Brian Switalla

I came to see you in mid 2000. That year thanks to your help I won the NZ Solo Piping Championships again (a goal I had been struggling to achieve over prior years), and did so again in 2002. I also was a part of the 2003 World Championship winning Pipe Band, but all that detail is in the bio.

How you helped me was to appreciate that being in the "Zone" was often enough to achieve the goals you are after, as long as you set your standards high.

You taught me, not to worry if things weren't entirely perfect, as if I had prepared well enough, these small things would not stop me achieving.

You taught me to form a "force field" around myself when I was competing, that kept out all negative thoughts and anxiety.

You helped me enjoy my music a lot more.

For all these things I am grateful.

Brian was born in Dunedin but now resides in Christchurch. Brian commenced his piping at age 11, originally being taught by Fergus Mathieson of Dunedin. He has also received tuition from Allan Dodd, Lewis Turrell and Donald Bain, who all have had major influences on his piping career.

In 2000 the opportunity to play with the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band, from Northern Ireland arose. Brian played with the Band in 2000, 2002 (when they won the World Championships) and 2003.