From traditional Scottish ceremonies to unique modern-day celebrations, bagpipers bring a timeless sound that turns any event into a memorable one. Richmond is home to some of the most dedicated and talented pipers in Texas—whether you’re planning a wedding, honoring a loved one, or adding flair to a festival, these musicians will deliver an unforgettable performance.
Here are nine of the most talented bagpipers in Richmond for private events in 2025:
Nels Yehnert
Nels is a professional musician residing in the Richmond, Virginia area with 17 years of competition and performance experience. He performs on the Great Highland bagpipe and the Scottish small pipe and teaches bagpiping to both individuals and groups.
🌐 Website
David Ross
I started playing the Great Highland Bagpipe in 1990, and began playing as a second profession four years later. I served as the Pipe Major for the Grade V competition division of the Greater Richmond Pipes and Drums. I compete in both solo and band competitions throughout the Northeast Region of the United States.
🌐 Website
Robert Mitchell
Robert Mitchell began piping at 9 years of age. Bob comes from a piping family that started with his father, Albert Mitchell. Bob’s brother, Burt Mitchell, is also a piper, who is currently head instructor at Virginia Military Institute.
Bob is recognized as a successful solo competitor in the U.S., Canada, and Scotland. He is also an accomplished studio musician with over thirty years experience performing extensively throughout the Washington, D.C., Baltimore areas, and nationally, playing the Great Highland Bagpipes and the Scottish Small Pipes.
Rob Lockwood
Rob have been playing the Scottish Smallpipes, the sweeter, quieter cousin of the boisterous Great Highland Bagpipes since 1982 and am available to perform for Weddings, Memorials, Life Celebrations, Funerals, and other indoor events.
One Piper
In 1979, I visited Scotland and I was touched by the pipe (more on that theme later). Since that time, I have continued to study and perform. Although I appreciate great pipe bands, my playing interest has been in both solo and ensemble performance. Over 22 years ago, I performed the first of what has become an annual concert to celebrate my learning and share this with the public. Following the concerts, my wife and I have provided what has become a notorious feast. This event is free and it is our gift to the community.
Kevin O’Brien
Bagpiper, with decades of experience playing for weddings, funerals, corporate events, etc. in MD, DC, VA, WV, PA, NJ.
J.V. Hudson
J.V play the Great Highland Bagpipe , Scottish small pipes , shuttle pipe and tin whistle . I have been piping close to 30 years . I am available for funerals , weddings, memorials, parties, golf tournaments, openings and corporate events .
🌐 Website
Shenandoah Piper
Russell plays a set of Gibson pipes, manufactured in Eastlake, Ohio, by master pipemaker Jerry Gibson. Like most Highland bagpipes today, they are fashioned out of a very dense and dark colored wood called African blackwood. It is likely that the first bagpipes originated outside the Scottish highlands. The earliest known pipes, whose reeds were made of barley straw, are found in Egypt. Wherever the bagpipes found a maker, however, their design was similar: a chanter and one or more drones were lashed into some animal product, such as a hide or gut.
William Plail
Central Virginia bagpiper William Plail lives between Charlottesville and Lynchburg, Virginia in the town of Amherst. He has piped for commemorative and festive occasions in the Central Virginia area since 2001.
🌐 Website
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a heartfelt tribute or a joyful celebration, these Richmond-based bagpipers know how to strike the perfect note. With years of experience, rich tradition, and unwavering professionalism, they’ll elevate your event with the soul-stirring sound of the pipes.
📩 Need help finding the perfect bagpiper for your event? Reach out anytime at dreamteam@booklive.com—we’re here to help make your occasion unforgettable.