Master of Music Performance (Bagpipe), Carnegie Mellon University
Bachelor of Arts, Music Education (bagpipe as Major instrument), Edinboro University of PA
Teacher Certificate, Piping and Drumming Qualifications Board, Scottish Qualifications Authority
Level 8 (terminal) Certificate, Piping Performance, Theory, and History, PDQB, SQA
Graduate Certificate, Bagpipe Performance and Theory, Eastern United States Pipe Band Association
Sean Patrick Regan is a 3rd-generation bagpiper, one of fewer than two dozen people in the world to hold a degree in bagpiping, and one of only two people to successfully complete a M. Mus in bagpipe performance. He has taught piping for 22 years and began teaching remotely, by telephone and then through video chat, over 12 years ago when a particularly enthusiastic student was unable to make the commute through an especially rough winter’s blizzards. He now works with students both local to Pittsburgh and around the United States.
A professional-grade solo piping competitor, the majority of Sean’s students are hobbyists who simply enjoy the process of developing themselves, their music, and their relationship with an inspiring, uncompromising, and at times frightening instrument. He particularly enjoys bringing new persons of all ages and cultural backgrounds into the world of piping and drumming.
Sean has piped with The Chieftains, The Piano Guys, the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, The River City Brass, the Western PA Lower Brass Consortium, the Southern Maryland Concert Band, and others, and is a member of “America’s Celtic Band” The Rogues. He performs as a soloist for public events, such as The Pittsburgh Irish Festival, the Ligonier Highland Games, and various other festivals and occasions, as well as for private events, such as (but not limited to) weddings, funerals, and house parties. He is featured on 7 albums.
In addition to his more formal recordings, Sean produces material which is occasionally presented via his website, YouTube channel, and Facebook page, all of which share the handle SPRbagpiper.
Sean is the Interim Artistic Director for the Balmoral School of Piping & Drumming, whose Executive Director, George Balderose, was also the founder of Calliope House. As part of his role with Balmoral, Sean instructs the organization’s Pipe Band, the Balmoral Pipes & Drums, which is a “teaching band” as well as a performing and competing ensemble, open to players of all ages and ability level who bring with them a spirit of encouragement and a desire for the betterment of self and community. Balmoral is dedicated to bringing quality instruction and experiences to pipers and drummers, their families, and audiences. For more information about the band or its sponsoring organization, please feel free to reach out to Sean or go to www.bagpiping.org