Boston, a city rich in history and culture, boasts a vibrant music scene. Among its many musical traditions, the haunting and soulful sound of bagpipes stands out.
Whether it’s for a wedding, a funeral, or a festive parade, Boston’s best bagpipers bring a unique touch to any event.
Finding the right bagpiper can elevate your occasion, making it memorable and special. This list of the 11 best bagpipers in Boston highlights skilled musicians who have mastered the art of this iconic instrument.
From traditional tunes to contemporary performances, these bagpipers offer a range of styles that cater to various tastes and events.
In this guide, you’ll discover seasoned performers who have graced numerous stages and ceremonies with their expertise.
Their dedication to preserving the rich heritage of bagpipe music ensures an unforgettable experience.
Top 11 Best Bagpipers in Boston
Boston has a rich tradition of bagpipers, providing skilled musicians for a wide variety of events such as weddings, funerals, and celebrations.
Here are 11 of the best bagpipers you can consider when looking for the best in the city:
1. Brian Quirk
Brian Quirk is a standout bagpiper from Lawrence, MA, who captivates audiences at weddings, funerals, and parties.
With over 352 verified bookings since 2011, his musical expertise shines through performances of Scottish, Irish, Canadian, and American tunes. His mastery spans marches, strathspeys, reels, hornpipes, jigs, airs, and hymns.
Boasting an impressive average rating of 5.0 from 162 reviews, Brian is celebrated for his reliability and skill.
He offers virtual services and accepts online payments, making him a convenient choice for events. Starting at $275 per event, Brian provides a seamless experience for any occasion within 100 miles of Lawrence, MA.
2. Pipe Major Sheldon C. Hamblin, Bagpiper, Cape Cod
Looking for an authentic touch of Scotland or Ireland for your event? Pipe Major Sheldon C. Hamblin from Falmouth, MA, brings over 20 years of experience to any celebration.
As the leader of the Highland Light Scottish Pipe Band in Cape Cod, he’s performed solo on the Great Highland Bagpipes at weddings, corporate events, and special occasions.
Sheldon’s accolades include 15 awards and badges, showcasing his exceptional talent. With 265 verified bookings and an average rating of 5.0 from 147 reviews, his performances are guaranteed to impress.
Available for events up to 60 miles from Falmouth, Sheldon’s services start at $225 per event, and he accepts online payments.
Book him to ensure a memorable experience filled with the stirring melodies of traditional bagpipe music.
3. Nate Silva: “Passion Piper”
Nate Silva, known as the “Passion Piper,” is a seasoned bagpiper from Boston, MA, with over 20 years of experience.
Traveling up to 100 miles for events, he offers performances starting at $250 per event. Nate’s love for Scottish and Irish bagpipes shines through his music, making every occasion memorable.
He has received an average rating of 5.0 from 26 reviews and completed 51 verified bookings since joining in 2021.
Nate’s dedication to his craft has earned him 4 awards and badges, underscoring his exceptional talent.
His ability to accept online payments adds convenience for clients planning weddings, corporate events, or special celebrations, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
4. Bob Cameron, Piper
Bob Cameron, a skilled bagpiper from Braintree, MA, has been enchanting audiences since 1985. With over 202 verified bookings and an average rating of 5.0 from 122 reviews, his expertise is unquestionable.
Bob offers a variety of uniforms to match any event, making him a versatile choice for weddings, special events, and annual celebrations. Starting at $250 per event, his services are competitively priced.
Bob’s bagpipe repertoire includes the Great Highland Bagpipes, Lowland Bagpipes, and Scottish Smallpipes, accommodating both large gatherings and intimate settings.
His impressive resume features performances at renowned venues like Harvard University, USS Constitution, and the Boston Harbor Hotel.
Bob’s credentials include a Bachelor of Music degree and numerous performance awards, affirming his status as one of Boston’s finest bagpipers.
5. Stuart Paul ~ Bagpiper
Stuart Paul, a renowned bagpiper from Leominster, MA, enhances events with his exceptional talent. As the Pipe Major of the Scots Highland Pipes and Drums of Ashby, MA, he brings authenticity and emotion to every performance.
With an average rating of 5.0 from 31 reviews and 60 verified bookings since 2018, Stuart’s reputation for excellence is well-established.
Specializing in both religious and secular ceremonies, Stuart travels up to 100 miles and charges $200 per event.
His ability to evoke powerful emotions through the Great Highland Bagpipe makes him a sought-after performer.
Clients appreciate his professionalism and the convenience of online payment options. Stuart’s impressive 8 awards and badges underscore his dedication to his craft.
6. Andrew McIntosh – Bagpiper – Fellswater
Andrew McIntosh has over 45 years of experience as a professional bagpiper. Hailing from Dudley, MA, he travels up to 100 miles, bringing his exceptional musicianship to a variety of events.
He’s an active member of the Celtic ensemble, Fellswater, and offers both solo and group performances.
Starting at $275 per event, Andrew’s versatility includes traditional highland bagpipes, Scottish smallpipes, Reelpipes, and Northumbrian smallpipes, accommodating both grand and quieter occasions.
Andrew has performed at prestigious venues like the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the John F. Kennedy Library.
His involvement in notable events, such as the Edinburgh Tattoo and Royal Nova Scotia Tattoo with Fellswater, underscores his expertise and popularity.
He boasts an average rating of 5.0 from 4 reviews, with 6 verified bookings since 2023. Andrew accepts online payments, enhancing convenience for his clients.
7. Daniel Meyers
Daniel Meyers, a bagpiper from Somerville, MA, has been enchanting audiences since 2009. With 121 verified bookings and an average rating of 5.0 from 72 reviews, he’s a standout in the Boston bagpiping scene.
Daniel specializes in playing the uilleann pipes, which offer a quieter and more flexible range compared to the Highland pipes, making them perfect for both indoor and outdoor performances.
Having studied under renowned pipers like Eamonn O Broithe and Mick O’Brien, Daniel brings a wealth of experience to each event.
His repertoire includes Irish sean-nos airs, jigs, reels, and a variety of tunes from Irish, Scottish, and American traditions.
Starting at $350 per event, Daniel also offers additional instruments like the Irish whistle, flute, and bodhran, and he’s open to forming duos or trios with other musicians.
8. Sean Cooper “Ridgeline Piper”
Sean Cooper, also known as “Ridgeline Piper”, is a Marine Corps and Navy veteran. He has been playing the bagpipes for four years and is based in Lowell, MA. Sean offers his services within a 50-mile radius, with rates starting at $200 per event.
He’s performed at various events like races, weddings, funerals, and biker gatherings. Clients appreciate his outgoing personality and ability to tailor performances.
Sean has an impressive 5.0 average rating from five reviews and five verified bookings since joining in 2022.
He also offers to entertain guests with the history of bagpipes, donning either traditional or highland costumes. Sean’s dedication ensures a memorable experience.
9. Highland Wedding
Highland Wedding, led by Arthur Graham, offers a rich blend of experience and tradition. Based in Framingham, MA, Arthur has 97 verified bookings and an average rating of 5.0 from 56 reviews.
His journey began under Ian McLellan of the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band in Scotland, and his career highlights include performing at the Lord Mayor’s Parade in London and supporting Rod Stewart at Wembley Stadium.
Arthur’s unique R.G. Lawrie bagpipes, over 100 years old, provide a rich sound. His repertoire includes both traditional and popular tunes, making him flexible for any type of event. Available to travel up to 100 miles, Arthur charges starting at $200 per event.
10. Davy Methven
Davy Methven brings a rich Scottish heritage to Boston with his exceptional bagpipe skills. Originally from Scotland, Davy moved to Massachusetts in 2010 and has since made a name for himself in New England’s bagpiping scene. With numerous World Championship band titles and solo prizes, his expertise is unmatched.
Davy has 125 verified bookings and an impressive average rating of 5.0 from 71 reviews, highlighting his reliability and talent.
He offers performances starting at $175 per event and travels up to 100 miles. Davy also excels in virtual services and accepts online payments, making the booking process seamless.
He has a wide repertoire, and his music, including albums like “The Great Big Scottish Songbook” and “Rockin all over the Glen,” captures the essence of Scotland, ensuring a memorable experience for any occasion.
11. Quality Bagpiping Services
Quality Bagpiping Services offers exceptional performances from a skilled bagpiper based in Worcester, MA.
With over 20 years of experience, this piper has played for top musicians in the Northeast and is a former Pipe Major of the renowned Worcester Kiltie Band.
Their services start at $225 per event, including travel up to 100 miles. They provide high-quality bagpiping for funerals, weddings, and special events, ensuring a well-tuned instrument and impeccable attire.
Virtual services are also available, adding flexibility for clients. Verified bookings and customer testimonials attest to their reliability and standard.
For those seeking a premium bagpiper experience, Quality Bagpiping Services delivers excellence in every performance.
What to Look for When Selecting Bagpipers in Boston
When selecting a bagpiper in Boston, there are several factors to consider to ensure you choose the best musician for your event, whether it’s a wedding, funeral, or celebration.
Experience and Expertise
One of the first things to look for is a bagpiper’s experience and expertise. A seasoned bagpiper will be well-versed in different tunes and able to adjust their performance to fit the tone of the event.
Whether for a solemn funeral or a lively celebration, an experienced bagpiper should have a range of music that suits the mood.
Years of performance experience also contribute to their ability to handle unexpected changes or technical difficulties during the event.
Repertoire
It’s essential to inquire about the bagpiper’s repertoire. Traditional Scottish and Irish music is often expected, but many bagpipers offer a broad range of tunes, including contemporary and custom arrangements.
Depending on the event, you may want specific songs, so ensure the bagpiper can accommodate special requests.
A versatile musician should be able to provide a range of options, from “Amazing Grace” for funerals to more lively tunes like “Scotland the Brave” for celebrations.
Professionalism
Professionalism is crucial when hiring a bagpiper. From timely communication to punctuality on the event day, a professional bagpiper will work closely with you to plan the performance, offer suggestions, and ensure they meet your specific needs.
They should be responsive, willing to discuss details like timing, outfit choices, and the types of pipes they’ll use. Additionally, a professional demeanor during the event itself will enhance the overall experience for your guests.
Reviews and Recommendations
Look for reviews and recommendations to gauge the bagpiper’s reputation. Previous clients can provide insight into the quality of their performance, reliability, and the overall experience of working with them.
Sites like WeddingWire or Google Reviews often contain helpful comments from clients who have used their services for similar events.
A bagpiper with consistently positive feedback is more likely to provide a seamless and memorable experience.
Pricing and Packages
Understanding the bagpiper’s pricing structure is another important aspect. Some charge by the hour, while others might offer packages for specific types of events, such as weddings or funerals.
When comparing prices, consider what is included in the fee, such as travel expenses, additional musicians if needed, or specific outfit requests.
Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best. A balance between cost and quality is key to ensuring a satisfactory performance.
Presentation and Attire
Bagpipers often perform in traditional attire, such as a kilt, but it’s important to confirm what they will wear, especially for formal occasions.
Their outfit should align with the tone of the event, whether it’s a formal ceremony or a casual celebration.
Presentation goes beyond just appearance; it includes how the piper engages with the audience, and how they interact with event staff and guests.
Flexibility
Given that live events can sometimes be unpredictable, it’s valuable to choose a bagpiper who is flexible. This means being able to adapt to changes in timing, weather conditions, or venue restrictions.
A bagpiper with a flexible approach will help ease any last-minute stress by adjusting their performance schedule or moving to different parts of a venue without issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Brian Quirk a notable bagpiper in Boston?
Brian Quirk is celebrated for his versatility, performing Scottish, Irish, Canadian, and American tunes. With over 352 bookings and a perfect rating of 5.0 from 162 reviews, he is known for his reliability and skill in delivering memorable performances.
Can bagpipers offer virtual services for events?
Yes, many bagpipers, including Brian Quirk and Davy Methven, offer virtual services. This allows clients to enjoy bagpipe music remotely, adding flexibility to event planning.
What kind of music does Daniel Meyers specialize in?
Daniel Meyers specializes in playing the uilleann pipes, which are quieter than Highland pipes. His repertoire includes Irish sean-nos airs, jigs, reels, and a variety of tunes from Irish, Scottish, and American traditions.
How far can most professional bagpipers in Boston travel for an event?
Most professional bagpipers in Boston are willing to travel up to 100 miles for events. Specific travel limits and additional charges may vary between pipers.
Which bagpiper discussed in the article is known for their extensive experience?
Pipe Major Sheldon C. Hamblin, with over 20 years of experience, is noted for his extensive history in leading the Highland Light Scottish Pipe Band and his wide range of performances across different events.
Conclusion
Selecting the best bagpiper for your event is essential to ensure a memorable experience filled with traditional and stirring melodies.
The featured bagpipers in Boston, with their diverse skills and expertise, provide top-notch performances.
Whether it’s Brian Quirk’s reliability, Sheldon C. Hamblin’s extensive experience, or Andrew McIntosh’s versatility, each piper brings something unique.
Bob Cameron’s variety of uniforms, Nate Silva’s passion, and Daniel Meyers’ skilled uilleann pipings enhance their offerings.
From Sean Cooper’s engaging history lessons to Arthur Graham’s rich sound, and Davy Methven’s wide repertoire, Boston boasts exceptional talent in bagpiping, suitable for any event.
Natalie Kurtzman