Whether you’re honoring tradition at a wedding, marking a solemn moment at a memorial, or just want to turn heads at your next celebration, the bagpipe adds a rich, unforgettable presence to any event. In a city as vibrant and diverse as Boston, finding a talented piper is easier than ever—if you know where to look.
Here are eight of the most talented bagpipers and pipe bands in the Boston area for private events in 2025.
Adam G. Holdaway
Raised in Somerville, Massachusetts, Adam began playing bagpipes at the age of eleven under the instruction of renowned piping instructor Archie MacLeod. Soon after, he began competing in solo competitions and has competed with a number of prestigious bands including the grade 2 Tulach Ard pipe band based in Lexington, Massachusetts and the Manchester Pipe Band of Manchester, Connecticut. Adam is currently Pipe Major of the grade 1 Stuart Highlanders of Wilmington, Massachusetts, which on August 13, 2011 won the overall piping score at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland
🔗 Website📱YouTube
Duncan Hurst
I’m a bagpiper based in Whately, Massachusetts, with over 15 years of experience performing, teaching, and leading in the piping community. I started learning the bagpipes at age ten, studying under Adam Holdaway, and quickly found my place in the Stuart Highland Pipe Band of Wilmington, MA, where I’ve played ever since and have served as pipe major since 2018. Pipe majors are responsible for the overall sound of the band, leading rehearsals, instructing players, and making sure the band is ready for any competition or performance. I am also a member of The Commonwealth Pipes and Drums of Melrose, MA.
🔗 Website📱Instagram
Nate Silva (“Passion Piper”)
My name’s Nate. I’m an experienced player and performer of a variety of Scottish and Irish related bagpipes, and I’ve be at it for more than 20 years. Piping is a passion of mine, and it’s one I love to share.
🔗 Website📱 Instagram 📱 Facebook 📱 X
Bob Cameron, Piper
I’ve been a professional musician since I was a senior in high school, starting as a tubist in all sorts of ensembles both professionally and as a Music Education major in College.
I started learning bagpipes in late 1979 and since the 1980s have been playing for weddings, funerals, other church services, graduations, parties and all sorts of events, including parades, as a solo piper.
🔗 Website
Brian Quirk
Weddings, funerals, parties, events
– Scottish, Irish, Canadian, and American tunes
– Marches, strathspeys, reels, hornpipes, jigs, airs, hymns, piobaireachd.
Rates (from 12 Days of Christmas):
$280 for funerals, $320 for weddings and other events: for the first 90 minutes; negotiable if longer, or if more than 30 miles from Lawrence, MA.
I may be able to find a bagpiper near you.
At a funeral, I can provide “Taps” on a bugle at no extra fee.
🔗 Website
Holyoke Caledonian Pipe Band
As the region’s premier pipe band, the Holyoke Caledonian Pipe Band is available to perform at a wide range of events. From festive parades and corporate gatherings to more solemn occasions such as memorials and funeral processions, we provide an atmosphere of dignity and celebration with every performance. Our musicians are skilled, versatile, and always ready to tailor our performances to suit the specific needs of any event. If you’re looking to bring a touch of tradition, emotion, and excitement to your next gathering, we’d love to help make it a memorable occasion.
🔗 Website
Hollybriar Bagpipers
Hollybriar Bagpipes and Drums are a family of 3 bagpipers and 2 snare drummers. Our eastern Massachusetts based bagpipers and drummers are available to perform for wedding, funeral, birthday party, graduation, or many other events, either individually or as a combination of two to five musicians in eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
🔗 Website📱 Facebook
Sutherland Pipe Band
In Russell’s own words: “Enclosed is the photo, most likely printed in the Boston Globe or Herald about 1955. I was seventeen at the time and the youngest member of the band. We had 12 pipers and 6 drummers at that time, (3 snare, 2 tenor, 1 bass) I left the band in 1956 when I entered the US Coast Guard. I later heard that the band was invited to play at the birthday bash for Michael Todd in New York.”
🔗 Website📱 Facebook📱 Instagram
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a traditional wedding, a heritage festival, or a meaningful memorial, these Boston-based bagpipers offer rich musical experiences that elevate every occasion. Their pipes don’t just play notes—they create memories.
📩 Need help choosing the right bagpiper for your special event? Reach out to us anytime at dreamteam@booklive.com or visit www.booklive.com — we’re here to help you plan something truly unforgettable.