Bagpipers are graded into six levels for solo competition ranging from Professional down to Amateur Grade V (beginner), with most bagpipers, including the majority of those that do not compete, falling into the Amateur Grade IV category.

In the Eastern United States, a bagpiper's grade is set by the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association (EUSPBA) which strictly controls the grading process. Moving to a higher grade requires a bagpiper to consistently dominate their current grade, sometimes over several seasons.

I actively compete at the Professional level which is the highest solo bagpipe competition grade.

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A student of mine competing at the Loch Norman Highland Games in North Carolina.