productive and that we had clear takeaways to build on. He took our goals and adapted them well into a thorough workshop that helped us learn and grow in the ways we needed to. His deep knowledge of piping, coupled with his ability to communicate concepts clearly, made the learning process efficient and enjoyable.

Matt’s impact on our band was immediate, and his insights continue to shape our playing. We will definitely be seeking out his guidance again in the future. I have no doubt that his dedication, teaching ability, and passion for piping would make him an asset in any academic setting. I highly recommend him as an instructor —his students would be incredibly fortunate to learn from him.

Janet Blake

Pipe Major, Minnesota Pipes and Drums