FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about hiring a bagpiper for your event. If you don't see your question below, don't hesitate to get in touch.
It depends on the type of event. For weddings, we recommend booking 3 to 6 months in advance, especially during peak season (May through October), when weekends fill up quickly. For corporate events, private celebrations, and other special occasions, 3 to 4 weeks' notice is usually sufficient, though earlier is always better to guarantee availability. For funerals and memorial services, we understand that timelines are often short and unpredictable -- we do our best to accommodate same-week and even next-day bookings whenever possible. Just reach out and we'll work with you.
Pricing varies depending on the type of event, the duration of the performance, and travel distance. Every event is different, so we prefer to provide a personalised quote after learning more about what you have in mind. We offer a pipe and drum duet option -- Cole on the Great Highland Bagpipe and Kyle on the drum -- which delivers a fuller, more commanding sound. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.
We have an extensive repertoire that covers everything from classic marches and laments to celebratory reels and slow airs, as well as seasonal carols. Popular selections include Highland Cathedral, Amazing Grace, Scotland the Brave, Going Home, and many more. You can browse our full tune library to get a sense of what we offer. If there's a specific tune you'd love to hear at your event that isn't already in our repertoire, let us know -- with advance notice, we're happy to discuss to make your day truly personal.
The Great Highland Bagpipe is a powerful instrument -- typically between 108 and 116 decibels. That said, yes, we absolutely can and do play indoors. In churches, banquet halls, and reception venues, the acoustics often work beautifully and create a dramatic, resonant effect. For smaller or enclosed spaces, we can discuss options such as playing from an adjoining room, a hallway, or an entrance area so the sound carries in without overwhelming the space. We will work with you and your venue to find the right balance.
We perform in full traditional Highland dress for every engagement. This includes a kilt in our family tartan, a Prince Charlie jacket and waistcoat, a sporran, and kilt hose with flashes. The turnout is sharp, professional, and appropriate for any occasion -- from a formal wedding to a graveside service to a lively corporate event. If you have questions about our attire or how it fits with your event's dress code, just ask.
Yes! While the majority of our performances take place across Ontario -- from the GTA and Muskoka to Ottawa, Niagara, and beyond -- we are happy to travel anywhere in Canada for the right event. Travel fees may apply depending on the distance and logistics involved, but we'll always be upfront about costs when providing your quote. If you're planning something outside Ontario, don't hesitate to reach out -- we'd love to hear about it.
We're Canadians -- a little weather doesn't scare us. Playing in light rain is perfectly fine, and we've performed through drizzle, wind, and chilly temperatures without missing a note. For heavier rain or storms, we'll work with you and your venue on a backup plan, whether that means moving the performance under a tent, into a covered area, or indoors. We always recommend having a rain plan in place for outdoor events, and we're flexible enough to adapt on the day. The pipe and drum will sound just as good wherever we end up.
Performance length varies depending on the event and your choice of performance pieces. We'll tailor the timing to your schedule and make sure every moment of music counts.
Absolutely. If there's a particular tune that holds special meaning for you -- perhaps a family melody, a regional favourite, or something you've heard at another event -- we're happy to learn it for your occasion. We generally ask for 2 to 4 weeks' notice to learn and polish a new piece, depending on its complexity. Just send us the title or a recording and we'll let you know what's possible. Making your event personal is what we love most about this work.
We aim to keep things fair and straightforward. If you need to cancel with more than 30 days' notice, we offer a full refund of any deposit paid. Cancellations made within 14 to 30 days receive a 50% refund. For cancellations within 14 days, the deposit is non-refundable, as we've likely turned down other bookings for that date. That said, for funeral and memorial bookings, we understand that circumstances can change suddenly and unexpectedly -- those bookings are fully flexible with no cancellation penalties. Life is unpredictable, and we'll always do our best to be understanding.
Yes! One of the things that sets us apart is that we're a true pipe and drum duet. Cole performs on the Great Highland Bagpipe and Kyle on the snare drum, delivering a sound that's richer, more rhythmic, and more commanding than a solo piper alone. The combination is especially powerful for outdoor events, parades, corporate functions, and larger wedding ceremonies where you want that full, unforgettable impact.
Don't worry -- you don't need to be an expert. We'll guide you through the selection process based on the type of event you're planning, from traditional Highland to contemporary or seasonal carols.