Rates for Weddings
For wedding ceremonies, I typically charge a flat $300. This doesn't include travel (if outside the Baltimore / Washington D.C. area) or if you want me to participate in the rehearsal. The fee rate is not necessarily based on the amount of time I perform. I base my fees on the fact that I bring 20 years of experience to your event and have played in many weddings. My competition grade is also a factor as I'm a "Professional grade" competitor and compete in one of three Grade One Pipe Bands in the entire United States. You can get cheaper, but you won't always be guaranteed quality.
If my rates are too high, I will be glad to refer you to others that I consider "high quality." I usually start with my students as I know they will perform well, they need some experience of their own, and they probably won't charge as much.
Rates for Funerals
I have mixed feelings about what I charge for funerals even though I have no problem charging for a wedding or other events. I have never had an easy time charging for them as honoring loved ones and friends by playing at their funeral is an ancient duty of a piper. A former teacher of mine once said, "you wait all of your life to die... " and I think there's a lot to be said for not being charged an exit fee. That being said, I usually leave it up to the families as to what they want to "pay the piper." At a minimum, I like to receive money for gas and time away from work if necessary. I refuse to be taken advantage of and if I sense that I am... I will refuse the performance and won't refer you to anyone else. That's a piper's oath.
Rates for Other Events
All other types of events such as birthday parties or whatever else you can think of where you may want a piper (and I've done some wierd ones) are subject to negotiation. I just have to see what's involved and what I'm willing to do. Generally, think of the rates for weddings... but again... it's all up for negotiation.
Rates for Lessons
For lessons, I generally charge $35 per hour. I'm pretty flexible on these types of things as I'm more interested in carrying on the art of piping than focusing on the money I make. Of course, I'm not doing it full-time either... and if I'm lucky enough to be doing that some day, my stance may change. :)
I may request payments for a month at a time. I do this for many reasons. Off the top of my head... and rather selfishly, I don't want to have to deposit a bunch of $35 checks.
For Pipe Band workshops, my rate is $300 per day, plus travel and expenses. Additional expenses can include copying fees for hand out materials, tuners, metronomes, etc. Please contact for further information.
Availability
As of September 2008, I am no longer considering performances for the
Regards, Ian