Based in Monmouth County, NJ, I am one of the highest rated Professional Grade pipers on the East Coast, and am a fully accredited Bagpipe Adjudicator for the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association. I have over 25 years of experience playing and teaching and have played for the Royal Family as well. Every year I travel to Scotland to compete in world wide competitions. When you hire me, I guarantee you get great music for your event!
Derek showed up early and was well received by my guests. Would definitely book again if needed. Very personable.
Derek's communication from the outset was first class, as was his experience for our small 40 person wedding. He was so personable in that space that friends and family thought we were best mates! Haha all jokes aside if you want someone professional who can present a plan or adapt to any situation (including my now wife/bridezilla moments!) Derek handles with calm and great resolve to pivot on the day. The songs, playing ability and execution were simply mind blowing. Turned a good day into a great one with memories we will never forget.
Photos from this event
Wonderful Derek was the best. Will definitely be having him again! He became part of our family party
Truly an outstanding performance! Everyone in attendance was in awe of Derek’s talents!! Definitely earned our highest possible recommendation!!!
Derek came to our home on St. Patrick's Day to play Irish music for our wedding Anniversary. He was Prompt, Professional, Friendly, and played beautiful music that was perfect. It was such a surprise for my husband and our neighbors. If you want the greatest bagpiper on the Jersey Shore, contact Derek! You will not be disappointed.
Derek was amazing! Very professional and accommodating. He is such an amazing bagpiper and even took the time to connect with us during the performance for requests and give a little history lesson and answer our questions. He played beautifully for our St. Patrick’s day party and Birthday celebration and we were able to stay safe and distant during COVID. He went above and beyond for us, if you are on the fence- don’t second guess- he is beyond worth it!
Just Wow! Derek dazzled our family and friends with both his musical talent as well as his story telling. Everyone was entertained and educated about the art of bagpipes. It was our families Best St. Patrick's Day ever, and it is purely thanks to Derek's performance! Thank you So Much for providing a site where we can find talent such as Derek.
Dereck was very professional and an excellent Bagpiper. He took requests and knew the history of the songs he played. He also hung out for a bit and mingled before his last song, and everyone enjoyed the show. I would hire again. Thanks, Derek, from Karen and Joe
ps. He didn't even flinch when my dog sorta flipped out for minute
Derek did an amazing job playing at my mother's burial at the veterans cemetery in Wrightstown. He was prompt, prepared and professional. My entire family felt at peace during a difficult time..
Derek was fantastic! He is by far the best bagpiper I have listen to in 53 years!
He not only is a talented musician he also entertained all with his knowledge & history of the pipes!
Well done Derek and I highly recommend him to anyone looking to hire a professional talented bagpiper!
Price Range: $200 and up
You can expect the very best quality of a bagpiper can give you, including instrument, playing, repertoire, and professionalism in NJ or NYC.
I'm a professional bagpiper who has been playing for over 20 years. While I grew up learning to play the pipes in New Jersey, I have lived in Scotland and have received tuition from the very center of piping. I am currently one of the highest ranked American pipers currently active on the Scottish competition circuit. Some of my notable prizes include the Dunvegan Medal in 2016, the Silver Medal 2012, the B Grade Marches at Inverness in 2011, all three A Grade events at the Scottish Piping Society of London's Competition, and many overall awards at various highland games. I have played for many years with the Scottish Power Pipe Band, one of the top bands in the world.
I now teach piping full time in NJ and continue to play the best music I can, one day hoping to win the Gold Medal in Scotland.
None. Tell me what you need for a performance and I can make it happen.
| March 16, 2024 • 5:30pm - 7:30pm | Dinner Party |
| October 26, 2022 • 9:30am - 11:00am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| May 11, 2022 • 10:30am - 12:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| May 05, 2022 • 5:00pm - 8:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| March 18, 2022 • 7:00pm - 7:30pm | Cocktail Party |
| March 12, 2022 • 3:00pm - 3:30pm | Holiday Party |
| March 17, 2021 • 8:00pm - 8:30pm | House Party |
| March 17, 2021 • 6:00pm - 6:15pm | Surprise |
| March 17, 2021 • 5:00pm - 5:15pm | Cocktail Party |
| March 13, 2021 • 12:00pm - 12:15pm | Birthday Party |
| December 19, 2020 • 1:30pm - 3:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| December 21, 2019 • 9:00pm - 9:15pm | Cocktail Party |
| March 17, 2019 • 1:00pm - 2:00pm | House Party |
| March 16, 2019 • 9:00pm - 9:30pm | House Party |
| March 16, 2019 • 5:30pm - 5:45pm | House Party |
| January 09, 2019 • 11:30am - 11:45am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| January 07, 2019 • 10:30am - 11:30am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| March 17, 2018 • 9:00pm - 9:30pm | House Party |
| March 17, 2018 • 4:00pm - 4:45pm | Birthday Party |
Depends on the type of gig and preferences.
For a Wedding: Scotland the Brave, Highland Cathedral, Highland Wedding, etc.
For a Funeral: Amazing Grace, Danny Boy, Going Home, When Irish Eyes are Smiling, Tua Lua Lua, Flowers of the Forrest, The Dark Island, Lord Lovat's Lament, etc.
For a Party: More up tempo things, like Jigs and Hornpipes. Thunderstruck, etc.
Anything else, I can learn if need be.
New York City, NY 
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27 Verified Bookings Michael B. said “I booked Patrick to do Bagpipes Honor escort for my moms funeral, Patrick Played amazing grace and going home among other tunes, Patrick made the occasion…”
Brooklyn, NY
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1 Verified Booking Gordon said “Cris, provided an excellent performance for our Irish Heritage celebration. He is a very talented professional that does not disappoint. We hope to have…”
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