Decker Forrest

Dr. Decker Forrest is Programme Leader for the BA (Hons) Gaelic and Traditional Music degree at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, University of the Highlands and Islands. An award-winning piper originally from California, he earned his DPhil from the University of St Andrews through research at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, where he later served as Depute Head of Department.

His research focuses on:

• Historical development of Gaelic music
• Organology of the Great Highland Bagpipe
• Research-based performance practice
• Scottish Highlands ethnology

Forrest teaches all music modules including ensemble performance, Gaelic singing, music history, and dissertation supervision. He annually lectures at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and National Piping Centre.