Congratulations to who has been nominated in Up and Coming Artist of the Year in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2026. Vote for Bede now!. It’s going to be another great night at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 5th December in Paisley Arena, Lagoon Centre. Why not join us for a brilliant night of music and awards. Buy a ticket here.
We asked Bede of Bede Patterson the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
Bede Patterson is an Australian-born, Scotland-based bagpiper, composer, educator, and researcher whose work is dedicated to expanding the artistic and cultural reach of Scottish traditional music. Now based in Glasgow, Patterson has built an international profile through performance, academic inquiry, and creative collaboration, positioning himself at the forefront of a new generation of musicians redefining the possibilities of the Great Highland Bagpipe.
A graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where he earned a First-Class Honours Bachelor of Music degree in Traditional Music (Piping), Patterson combines technical mastery with a strong intellectual foundation. His academic work explores innovation within tradition, with particular focus on the evolution of bagpipe music.
As a performer, Patterson’s career spans some of the world’s most prestigious stages and festivals. In 2024, he appeared at the Aspen Music Festival in Colorado with the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland, collaborating across genres in both chamber and orchestral settings. The same year, he debuted his ensemble, The Nexus Project, at Glasgow’s Piping Live! Festival as part of its Ceol Nua programme, showcasing innovative approaches to new music for bagpipes. In 2025 he was invited to direct and participate in a performance of Julia Wolfe’s Lad for the BBC Philharmonic in Manchester and later that year appeared as a guest artist in William Barton’s solo concert at the Edinburgh International Festival.
Patterson is an accomplished competitive piper, having performed multiple times at the World Pipe Band Championships, with The Pipe Band Club Australia. His international touring experience includes appearances across Europe and the UK at major Celtic and traditional music festivals. Earlier in his career, Patterson performed extensively in Australia, including appearances at the Sydney Opera House and collaborations with major artists such as Jimmy Barnes. He has also contributed to commercial recordings, including ABC Classics releases and televised productions with The Wiggles and ABC’s Play School, demonstrating a broad appeal across audiences and formats.
Alongside his performance career, Patterson is a committed educator and mentor. He has taught in both Australia and Scotland, including at The Scots College in Sydney and through the National Piping Centre in Glasgow, where he delivers workshops, private tuition, and performances.
Patterson’s practice extends beyond performance into craftsmanship and consultancy. As an apprentice with Begg Bagpipes, he develops bespoke instruments using traditional and locally sourced materials, deepening his understanding of the instrument’s physical and acoustic properties. His expertise has also been sought in film, where he has provided historical consultancy on the accurate representation of 18th-century Scottish music.
Any particular career highlights?
Headlining the Edinburgh International Festival alongside William Barton for the world premiere of Winds of the Earth, uniting Scottish piobaireachd and Aboriginal Australian yidaki traditions.
Performing on Jimmy Barnes’ Working Class Boy tour, including a live recording at the Sydney Opera House.
Directing and performing Julia Wolfe’s LAD with the BBC Philharmonic at Bridgewater Hall, leading an ensemble of nine Highland pipers.
Headlining Piping Live! with The Nexus Project, presenting innovative new music for the Highland bagpipes.
Performing the music of Philip Glass with Erwan Keravec’s Breton pipe-led ensemble in Ceol Nua: 8 Pipers for Philip Glass.
Winning the Gordon Duncan Memorial Competition, recognising excellence in Highland piping.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to secure my next UK visa through my work in music and performance, allowing me to continue developing my career in Scotland. I aim to expand my work as a piper and composer within the contemporary classical world, collaborating with other artists and exploring new possibilities for the Highland bagpipe through ongoing research into extended techniques. I also hope to perform more widely with my ensemble, The Nexus Project, while continuing to compose new music that pushes the instrument into new creative spaces.
Bede Patterson Social Media
Website: http://bedepatterson.com
Instagram: @_bede__
YouTube: @bedepatterson2042
Listen to music link: https://orcd.co/glaisvair
The 2026 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are on the 5th December 2026 in Paisley Arena, Lagoon Centre! You will be able to watch it live in person (buy a ticket here).
Hosted by Scottish personalities Alistair Heather and Mary Ann Kennedy, the night will welcome live performances from some of the brightest lights on the thriving trad scene today including Valtos, Gnoss, Sian, Fèis Phàislig, Spodo Komodo and BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Rachel Groves and many more!
If you would like to support Hands Up for Trad in their work with Scottish trad music and musicians why not become a friend of Hands Up for Trad. In addition to our high profile events like the Scots Trad Music Awards, we also deliver a less well known, education programme for young people from 8yrs right through to young adults at the start of their careers. Read more here.