Kim Johnson Michigan Bagpiper

Instrumental - Solo

Formal Highland Attire; kilt is the blue-green Johnston tartan.
Dress Black Prince Charlie jacket with Johnston shoulder plaid.
Tuxedo shirt with bow tie.

I can provide a cd sample of tunes

30-45 minutes for warm up and tuning

There is a fee for locations over an hour away or needing more than an hour of time. There is also a fee for additional locations

1. When should the piper play at the ceremony?
There are lots of options; usually the old adage "less is more" holds true.
- Have the piper pipe inside or outside for a few minutes as guest arrive
- Save the piping for the ceremony; have the piper play for the entrance of the bridal party.
- The Bride’s grand processional entrance is an exciting place to have the piper play. Or perhaps for the grooms entrance.
- A special tune piped for a candle lighting or communion service
- Save the bagpiper as a big surprise for the wedding party recessional
- Have the piper play either inside or outside as guests leave the ceremony
- Outdoor weddings are the perfect venue for a bagpiper- the pipes can provide all the music you will need for the ceremony; before, during and after

2. Does the piper come to the dress rehearsal?
- No, not usually. A good, experienced piper knows what they are doing and can communicate and walk you through what will take place. The piper should also be willing to work with you to make your day unique and special. Don’t let the piper get away with telling you what they will or won’t do; call another piper- it’s your day, have it the way you have always dreamed it.
- An extra fee may be charged if you really want a piper at the rehearsal.

3. Piper at the ceremony, reception or both?
- Hire a piper to play at both; for a wedding day infused with lots of Scottish or Irish flavor. A piper will usually charge an extra fee for 2 locations.
- For a warm weather wedding- have the piper pipe outside at the reception while guests are arriving; 30-45 minutes
- The piper can pipe at the hall to announce the arrival of the wedding party
- Have the piper pipe the wedding party into the reception hall, separate from the bride and groom.
- The piper can play for the bride and groom’s grand entrance, around the hall and to the head table.
- “Amazing Grace” is very heart touching piped before a prayer to honor those loved ones who have passed away

4. What is an average fee for a piper? What is too much?
- Fees can range anywhere from $150-$350 and up, depending on the piper and driving distance to the ceremony. On average, around $200 will get you a good piper.

5. Should a contract be signed?
- Most pipers work only with a verbal agreement.
- Ask the piper if there is a back-up piper available in case of an emergency.

6. Is the perspective piper a competitive piper?
-A piper, who does not compete solo or with a band, is probably not a very good piper.
-A competitive piper is constantly working on improving technique, new tunes and a pleasant sound.

7. Does the bagpiper pipe with a pipe band?
-A piper who pipes with a pipe band usually practice with the band at least once a week; you’ll get a better sounding piper and one who can pipe longer.

8. What professional experience does the piper have?
-Ask how many weddings, parties, funerals the piper has piped for.
-Ask how long they've been piping professionally; make sure they've been piping for at least a couple years or more







1. Playing the pipes is exhausting; the piper will need a break every 10-15 minutes.
2. The bagpipes are VERY loud; most people are only able to comfortably listen to about 10 minutes- especially indoors. A little piping goes a long way.
3. Typically- you should book a piper 3-6 months ahead of time. For summer weddings it’s a good idea to book a piper a year ahead; summer time is our competition season, it may be harder to find a good piper