Roddy MacLeod
Musical artist
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Roderick J. (Roddy) MacLeod MBE (born August 26, 1962)[1] is a Scottish bagpiper, director of the annual Piping Live! Festival and former principal of the National Piping Centre.[2][3][4]
Roddy MacLeod | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Roddy |
| Born | Roderick MacLeod 26 August 1962 |
| Genres | Pibroch |
| Instrument | Bagpipes |
| Years active | 1978–present |
| Member of | The National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland |
| Formerly of | Spirit of Scotland Pipe Band |
| Awards |
|
| Website | roddymacleodbagpipes |
He is known to be vocal against Scottish reforms in the realm of piping. In 2006, when the government ordered pipers to play quietly,[5] and protect their ears whilst practising, he was quoted as saying; ""If you are practising to become a serious piper, you cannot do so within these kinds of limits."[6][7]
In the same year he campaigned to introduce means-testing to acquire a busker's licence in Edinburgh.[8]
After speaking out against the lack of piping teachers in Scottish schools, he introduced Skype lessons in 2008 for would-be pipers as a potential solution to the problem.[9][10][11] He also suggested that the chanter replace the recorder in primary schools.[12]
He is a ten-time winner of the Piobaireachd at the Glenfiddich Solo Piping Championship; a record, and has won the overall title five times.[13][14]
In 1995, he became the Pipe Major of the ScottishPower Pipe Band and served until 2006 and in 2012 he was inducted into the Scottish Traditional Hall of Fame.[15]