Gemma Briggs Bagpiping

I arrive in full Highland regalia—including kilt, sporran, ghillie brogues, jacket, and all traditional accessories—ready to add a striking and authentic touch to your event. I always arrive early to tune and coordinate details, and I’m happy to work with you on logistics to ensure everything runs smoothly. I can help you determine the ideal moments and selections for bagpipe music to enhance the atmosphere and flow of your event. As a professional musician, I approach every performance with the utmost respect, reliability, and attention to detail.

I began playing the bagpipes at the age of 11 at Dunedin Middle school in Dunedin, Florida, and what started as curiosity quickly became a lifelong passion. I advanced rapidly, competing as a soloist and performing with the Tampa Bay Pipe Band while studying under renowned Scottish and Canadian instructors.

A bagpiping scholarship took me to the College of Wooster in Ohio, where I served as Pipe Major and performed extensively at concerts, media appearances, recruitment events, and ceremonial functions—all while earning my degree in Neuroscience. I was honored to be selected as one of only 20 pipers nationwide to compete in the Balmoral Classic US Junior Solo Bagpiping Championships.

Now a seasoned Grade 2 player, I continue to pursue my goal of achieving Open Professional status. Over the years, I’ve performed hundreds of engagements ranging from weddings and funerals to large-scale festivals, sporting events, and national ceremonies. Recent highlights include performances at the Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas naming ceremony, the Brevard Renaissance Faire with Celtica Nova, the Quad City Storm Hockey Game, and military memorial events across Florida, including at Sarasota National Cemetery and FDNY 9/11 tribute services.

In my 4 years as a professional musician, I have grown a following of over 100,000 "Bagpipe friends" across social media platforms and love sharing my musical passion with the world. In addition to the bagpipes, I sing, compose, and play guitar, piano, and Irish whistles. Whether you're planning a formal ceremony or a high-energy celebration, I bring professionalism, passion, and a touch of Celtic tradition to every event.

I’d be honored to be part of yours.

Yours in piping,

Gemma Briggs

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