If your reading this, you have find the right place. We suggest trying toenter a zip code in our search engine to find a piper located near you. The search results will return our sponsored bagpipers.
In case you can not locate a piper using the zip code search function then you can browse and search for a pipers and pipe bands in our link directory. Click here for a list of countries and states.
Are the pipers certified ?
We do not grade, certify or qualify the bagpipers on our website and we accept both paid and free bagpiper listings. We have been online since 1996 have not had a complaint on a paying advertiser on our website. These pipers have been professional and highly qualified musicians. Many of our pipers can be found throughout the internet listed as competitor's, instructors, band leaders, professional recording artist and actors.
Although bagpipe competition in and about itself can not be used to sole factor in determining a bagpiper's expertise, it can reflect positively on their general playing ability.
How can I tell if the piper is any good ?
The quickest and easiest way is to ask for a phone audition. Request if the bagpiper can play a few tunes on the bagpipes over the phone. The piper can also play the practice chanter instead of the bagpipes if it would be impractical to perform on the phone without prior arrangements.
I only need a piper for ...
I hear this one quite often "I only need a piper for 2 hours", or "Or I only need a piper for one tune".
The amount of playing time a bagpiper should perform should complement the "occasion" and "location". There are many times when a piper is requested just to play a tune or two at a wedding. From my experience this never the case. No matter how short the playing time may seem, the piper still has to travel to and from the location and requires ample warm up time before any performance.
Weddings and Bagpipes
One of the most requested events that a bagpiper will perform at is a wedding. Usually the piper will play 15-20 prior to the scheduled start of the ceremony and commence playing again at the receiving line for an average of 30-45 minutes.
Bagpipers can also be incorporated into the processional and recessional as a solo instrument or accompanied by other musicians. The latter will usually require a bit more planning since the pipes may not sound great with other instruments without work.
Bagpipers can also play during cocktail hours, in main reception or leading a parade of the bridal party from the church down several city blocks to the reception area.
Bagpipes at Funerals
Music is integral to the funeral rights. Mention bagpipes and most people will associate them with funerals. This association of the bagpipes and funerals stem from what the pipes can do best, powerfully play and touch the deepest emotions where words fail to reach. For hundreds of years the bagpipes have been played at funeral services, commemorating their loss of a loved one with music. The soulful and haunting sounds of the bagpipe’s ancient scale express convictions and feelings that words alone may fail to convey.
The bagpipes can be utilized at any point during the funeral service. Typically the bagpiper will perform at either the Funeral Mass or at the Interment at the cemetery. Occasionally, a bagpiper may be requested to perform at both the mass and the interment.
I want a bagpiper but pipes are too loud, what should I do ?
When you wish to have a piper play indoors in a small area for longer then a few minutes ask if the piper has a set of small pipes that they can play.
Small pipes are a wonderful mellow sounding instrument for apartments, houses, and restaurants.
Here is a video of a talented piper, Vicki Swan playing a set of small pipes.
Other Events
Bagpipes can play enjoyed at many events such as:
Birthday Parties
Store Openings
Parades
Christenings
Boat Launches
Corporate Events
St. Patrick's Day and Halfway to St. Patrick's Day Events
Robert Burns Dinners
School Events
and much more
What about fees ?
Each piper sets their own rates which can vary greatly depending on travel time, time of the year, amount of playing time, or other special requests. To keep cost down please try to locate a bagpiper closest to the function.
This video demonstrates why not to approach the hiring of a bagpiper as an exercise in price-shopping for the low bid. Ownership of a kilt and bagpipe does not a piper make.”