The regimental drummer begins his course by learning basic rudiments and exercises, stemming from the positioning and grip of the drumsticks to controlled alternative single stroke development exercises.  This is followed with a week 5 assessment by the senior drum instructor who will evaluate the student's progress and make a decision if they have the making of a drummer or not. 

In the weeks ahead the student will be taught pipe band foot drill and bugling, along with more advanced exercises, before the introduction of 'drum scores'.  A confident drummer will have at least 5 drum scores memorised, each with different timings and with relevant piping tunes, on arrival back to their parent regiments.

Once back to the regiment, the newly qualified drummer will learn new drum scores relevant to their Regimental tunes, i.e. Faugh a Ballagh, Green Glens etc.  The drummer will most likely find himself on St. Patrick's Day Parade, medal parades and mini band jobs.

Within a drum section there is one bass drummer and at least two tenor drums, all of whom play equally important roles within the pipe band, they would accompany the side drummers, of which there would be a maximum of six. The bass drummer lays down the natural beat to the score with the tenor adding in 'off beats'.