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Christopher Schmitz, Bagpiper

Waterloo, IA

$200 – $500 per event

Bagpiper

Travels up to 200 miles

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Gift of a Thistle & Mairi's Wedding

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Amazing Grace & I Have Decided

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private funeral

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Country Club wedding

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wedding at St Patricks Church in Nebraska

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Crash Boom Bang pub

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opening St Patty's at the Marquee in Sioux City IA

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packed pub: Work & Church Booze Parlor

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at Willmar Kandi Mall during the holidays

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playing at a festival

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surprise "happy birthday" performance at a corporate event

2 Videos 10 Photos

Overview

Have Bagpipes, will travel. I am a novelist and humor writer and I enjoy getting out and playing tunes for funerals, weddings, holidays, special events, etc. It is such a niche demand and pipers can be hard to find. Can dress according to event (Irish pub performance doesn't necessarily demand a full Prince Charlie getup while a funeral may be more formal).

I generally charge $200 plus travel expenses for an event. Funerals are rarely planned far in advance and I try to be available on short notice.

As an author I write primarily sci-fi, fantasy, and speculative fiction. I am also a public speaker and licensed minister.

Reviews

22 reviews

James M.

June 8, 2026

Verified review

Disappointing

I paid 443 dollars for a 45 minute booking. We agreed that Christoper was to play from 10:45 to the start of the event at 11:00. He was then going to play Amazing Grace during the service (he played only one verse). After the service ended at 11;13 he immediately left without fulfilling the contract to play until 11:45. This left his widow and the intire family extremely disappointed. I will not be using or recommending Gigsalad ever again

Hired as: Bagpiper

Christopher Schmitz, Bagpiper

I'm sorry you're disappointed, but I followed the instructions given to me upon arrival: "start playing as people arrive and play Amazing Grace at the end." Those onsite directions superseded the generic booking information on GigSalad. I arrived at 10:18 and began playing around 10:30. After about 20 minutes of arrival music, I took a break while guests gathered and spoke with the officiant regarding the order of service. This was a funeral booking, not a concert.

The event details listed the performance time as 11:00–11:45. I actually began about 30 minutes early. In nearly 200 funerals, I've never been expected to remain after the service concluded, and with a 150-mile drive home, I left once my responsibilities were complete.

I also disagree with the statement that I "only played 5 minutes." I performed Balmoral, Danny Boy, Cha Till Mac Cruimein, Going Home, Highland Cathedral, Minstrel Boy, She Moved Through the Fair, Skye Boat Song, and Amazing Grace(1x). Most were played twice, some four times. That amounts to approximately 25–30 minutes of music.

While my reeds cracked occasionally during the arrival music due to 90-degree heat and humidity, I performed well overall, especially during Amazing Grace, which was played cleanly and without issue. I was also performing through a significant shoulder injury.

Regarding cost, we agreed on a discounted fee of $400. With a 300-mile round trip, mileage alone accounted for more than half that amount, and after platform fees my earnings were well below my normal rate. We discussed these costs before booking. Yes, the price would have been the same had I only played Amazing Grace; professional bagpipers are hired for their specialized skill, travel, and availability, not solely by the number of songs performed.

I believe I delivered the service requested, provided nearly half an hour of music, and exceeded typical funeral expectations. Respectfully, I do not feel the review accurately reflects the service I provided.

Jill E.

May 16, 2026

Verified review

Christopher played for a graveside funeral

Very easy to work with and did an excellent job. He corresponded with us as to our wishes and arrived promptly. Thanks Christopher for a moving an job well done.

Hired as: Bagpiper

Claire C.

September 19, 2025

Verified review

Awesome Act!

Christopher is easy to communicate with, on time (early), adaptable, and was a blast for what we had him involved with. Thank you so much, Christopher!

Hired as: Bagpiper

Karen G.

February 19, 2024

Verified review

Bagpiper Schmitz Top Notch

Our family hired bagpiper, Christopher Schmitz to perform at our mother's celebration of life in Prairieburg, Iowa on Saturday, Feb 3, 2023. It was a chilly day to say the least but Mr. Schmitz was not deterred. He provided a moving rendition of Amazing Grace as her casket was placed in the hearse to begin the 3 mile trip to Saint Joseph's Cemetery. Mr. Schmitz also provided music at the cemetery while we gathered to give our last farewell to mom. He performed her favorite song, O Danny Boy. There was not a dry eye at the cemetery. Everyone was amazed and moved by his music and traditional Scots Irish attire. His music and presence made for the perfect tribute to our mother and family. We are forever grateful !!! Thank you, Chris.

Hired as: Bagpiper

Kathy Q.

April 15, 2023

Verified review

Excellent

Showed up on time even after I gave him the wrong address. He was professional and friendly. I'm glad that we could fullfil my dad's wishes for a bagpiper at his burial. I would not have found him if not for your Gig salad. Thanks so much.

Hired as: Bagpiper

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Booking information

Price range: $200 – $500 per event

Languages: English

Gig length: 30 - 90 minutes

What to expect

for bagpipe performances I typically play 3-5 songs as requested/chosen by clergy, family, or booking person. (about 2/3 of my performances are special religious services such as funerals, dedications, commemorations, holidays, etc.)

longer sets, larger musical arrangements can be put together as circumstances demand (usually holiday performances in public places arranged as song medleys).

As an author or public speaker I am available for all manner of shenanigans or topics; message me with questions.

About

Christopher D. Schmitz is a speaker and minister of +15 years as well as an author of Christian fiction and nonfiction.

Contact for music/event/outreach booking or look him up on the internet to find out more about his writing and books.

Additional booking notes

Great Highland Bagpipes are LOUD. If your venue is an enclosed space you should be aware of this fact.

Services offered

Bagpiper Author

Past booked events

October 2026

23

Friday

Funeral/Memorial Service

10:30pm - 12:30am (Sat)

•

Waverly, IA

June 2026

08

Monday

07

Saturday

House Party

2:00pm - 2:15pm

•

Iowa City, IA

September 2025

18

Thursday

Reunion

12:00pm - 2:00pm

•

Correctionville, IA

03

Monday

Funeral/Memorial Service

2:30pm - 3:00pm

•

Mankato, MN

I can do the usual songs (many in high demand include Amazing Grace, Danny Boy, Skye Boat Song, Going Home, Canticle of Turning/Star of the County Down, Gift of a Thistle [from Braveheart], Happy Birthday, Rowan Tree, Balmoral, and others.)

I can often learn a song I don't know with advance notice.

note, I play solo but do not play piobaireachd

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