Bagpipes for funerals and memorial services across New England
A bagpiper can add a moving and timeless presence to a funeral or memorial, honoring your loved one with sound that speaks beyond words. I understand these moments are often emotional and arranged on short notice. I respond quickly, arrive early, and work with families, funeral directors, or clergy to ensure everything is handled with care.
“Duncan went above and beyond! He played all the songs we wanted and made my sister's burial solemn and beautiful.”
— MARY
via GigSalad
What to expect from a funeral bagpiper
Here’s how bagpipes are typically incorporated into a funeral or memorial service. Every family and ceremony is different, and I’m always happy to adapt the plan to suit your needs.
1
As guests arrive
I typically play outside the church, funeral home, or gathering place for 20–30 minutes as family and friends arrive.
2
During the procession
I play as the casket or urn is brought to the hearse and as guests exit the service.
3
At the cemetery
If there is a burial, I play as guests arrive and again as the casket or urn is placed at the gravesite.
4
The final farewell
A farewell tune—often Amazing Grace, though it’s your choice—is played as I walk away, letting the music gently fade into the distance.
Popular bagpipe tunes for funerals and ceremonies
These traditional melodies are often chosen for their quiet strength, beauty, and emotional depth. If you’re not sure what to pick, I can guide you based on the tone you want to set, whether that’s solemn, comforting, or reflective.
Amazing Grace
The Dark Island
Mist Covered Mountains
Going Home
Flowers of the Forest
Skye Boat Song
Sleep Dearie Sleep
Funeral bagpiper serving families across New England
I’m based in Western Massachusetts and travel up to 120 miles to play at funerals and memorial services throughout New England, including Connecticut and parts of New York, like Albany and the Hudson Valley.
Here are just some of the churches, cemeteries, and funeral homes I’ve had the honor to play. Don’t see your location? Just reach out—I'll let you know if it's a fit.
Massachusetts
Amherst - Wildwood Cemetery, North Amherst Cemetery
Andover - St. Augustine Cemetery
Ashburnham - New Cemetery
Ashfield - Plains Cemetery
Attleboro - Duffy Poole Funeral Home
Boston - Mount Benedict Cemetery
Chelmsford - Blake Funeral Home, Pine Ridge Cemetery
Danvers - St. Mary Church, Annunciation Cemetery
Greenfield - Greenfield Community College
Lawrence - Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Saint Patrick Parish
Lexington - Douglass Funeral Home, Westview Cemetery
Methuen - St. Monica Church
Newton - Saint Bernard’s Church, Newton Cemetery
North Andover - St. Michael Church, Ridgewood Cemetery
North Reading - Trinity Evangelical Church
Peabody - Puritan Lawn Memorial Park
Plymouth - Mayflower Meeting House
Quincy - St. John’s Church
Shrewsbury - St. Mary’s Church, Mountain View Cemetery
Southborough - St. Matthew Church, Rural Cemetery
Southwick - Forastiere Funeral Home
Springfield - Sacred Heart Church, St. Michael Cemetery
Sudbury - St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church
Waltham - St. Mary’s Church, Mt. Feake Cemetery, Our Lady’s Comforter of the Afflicted, Joyce Funeral Home
Watertown - Sacred Heart Church
Whately - Whately Cemetery
Winchester - Lane Funeral Home, Wildwood Cemetery
Woburn - St. Charles Church, Woodbrook Cemetery
Worcester - American Legion Vernon Hill
New Hampshire
Alton - New Riverside Cemetery
Boscowen - NH State Veterans Cemetery
Enfield - Oak Grove Cemetery
Greenfield - Greenvale Cemetery
Hillsborough - Harvey Memorial Cemetery
Meredith - Meredith Village Cemetery
Rye - Rye Central Cemetery
Winchester - South Parish Cemetery
Windham - St. Matthew Catholic Church, New Plains Cemetery
Wolfeboro - Wolfeboro Center Cemetery
Maine
Wells - St. Mary’s Church
Connecticut
Plantsville - St. Aloysius Church
New York
Albany - St. Agnes Cemetery
Saratoga Springs - Greenridge Cemetery, Church of Saint Peter
Rhode Island
Barrington - St. James Church
Exeter - RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery
Little Compton - South Shore Beach
“It was pouring rain for my mother’s funeral. It was even wet inside the tent we provided for guests. Duncan was friendly, played my requests and played requests of my brother-in-law. He arrived early and was enjoyed by everyone. He was already known by one of the guests. He had played at her husband’s burial!”
— SHARON S.
via GigSalad