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Nate Silva: "Passion Piper"
- Boston, MA
- Bagpiper
- Travels up to 60 miles
- Starting at $250.
Overview
Hi there—I'm new to Gigsalad, but I'm definitely not new to the pipes. 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—it’s one I love to share, and my rates for both performances and lessons are quite reasonable.
I've played for countless events over the years, winning numerous awards for competitions as well along the way. But no prize is greater than to see smiles on the faces of folks in the audience.
So please get in touch, and let's discuss how my expansive amount of experience can help to enhance your event.
Cheers,
~Nate
35 Reviews
Nate was wonderful to work with.l for my daughter's wedding. Can't give enough stars, from start to finish he was a true professional. Amazing bagpiper and a super nice guy to chat with.
Thanks again Nate!
Bagpiper
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Thank you so much Toni, it was a pleasure being there, and chatting with you also! Cheers!
Nate was fabulous. His playing inspirational. His personality joyful. Couldn’t have been better
Bagpiper
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Thanks so much Rusty, was great to be there! Cheers! ~Nate
Nate played the bagpipes beautifully. It was a very meaningful touch to my mom’s funeral. He was so easy to communicate with as well. Highly recommended him!
Bagpiper
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Thanks so much Kayla, I appreciate your having me there. All the best to you and your family.
This was a surprise to my bride and Nate pulled it off, he is a very talented musician
Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Thanks Doug. Has an awesome event, and I was very glad to be apart if it. Cheers, ~Nate
Nate played the bagpipes while our wedding guests arrived and during the ceremony as well. He was so professional, helpful, responsive, and easy to work with throughout! Nate had great recommendations about what to play and sounded incredible on the day. Thank you Nate for making our day even more special!
Celtic Music, Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Very kind of you to say. It was great being there—congrats to you both!
Cheers, ~Nate
Thank you for your professionalism and beautiful music on our difficult day
Funeral Music
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
My pleasure—thank you for having me there.
All the best,
~Nate
Nate played the bagpipes outside of Hammond Castle as guests were arriving to our wedding and it made our special day even more magical. Nate was a pleasure to work with from day one - extremely friendly, reliable and quick to respond. I felt completely confident in my decision to hire him and his professionalism exceeded my expectations. I cannot recommend him enough!
Celtic Music
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
You’re very kind, thank you Emily. I was very glad to be there. Congrats to you and Kyle!
We would highly recommend Nate to play the bagpipes for any occasion. He was in touch with us many times prior to our event, arrived early and played exactly what we wanted on the day. Having Nate play at the church while guests arrive and while they mingled outside with the newlyweds made the day more special.
Celtic Music, Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
So glad you were happy Una, thanks so much for having me!
Nate was in touch with us the entire time before my daughter's wedding. He was early and played the most amazing music before and after the wedding ceremony. I knew we were in good hands. I will definitely be using Nate again for other events in the future.
Celtic Music, Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Thanks Una! It was great being there!
I booked Nate through Gigsalad. He was so talented, professional and a beautiful addition to the day.
Corporate Entertainment
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Thank you for the kind words, I appreciate you having me. All the best to you and your family.
Very reasonable price, on time . Amazing Talent , very nice personality . For ever grateful !
Funeral Music
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Thanks so much Juliet. All the best to you and your family. ~Nate
Nate was beyond fabulous! The celebratory piece he chose was perfect and perfectly played. Wedding guests had recorded him and were replaying it again and again! They loved it. Some had never heard a piper and they were blown away. Thanks Nate for making the wedding so special!
Celtic Music, Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
So happy to hear Jennifer, thanks so much again for having me!!! And congrats to the happy couple! Cheers!
We asked Nate to play the recessional for our wedding ceremony. Guests were not expecting him, and the surprise bagpipe at the end of our ceremony was the perfect addition. Nate played for about 30 minutes and we were able to enjoy a bit of his performance after winding down from the ceremony. If you are looking to add some Celtic flair to your event, we highly recommend Nate!
Celtic Music, Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Was great to be there. Thanks so much!! Congrats!
Photos from this event
Nate is an expert Piper! We surprised our guests as they arrived with Nate in full kit playing our favorite Scottish tunes! Amazing bagpiper and made our event even more special then we could have imagined.
Celtic Music, Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Was great to be there Ian, thanks for the kind words! Cheers!
Nate was very flexible on all my needs, he was prompt and sounded great. So easy to work with. Would not hesitate at all to hire him again and again.
Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Has a pleasure to be there Ron! Best wishes to you all!
Cheers,
~Nate
Nate was a pleasure to deal with. He's reliable and played some beautiful pipes. I would definitely recommend him
Celtic Music
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Thanks Andrew!! I appreciate, your having me. Also was nice chatting with your family. You’re so lucky to have such strong ties to Nova Scotia. Cape Breton and Halifax were like a second home for me when I was a kid. Cheers!
Nate arrived well before the event which was amazing! He was ready and prepared to go and followed instructions to a "t." He did a great job. We will definitely be using him again in the future!
Corporate Entertainment
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Many thanks Stephanie! It was good meeting you—very cool event!
~Nate
Nate was fantastic to work with. He is extremely reliable, professional and really on top of the job! Nate was easy to communicate with and is a very kind person. His piping was awesome and everyone at my daughter’s wedding really enjoyed it! I highly recommend Nate Silva.
Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Thank you for the kind words Beverley, I really appreciate it! Cheers!
From first contact in the fall to our event May 19, Nate was wonderful to work with. It’s always so nice to find someone so talented at their skill and the business side too. Thank you for helping us honor our family members with the very special tribute we wanted them to have.
Funeral Music
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Hi pleasure Janice, thanks so much for having me!
Nate was professional and extremely courteous to work with while planning the details of our event. He was flexible working with us right up to the VERY last minute! His playing was spectacular and he truly completed our event. I would use him again and highly recommend!
Funeral Music
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Thanks so much Christina, I appreciate you having me!
Nate’s bagpipe performance was perfect for my uncle’s celebration of life service. The long, slow notes of the bagpipe music were so moving and solemn; their sound provided a dignified atmosphere throughout the service.
Nate showed up earlier than expected which was wonderful. He was professional, courteous and very collaborative during the pre-planning phase and on- site.
You will not be disappointed booking Nate at your event.
Funeral Music
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Thank you for the kind words Laraine, it was my pleasure. All the best to you all!
Nate was fantastic!! He was early to our event and very accommodating. Would 10/10 recommend him for any event.
Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Thanks so much, the event was a blast! Cheers!
What a great artist, very kind and professional and literally showcased his talent. A great score for his field. Will look to have him again. Hire Nate.
Corporate Entertainment
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Aww thanks Carlos. It was a blast, thanks for having me there!
Nate arrived on time and played past the time limit !
A good time was had by all!
Merry Christmas!
Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Thanks Mary, was a pleasure to be there! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Nate performed for my dad's 80th birthday party and he was absolutely one of the biggest highlights of the event. He arrived on-time, performed a great set and was a true pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend him!
Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Thanks so much Robin, it was great to be there! Cheers!
Nate was awesome. He knew exactly what to play and where.
Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Thanks EJ, was a pleasure!!
Great musician! Great communication! I recommend him. I would book him again.
Funeral Music
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Thank you so much, it was an honor to be there.
All the best,
~Nate
Thank you, Nate, for a heartfelt perfomance! It meant so much to us to hear you play. You are professional and a highly skilled musician with a sensitive and caring heart. Thank you for playing Flowers of the Forest and Hero. I would love a list of the other songs you played. They truly set a beautiful tone for the evening and brought back many wonderful memories.
Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Aw, thank you!!! I’ll think about the tunes I’d played, honestly I tend to think of what I’m playing next on the fly, haha! I kind of gauge where things are going and try to think about variety and contrast. Thanks again, it was a pleasure!
Nate was timely and extremely professional during his time at my school. He made the event extremely special for all my students and was able to work with a wide range of ages. He set the tone for our event and made the day for the school. I will definitely be calling him back for more school events!
Celtic Music, Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Thanks so much Alex. It was great to be there—the kids were a lot of fun. Thanks for having me!
Cheers, ~Nate
The performance was absolutely perfect and everyone was so moved by the pipes and it just spoke to all present.
Celtic Music
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Thanks so much George, it was a pleasure to be there for your blessed event. All the best, and thank you for having us!
~Nate
Nate was hired for an Irish themed surprise birthday party. He was prompt, courteous and simply WONDERFUL. After and in between performing he spoke with guests and answered numerous questions. I would hire him again in a minute - I just need the reason to do so! #FANTASTIC experience all around.
Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Aww, very kind of you Debra. Love the pictures! It was a pleasure being there, I can't thank you enough. Cheers!
~Nate
Photos from this event
Nate is an amazing bag piper! We hired Nate for a celebration of life for a lost pet of a retired Irish Fire Fighter. He arrived early, and even stayed long after to conversate and become lifetime friends with the guests. Look forward to seeing Nate soon at DDYC.
Celtic Music, Funeral Music
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
You folks are awesome, and thanks! Looking forward to many more fun times in the future! Cheers!
Arrived early and mingled with the crowd a bit! Everyone loved the performance.
Celtic Music
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
Thanks so much Jenna, was thrilled to be there!
Absolutely fantastic job by Nate! We will request Nate again next year.
Celtic Music
Simply put, Nate was amazing and we want him back next year to play at our Marine Corp birthday party. Fantastic job Nate!
Celtic Music
Response from Nate Silva: "Passion Piper":
It was an honor to be there Don, thanks much!
Cheers,
~Nate
Booking Info
Price Range: Starting at $250.
About
Once upon a time (when I was about 12), I was introduced to the bagpipes. I thought they sounded just amazing,
no matter what. At the time I was also really into any and all rock and metal … my favorites were Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Metallica, Guns ‘n’ Roses, etc.
So when someone snapped a photo of me playing at the New Hampshire Highland Games in those early days, it should come as no surprise that the image showed me piping away wearing ripped jeans and a Nine Inch Nails tee-shirt. The image was published in the games’ program the following year sporting the caption, “Punk Piper.”
The name stuck, with “Punk Piper” remaining a frequent (and fitting) moniker for years to come.
Many years later, a group of pipers from Ohio saw me performing onstage with the band Cu Dubh at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. I wasn’t wearing a rock tee-shirt or ripped up jeans this time. Instead, I was running, and jumping and spinning around all over the stage.
They dubbed me “Passion Piper”—the name made me laugh, but it definitely stuck—most of all in my head.
So I’ve had a lot of phrases used to describe me in relation to piping—the most appropriate of which all seem to start with the letter ‘p.’
And there’s no doubt about it—when it comes to bagpipes, “passion” hits the nail right on the head. Few things give me more of a thrill than the sound of a brilliantly played pipe.
Among the few, though related, is bringing that passion to others. Whether onstage, in front of a church steeple, or with a student, I don’t want to keep it all to myself. I yearn to share it.
I think part of it goes back to one of the very first circumstances that led to my father asking me if I’d like to start learning the pipes. I’ll go into more details on my background elsewhere, but a large part of it all stems from an early encounter when I was about 10 or 11. My parents took me up to P.E.I. for a short vacation that summer. One of the most memorable events from that trip was a small, harborside concert being put on by a solo piper in Summerside (presumably put on by the College of Piping).
I was completely enthralled by the performance. This was made quite obvious to everyone in attendance as I was jumping up and down all over the place to the sounds of the fellow’s playing. At one point, someone apparently went up to my father and told him:
“… that’s kid’s bitten, you need to get him a set of pipes.”
Well, one thing led to another, and eventually my father followed through with heeding the man’s directions.
Unbeknownst to all of us, that little encounter transformed my life tremendously. It’s an amazing thing, but sadly, I don’t even know who those fellows are (i.e. the piper and the fellow who approached dad). It would be truly amazing if I could meet them one day and tell them what a difference they made in my life (as did my father, of course).
I wish I could shake their hands heartily and say “thank you.” But I can’t.
I’ll never know who they are. So I can never thank them, but hopefully I can do something better. I can carry the passion they helped instill in me to others.
So, “Passion Piper” indeed.
Background synopsis:
• Started learning around age 12
• Studied under Eric Armour of Pawtucket and Brian Yates of Winchester (now living in Scotland). Now taking competition-geared instruction from Lezlie Webster.
• Studied at the Gaelic College in St. Ann’s, Cape Breton for at least six summer sessions, taking classes from pipers such as Bob Worrall, Ed Neigh, Ken Eller, Ann Gray, Mark Stewart, and many others.
• Played with both the Rhode Island Highlanders and Tullach Ard in my youth.
• Played with several ensembles over the years, including a Cape Breton style group called Tri (then called the Boston Kiltics).
• Later played with the Highland Light Scottish Pipe Band, serving as pipe sergeant and then pipe major before moving to the Boston area. The band was grade 4 at the time.
• Frequent performer with Cu Dubh from (phone number hidden)0, a bagpipe and drum stage act that tours around the country year-round. Cu Dubh performances have taken me all over, from Ontario down to Florida, and California. Thank God for frequent-flier programs.
• Moved to Salem, Massachusetts in 2018. Started actively teaching bagpipe lessons and actively competing in solo bagpipe contests.
• Started solo competition in 2018 at the grade 3 level with the permission of the EUSPBA music board. Was named “Grade 3 Piper of the Day” in contests at Fair Hill (Group A), Round Hill, the Jersey Shore Piping & Drumming Classic, Quechee, Altamount, and Loon Mountain. Ranked #2 overall for grade 3 in 2018.
• Granted an upgrade to grade 2 level for 2019. Took several prizes in 2019, including the Gordon Highlander Trophy for grade 2 Piobaireachd at the Fair Hill Highland Games, “Grade 2 Piper of the Day” at the Cumberland Valley Highland Games, and first place in piobaireachd at Loon Mountain. Ranked #3 overall for grade 2 in 2019.
• Granted an upgrade to Grade 1 in piobaireachd for 2020.
Services Offered
Upcoming Booked Events
| October 23, 2025 • 4:00pm - 4:15pm | Wedding Ceremony |
Past Booked Events
| October 12, 2024 • 3:00pm - 5:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| September 14, 2024 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| August 23, 2024 • 6:00pm - 6:15pm | Birthday Party |
| July 17, 2024 • 1:30pm - 3:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| July 16, 2024 • 12:30pm - 1:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| June 29, 2024 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Wedding Cocktail Hour |
| June 28, 2024 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| June 13, 2024 • 12:00pm - 12:30pm | Retirement Party |
| June 11, 2024 • 11:00am - 2:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| June 07, 2024 • 5:30pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| May 25, 2024 • 3:00pm - 4:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| May 24, 2024 • 3:30pm - 5:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| May 20, 2024 • 9:00am - 10:00am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| February 19, 2024 • 8:30am - 9:00am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| January 24, 2024 • 3:00pm - 4:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| January 04, 2024 • 4:00pm - 5:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| December 29, 2023 • 11:00am - 12:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| November 18, 2023 • 10:30am - 12:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| November 09, 2023 • 11:00am - 11:15am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| October 26, 2023 • 4:00pm - 4:15pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| October 23, 2023 • 11:00am - 1:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| October 14, 2023 • 2:30pm - 3:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| September 30, 2023 • 4:30pm - 5:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| September 28, 2023 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Dinner Party |
| September 21, 2023 • 7:00pm - 7:30pm | Surprise |
| September 17, 2023 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Dinner Party |
| September 02, 2023 • 10:00am - 10:45am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| August 19, 2023 • 6:00pm - 6:30pm | Birthday Party |
| August 18, 2023 • 6:30pm - 7:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| July 29, 2023 • 10:00am - 10:45am | School Assembly |
| June 24, 2023 • 10:30am - 11:30am | Wedding Ceremony |
| April 27, 2023 • 8:00pm - 8:15pm | Personal Occasion |
| April 01, 2023 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Personal Occasion |
| March 26, 2023 • 2:00pm - 3:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| March 18, 2023 • 11:00pm - 11:30pm | Corporate Event |
| February 21, 2023–February 22, 2023 • 11:00pm - 12:30am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| February 11, 2023 • 11:00am - 11:30am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| January 21, 2023 • 10:00am - 12:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| December 24, 2022 • 12:00pm - 12:30pm | Christmas Party |
| December 18, 2022 • 2:30pm - 3:00pm | Birthday Party |
| November 12, 2022 • 4:00pm - 7:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| October 11, 2022 • 8:30am - 9:00am | Sporting Event |
| September 09, 2022 • 11:00am - 11:30am | Nonprofit Event |
| August 14, 2022 • 1:00am - 4:00am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| July 30, 2022 • 12:00pm - 12:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| July 17, 2022 • 6:00pm - 6:30pm | Birthday Party |
| July 16, 2022 • 10:30am - 11:30am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| July 04, 2022 • 9:00am - 12:00pm | Festival |
| May 27, 2022 • 8:00am - 9:00am | Nonprofit Event |
| May 07, 2022 • 2:00pm - 4:00pm | Personal Occasion |
| April 23, 2022 • 1:00pm - 3:00pm | Birthday Party |
| April 09, 2022 • 6:00pm - 6:30pm | House Party |
| March 26, 2022 • 2:30pm - 2:45pm | House Party |
| March 17, 2022 • 6:00pm - 6:30pm | House Party |
| March 17, 2022 • 2:00pm - 3:00pm | House Party |
| November 26, 2021 • 4:00pm - 4:45pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| November 10, 2021 • 7:00pm - 8:30pm | Birthday Party |
| October 27, 2021 • 1:00pm - 1:15pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |