Bagpiper: Robert Mitchell
Overview
Mr. Robert Mitchell is passionate about his bagpipe performances. With over 20 years of experience, this talented musician can only add to your celebration of your heritage. He plays the Highland bagpipes, which are perfect for outdoor ceremonies, and the Scottish small pipes, which are perfect for indoor playing because of the gentler tones. They are perfect for background music, accompaniment with other instruments, and during meditation before a ceremony.
Robert presents an exciting, entertaining, and educational program that is suitable for audiences of all ages.
Reviews
44 reviews
Beth V.
December 1, 2025A font of knowledge and incredible piping!
We had the pleasure of having Bob for a family celebration. His performance was spectacular, and I had not fully anticipated the very informative presentation he interspersed with his pieces. He told us about history and the instruments in great detail. I was not as familiar with the small pipes, and we thoroughly enjoyed those pieces. Of course the Highland pipes are the show-stopper, and Bob did not disappoint. On top of his great musicianship, Bob is a delightful gentleman who was able to adapt to the circumstances of our venue!
Hired as: Bagpiper, Educational Entertainment
Bagpiper: Robert Mitchell
Beth,
Loved sharing my music and bagpipes and Scottish Small pipes with your Dad. Everyone was so nice and welcoming. Thank -you for making me a part of your Dad's big day and the wholesome brunch ! Everything was delicious.
Bob
Ashley S.
November 2, 2025Excellent talent
Robert was the perfect edition to my recent wedding! My mother is of Scottish descent and I always dreamed of bagpipes at my wedding. He made my dreams come true as I walked down the aisle. I couldn’t imagine a better piper to set the stage for my perfect day! Would highly recommend over and over again!!
Hired as: Bagpiper, Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Anne K.
October 9, 2020Reliable, talented and great to work with!
Robert has played the bagpipes for several of my client's wedding over the years. He is so lovely to work with and extremely talented. He is my go to for bagpipes in Washington, DC.
Hired as: Bagpiper
Bridget W.
July 21, 2026Beautiful and moving music!
Robert arrived super early to the location and greeted me kindly and amiably on a hard day for my family. Robert's music on bagpipes beautifully honored the memory of my loved one. As requested, he played with utmost respect Amazing Grace and other Celtic music at the cemetery after the ceremony concluded. I'm grateful for his responsive communication and I highly recommend bagpiper Robert Mitchell.
Hired as: Bagpiper, Celtic Music, Funeral Music
James D.
June 23, 2026Very Professional
Entire wedding party and attendance was very impressed and happy with his performance!!
Hired as: Bagpiper
Booking information
Price range: $350- $500
Languages: English
Gig length: 30 - 120 minutes
Insurance: Yes
Unions: EUSPBA
What to expect
People will often call the performance on the bagpipes as memorable for the sound and feeling. What better way to remember that special day or to remember a loved one.
Typically, I provide music as guests are gathering and moving from one place to another. Ceremonies are more memorable when bagpipe music is played.
About
" I recommend that musicians take the time to seek the highest quality instruction for their instruments, listen to a variety of music and styles, and practice everyday."
Mr. Mitchell started bagpiping at 9 yrs. of age. He continues to study the music and styles of the ancient bagpipers and contemporary musicians. He served for 20 years as Pipe Major of a Grade 4 Pipe Band in Columbia, MD. In 2004 he was awarded the Master/Apprenticeship Award by the Maryland Traditional Arts organization.
Additional booking notes
When bagpipes are used to provide "a surprise", it is important to discuss details about the preparation and tuning of the instrument ahead of time.
Upcoming booked events
August 2026
01
Saturday
Wedding Reception
3:00pm - 3:15pm
•
Stevensville, MD
September 2026
26
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
6:00pm - 6:45pm
•
Tracys Landing, MD
Past booked events
July 2026
16
Thursday
Funeral/Memorial Service
11:00am - 11:30am
•
Harrisburg, PA
June 2026
29
Monday
Funeral/Memorial Service
12:00pm - 1:00pm
•
Gaithersburg, MD
13
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
1:30pm - 2:00pm
•
Herndon, VA
April 2026
18
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
4:00pm - 4:30pm
•
Bethesda, MD
14
Tuesday
School Assembly
9:30am - 10:00am
•
Silver Spring, MD
March 2026
27
Friday
Corporate Event
7:30am - 10:00am
•
Washington, DC
26
Thursday
Corporate Event
4:00pm - 4:15pm
•
Washington, DC
17
Tuesday
Retirement Community Event
3:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Fairfax, VA
07
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
4:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Welcome, MD
January 2026
24
Saturday
House Party
6:30pm - 8:00pm
•
Gwynn Oak, MD
November 2025
29
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
10:30am - 11:00am
•
Bethesda, MD
28
Friday
Birthday Party
11:00am - 12:00pm
•
New Windsor, MD
15
Saturday
Fundraiser
6:00pm - 6:45pm
•
Washington, DC
01
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
5:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Ocean City, MD
October 2025
26
Sunday
Wedding Ceremony
4:30pm - 5:00pm
•
Chevy Chase, MD
17
Friday
Funeral/Memorial Service
2:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Ft Myer, VA
September 2025
20
Saturday
Retirement Community Event
3:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Germantown, MD
March 2025
16
Sunday
Restaurant/Bar Event
5:30pm - 5:45pm
•
Ashburn, VA
08
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
4:30pm - 5:15pm
•
Woodbridge, VA
February 2025
22
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
9:00am - 9:15am
•
Annapolis, MD
December 2024
28
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
2:00pm - 2:45pm
•
Charlottesville, VA
13
Friday
Funeral/Memorial Service
11:30am - 12:00pm
•
Ashburn, VA
13
Friday
Funeral/Memorial Service
10:30am - 12:30pm
•
Silver Spring, MD
November 2024
16
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
3:00pm - 3:30pm
•
Hyattsville, MD
09
Saturday
Wedding Reception
4:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Washington, DC
October 2024
20
Sunday
Wedding: Lauren Rainford/Ben
4:00pm - 5:30pm
19
Saturday
Birthday Party
7:00pm - 7:45pm
•
Falling Waters, WV
05
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
4:00pm - 5:30pm
•
North Beach, MD
04
Friday
Nonprofit Event
7:30pm - 8:00pm
•
Harpers Ferry, WV
September 2024
14
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
2:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Avalon, NJ
01
Sunday
Wedding Ceremony
5:30pm - 6:00pm
•
Frederick, MD
August 2024
02
Friday
Funeral/Memorial Service
1:30pm - 2:30pm
•
Crownsville, MD
July 2024
13
Saturday
Birthday Party
4:00pm - 4:30pm
•
Arlington, VA
June 2024
28
Friday
Wedding Ceremony
3:30pm - 4:00pm
•
Washington, DC
14
Friday
Funeral/Memorial Service
10:00am - 11:30am
•
Emmitsburg, MD
01
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
11:30am - 12:30pm
•
Annandale, VA
May 2024
08
Wednesday
Funeral/Memorial Service
12:00pm - 2:00pm
•
Millersburg, PA
April 2024
28
Sunday
Blue Mass, Emmitsburg, MD
11:00am - 1:00pm
27
Saturday
Birthday Surprise, Mt. Airy
2:00pm - 4:00pm
26
Friday
Arbor Day, Centreville, MD
10:00am - 10:30am
19
Friday
Funeral, Arlington Nat. Cemetery
10:00am - 12:00pm
18
Thursday
Funeral/Memorial Service
12:30pm - 1:00pm
•
Richmond, VA
13
Saturday
Funeral, Sterling, VA
2:30pm - 3:30pm
13
Saturday
Funeral, Mater Dei
9:30am - 11:30am
12
Friday
Funeral, Quantico
11:00am - 12:30pm
11
Thursday
Funeral
12:00pm - 1:30pm
09
Tuesday
Quantico
12:00pm - 1:00pm
09
Tuesday
Arlington National Cemetery
9:30am - 11:00am
08
Monday
Funeral/Memorial Service
1:00pm - 2:00pm
•
Brentwood, MD
March 2024
22
Friday
Funeral/Memorial Service
12:30pm - 1:00pm
•
Mechanicsville, MD
21
Thursday
School Assembly
11:00am - 1:30pm
•
Bladensburg, MD
19
Tuesday
Campus Event
1:00pm - 1:30pm
•
Mechanicsburg, PA
14
Thursday
House Party
2:30pm - 3:30pm
•
Fredericksburg, VA
December 2023
08
Friday
Christmas Party
5:30pm - 6:15pm
•
Annapolis, MD
October 2023
21
Saturday
Birthday Party
1:00pm - 1:30pm
•
Potomac, MD
September 2023
23
Saturday
Festival
9:00am - 11:00am
•
Poolesville, MD
August 2023
26
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
11:00am - 12:00pm
•
Frederick, MD
07
Monday
Funeral/Memorial Service
1:30pm - 2:30pm
•
Ft Myer, VA
July 2023
28
Friday
Funeral/Memorial Service
8:00am - 9:30am
•
Ft Myer, VA
17
Monday
School Assembly
10:00am - 11:00am (Tue)
•
Baltimore, MD
June 2023
24
Saturday
Retirement Party
7:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Elkridge, MD
08
Thursday
School Assembly
10:00am - 11:00am
•
Gwynn Oak, MD
May 2023
21
Sunday
Funeral/Memorial Service
12:30pm - 2:00pm
•
Springfield, VA
20
Saturday
Birthday Party
1:30pm - 2:00pm
•
Catonsville, MD
01
Monday
Campus Event
4:30pm - 5:00pm
•
Rockville, MD
April 2023
15
Saturday
Nonprofit Event
12:00pm - 1:00pm
•
Ellicott City, MD
March 2023
18
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
1:30pm - 3:30pm
•
Lancaster, PA
17
Friday
Fundraiser
7:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Washington, DC
17
Friday
Nonprofit Event
2:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Baltimore, MD
January 2023
21
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
11:00am - 12:30pm
•
Washington, DC
November 2022
19
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
10:00am - 12:00pm
•
Red Lion, PA
10
Thursday
Funeral/Memorial Service
12:00pm - 1:00pm
•
Arlington, VA
October 2022
01
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
4:00pm - 4:30pm
•
Round Hill, VA
September 2022
03
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
2:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Great Cacapon, WV
July 2022
07
Thursday
Funeral/Memorial Service
11:00am - 12:00pm
•
Middletown, VA
June 2022
04
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
11:00am - 11:15am
•
Dunn Loring, VA
02
Thursday
Personal Occasion
9:00am - 10:30am
•
Leesburg, VA
November 2021
20
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
12:00pm - 1:00pm
•
Alexandria, VA
06
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
4:30pm - 5:00pm
•
Thurmont, MD
October 2021
15
Friday
Wedding Ceremony
3:30pm - 3:45pm
•
Alexandria, VA
September 2021
11
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
1:00pm - 1:30pm
•
Midland, VA
July 2021
24
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
1:30pm - 2:00pm
•
Washington Navy Yard, DC
17
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
12:00pm - 12:15pm
•
Herndon, VA
June 2021
23
Wednesday
Funeral/Memorial Service
12:30pm - 12:45pm
•
Arlington, VA
18
Friday
Wedding Reception
6:30pm - 6:45pm
•
Middleburg, VA
May 2021
24
Monday
Funeral/Memorial Service
11:00am - 1:30pm
•
Olney, MD
March 2021
20
Saturday
House Party
6:00pm - 6:30pm
•
Mount Airy, MD
January 2021
08
Friday
Birthday Party
5:00pm - 5:30pm
•
Arlington, VA
November 2020
21
Saturday
Retirement Party
8:00pm - 8:45pm
•
Knoxville, MD
07
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
1:00pm - 2:00pm
•
Altoona, PA
October 2020
13
Tuesday
Funeral/Memorial Service
11:00am - 11:30am
•
Fairfax, VA
08
Thursday
Dinner Party
6:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Elkridge, MD
September 2020
30
Wednesday
Funeral/Memorial Service
11:00am - 11:45am
•
Gwynn Oak, MD
27
Sunday
Funeral/Memorial Service
12:00pm - 12:30pm
•
Woodbridge, VA
August 2020
09
Sunday
Birthday Party
4:00pm - 4:30pm
•
Rockville, MD
09
Sunday
Birthday Party
1:00pm - 1:15pm
•
Baltimore, MD
June 2020
18
Thursday
House Party
7:30pm - 8:00pm
•
Charles Town, WV
May 2020
16
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
8:00am - 8:30am
•
Washington, DC
June 2019
01
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
2:30pm - 4:30pm
•
Keymar, MD
May 2019
18
Saturday
Teen Birthday Party
6:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Fairfax, VA
April 2018
21
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
2:30pm - 3:30pm
•
Millwood, VA
04
Wednesday
Funeral/Memorial Service
10:30am - 12:30pm
•
Alexandria, VA
February 2018
06
Tuesday
Birthday Party
2:00pm - 2:15pm
•
Baltimore, MD
October 2017
29
Sunday
Worship Service
10:30am - 12:00pm
•
Springfield, VA
28
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
1:00pm - 2:30pm
•
Brookeville, MD
August 2017
19
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
5:30pm - 6:15pm
•
Fredericksburg, VA
June 2017
10
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
7:00pm - 7:15pm
•
Gettysburg, PA
May 2017
27
Saturday
Wedding Reception
3:30pm - 5:30pm
•
Lexington Park, MD
March 2017
16
Thursday
Holiday Party (Other)
12:30pm - 1:30pm
•
Rockville, MD
June 2016
25
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
5:00pm - 5:30pm
•
Gettysburg, PA
18
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
1:30pm - 4:30pm
•
Chambersburg, PA
March 2016
17
Thursday
Funeral/Memorial Service
1:00pm - 1:30pm
•
Alexandria, VA
17
Thursday
Corporate Event
12:00pm - 2:00pm
•
Rockville, MD
November 2015
01
Sunday
Wedding Ceremony
5:30pm - 10:30pm
•
Alexandria, VA
March 2015
17
Tuesday
Holiday Party
2:30pm - 3:30pm
•
Ellicott City, MD
December 2014
17
Wednesday
Corporate Event
12:00pm - 2:00pm
•
Washington, DC
October 2014
07
Tuesday
Fundraiser
5:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Annapolis, MD
September 2014
17
Wednesday
Funeral Service
2:00pm - 2:30pm
•
Falls Church, VA
August 2014
22
Friday
Corporate Event
3:30pm - 5:00pm
•
Rockville, MD
June 2014
18
Wednesday
Funeral Service
11:00am - 12:00pm
•
Fairfax, VA
May 2014
21
Wednesday
Funeral Service
3:00pm - 3:15pm
•
Arlington, VA
Set list
The variety of music that I play on the bagpipes is endless. I am listing 2 samples for each category that I usually play.
Patriotic: America the Beautiful, Marine Corps Hymn
Appalachian: Shenandoah, Amazing Grace
Memorials: Flowers of the Forest, Going Home
Scottish: Scotland the Brave, Flower of Scotland
Irish: Wearing of the Green, Minstrel Boy
Dances: Strathspeys, Reels
Jigs: Jig of Slurs, Geese in the Bog
Marches: Horsborough Castle, Campbells Farewell to Red Castle
Weddings: Highland Cathedral, Mhari's Wedding
Hymns: Be Thou My Vision, Abide with Me
Airs: Lightly Swims the Swan, Mrs. Hamilton's
Influences and inspiration
A Celtic Trio: Sleat is also available. Consisting of smallpipes, cello, and a variety of keyboard instruments, (harp, piano, accordion, and hammer dulcimer).
Setup requirements
Changing room/ tuning room.
Testimonials
Mr. Bob Mitchell was a delight from the moment he arrived. Both he and his fiddler arrived early and tuned their instruments so that everything began right on time, and at the appointed hour. He and his friend, a fiddler, were very professional and very congenial and easy to work with. They accommodated the requests of my doctors to play various songs and even a special Happy Birthday to one of the doctors for his 50th birthday which happened to be the very night of our Christmas party. Bob dressed in a kilt which was lovely, he looked the part for our Scottish party and he also demonstrated that he has great talent with the bagpipes. I was thrilled that the Highland pipes he used to pipe in the food were just as lovely as the Border pipes which he played for background to the delight of our many guests. I would definitely recommend Bob to my friends or anyone who needed a great bagpiper! He is welcome at Foxhall Castle anytime! He contributed to the wonderful time had by all.
– Jennifer L.