Josh McDowell

Top Performer

Cabot, VT

Contact for pricing

Travels up to 120 miles

Get a free quick quote
Gallery photo 1 of Josh McDowell

Playing around Cathedral of the Holy Cross Boston MA

Gallery photo 2 of Josh McDowell
Gallery photo 3 of Josh McDowell
Gallery photo 4 of Josh McDowell

Overview

As a solo bagpiper (and Bugler) I would be a perfect addition to any type of event you are planning. Whether you want to surprise a special someone to make a date memorable, or if you would like to hear the beautiful sound of bagpipes at a wedding, I will play quality music at an affordable price.
Why would you choose me? I have been playing the bagpipes since 2011, and in just three years I’ve memorized over 65 tunes, competed in the World Pipe Band Championships in 2013, and became the Pipe Major of the Norwich University Pipes and drums. I’m a perfect choice for both small and large events due to my affordable rates. Ask me about playing taps in addition to piping!


Reviews

39 reviews

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Christina A.

Christina A.

March 3, 2026
Verified review

Josh made a special day extra special

Josh played the processional and recessional at my wedding. When he started playing, tears of happiness immediately came to my eyes. His playing moved so many others at the ceremony as well. And people were filming on the phones because it was such a special moment. So grateful that he was so reliable and so easy to work with. And he was super supportive of me as I was dealing with a lot of details of the wedding planning.

Hired as: Bagpiper


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Sharon M.

Sharon M.

November 15, 2025
Verified review

Wonderful person

I hired Josh to play for our Celebration of Life for my dear Mother. He was extremely personable and professional. He maintained contact with me regarding the event and had great recommendations as far as the music to play as well as the timing. He arrived promptly at the cemetery at the time we agreed. His attention to detail was perfect. I highly recommend Josh if you're considering having a bagpiper for any event.

Hired as: Bagpiper


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Barbara S.

Barbara S.

July 19, 2025
Verified review

Fantastic experience!

I was thrilled with Josh McDowell’s performance at my husband’s birthday party. He showed up on time, waited for guests to arrive (as instructed), and then surprised my husband with some great bagpipe tunes. I highly recommend him for a special event.

Hired as: Bagpiper


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Katie B.

Katie B.

August 30, 2024
Verified review

Couldn’t have been better!

Josh’s communication surrounding our father’s funeral was respectful and appropriate. He played so well and we were abundantly pleased.

Hired as: Bagpiper, Funeral Music


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Morghan C.

Morghan C.

June 10, 2024
Verified review

Wonderful!

Josh did a wonderful job, not only is he talented, he was patient and willing to work with me. I had never organized a funeral before and had no idea when he needed to be at the cemetery. He was very flexible and never showed frustration or impatience which I appreciated on that day and beforehand. He took the time to call and go over everything and in the end we were able to work it out. He played while the procession arrived up until the pastor started speaking and played amazing grace while we buried my grandmother. It was beautiful.

Highly recommend and he will be our go to!

Thank you again!
God Bless!

Hired as: Bagpiper

Small thumbnail image for Josh McDowell

Josh McDowell

Thank you very much for the kind words Morghan. It was a beautiful day, and a wonderful ceremony. Thank you again for allowing me to serve you all. God bless you and your family.

Write a review

Booking information

Price range: Contact for pricing

Languages: English , German

Gig length: 10 - 180 minutes

What to expect

PLANNING PHASE: When you communicate with me, it is my goal to provide you with quick,concise responses so I can provide my service to you on the day of the event with ease, and with minimal supervision. My goal is to give you the peace of mind that you need not worry about the small details come the day of the event. I arrive, and execute what we discussed beforehand.
Though I often follow a plan, please believe me when I say I am flexible, and I will work with you or your organizer as closely as needed depending on the complexity of what is required. One of my favorite performances was playing bagpipes in the street while my client took his mother out to a birthday dinner. At the conclusion of dinner, he non-chalantly walked his mother down by the corner where I was playing, and as she was approaching I began playing happy Birthday for her! It was a successful evening! He was able to provide his mother a very memorable birthday, and successfully surprise her with some of her favorite music.If you don't know how I could be of service, feel free to communicate with me and I'd be more than happy to come up with a plan with you!

WHAT DO I WEAR? I most often wear Scottish apparel. This involves a button down shirt, tie, black Celtic vest, a catamount kilt, and a sporran. It is a more common appearance for bagpipers.

MUSIC: I provide quality music. I play 10-15 minutes of music at a time. I have a library of 72 songs memorized and have a large selection at our disposal the day of your event. Below you will find a list of the most common tunes I play.

FUNERALS: Amazing Grace, Danny Boy, Sgt. Mackensie, Memory of Herbie MacLeod, Highland Cathedral, Nearer My God to Thee.

PARTIES/WEDDINGS: Castle Dangerous, Dawning of the Day, Pumpkins fancy, Clumsy Lover, Scotland the Brave Set, Irish music set, and many more.

If you have a specific song you would like to hear, ask me, and I'll determine whether the pipes can accommodate the tune. I will be transparent with you whether the range the pipes have can play the music.

I look forward to hearing from you!

About

Ever since I was young I had wanted to play the glorious highland bagpipes. When I enrolled in the Mechanical engineering program at Norwich University I had the opportunity to be instructed by Iain MacHarg. Leader of Prydein bagpipe rock band, and Catamount Pipe Band Pipe major. I joined catamount Pipe band and won the New England Pipe Band Championships, participated in the grade 4B World Pipe Band Championships on the Glasgow Green in Scotland where my band represented the US and won place. I was Pipe major for Norwich University Pipe Band for two years. I graduated Cum Laude with my engineering degree and commissioned in the US Navy immediately after and traveled to San Diego. I was attached to the USS Bunker Hill and had the honor of playing Amazing Grace for their burial at sea ceremony. I’ve done multiple gigs for funerals, memorial services, weddings, and surprise birthdays. I love playing pipes. It is a powerful instrument, and can be a beautifully haunting sound. I look forward to helping you make your next event memorable!

Additional booking notes

The only thing I will need is a cue from someone if needed for that specific performance. Most the time I operate off a sequence of events and play without a cue.

Upcoming booked events

October 2026

24

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

1:00pm - 1:15pm

•

Peacham, VT

Past booked events

July 2026

18

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

1:00pm - 1:15pm

•

Derry, NH

10

Friday

Birthday Party

1:00pm - 1:30pm

•

Proctorsville, VT

February 2026

28

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

4:00pm - 5:00pm

•

Lyndonville, VT

October 2025

25

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

11:30am - 12:30pm

•

Newport, VT

July 2025

17

Thursday

Birthday Party

4:00pm - 4:15pm

•

Grantham, NH

May 2025

22

Thursday

Funeral/Memorial Service

3:00pm - 4:00pm

•

Rutland, VT

August 2024

16

Friday

Funeral/Memorial Service

10:00am - 10:45am

•

Colchester, VT

03

Saturday

Wedding Reception

3:00pm - 5:00pm

•

Lyme, NH

June 2024

27

Thursday

Funeral/Memorial Service

11:30am - 12:30pm

•

Barre, VT

14

Friday

Funeral/Memorial Service

6:00pm - 6:15pm

•

Bethel, ME

07

Friday

Graduation Ceremony

3:30pm - 6:00pm

May 2024

28

Tuesday

Funeral/Memorial Service

2:00pm - 2:30pm

•

Rutland, VT

25

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

3:30pm - 4:30pm

•

South Burlington, VT

18

Saturday

Birthday Party

3:00pm - 3:45pm

•

Manchester, NH

17

Friday

Funeral/Memorial Service

11:30am - 11:45am

•

Sanford, ME

16

Thursday

Funeral/Memorial Service

11:30am - 12:30pm

•

South Hero, VT

April 2024

20

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

11:00am - 12:00pm

•

Lee, NH

06

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

11:00am - 11:30am

•

Montpelier, VT

March 2024

16

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

10:30am - 11:00am

•

Rochester, NH

February 2024

03

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

2:30pm - 3:00pm

•

Exeter, NH

October 2023

01

Sunday

Wedding Ceremony

4:00pm - 4:30pm

•

Sanford, ME

September 2023

09

Saturday

Birthday Party

1:30pm - 2:00pm

•

Scarborough, ME

August 2023

12

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

3:00pm - 3:30pm

•

Poultney, VT

05

Saturday

Anniversary Party

1:00pm - 2:00pm

•

West Burke, VT

June 2023

17

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

3:00pm - 4:00pm

•

Ludlow, VT

16

Friday

Wedding Reception

4:00pm - 5:00pm

•

Chichester, NH

04

Sunday

Personal Occasion

8:00am - 8:15am

•

Exeter, NH

03

Saturday

Personal Occasion

11:00am - 11:30am

•

Barre, VT

May 2023

20

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

11:00am - 11:45am

•

Campton, NH

02

Tuesday

Funeral/Memorial Service

4:30pm - 4:45pm

•

Newport, VT

April 2023

20

Thursday

Funeral/Memorial Service

12:30pm - 1:30pm

•

Meredith, NH

March 2023

21

Tuesday

Nonprofit Event

2:00pm - 2:30pm

•

Biddeford, ME

18

Saturday

Personal Occasion

1:00pm - 2:00pm

•

Bethlehem, NH

December 2022

03

Saturday

Religious Celebration

10:00am - 11:00am

•

North Conway, NH

October 2022

29

Saturday

Retirement Party

3:30pm - 4:00pm

•

Londonderry, NH

29

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

1:00pm - 1:15pm

•

Cape Elizabeth, ME

08

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

12:30pm - 2:00pm

•

Boston, MA

September 2022

20

Tuesday

Funeral/Memorial Service

2:00pm - 2:15pm

•

Concord, NH

17

Saturday

Personal Occasion

3:30pm - 4:00pm

•

Jacksonville, VT

16

Friday

Worship Service

1:00pm - 1:45pm

•

Rutland, VT

09

Friday

Personal Occasion

1:00pm - 1:30pm

•

Portland, ME

August 2022

13

Saturday

Birthday Party

4:30pm - 4:45pm

•

Dover, NH

December 2019

06

Friday

Funeral/Memorial Service

10:00am - 10:30am

•

La Mesa, CA

November 2019

15

Friday

Funeral/Memorial Service

12:30pm - 2:00pm

•

San Diego, CA

October 2019

25

Friday

Funeral/Memorial Service

2:30pm - 3:00pm

•

San Diego, CA

19

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

2:00pm - 3:00pm

•

San Bernardino, CA

September 2019

14

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

12:30pm - 12:45pm

•

Santa Ana, CA

07

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

5:00pm - 7:00pm

•

La Jolla, CA

05

Thursday

Wedding Reception

4:30pm - 5:00pm

•

La Jolla, CA

July 2019

27

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

2:00pm - 2:15pm

•

San Diego, CA

June 2019

29

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

3:00pm - 5:00pm

•

Vista, CA

May 2019

08

Wednesday

School Assembly

8:30am - 10:30am

•

Corona, CA

01

Wednesday

Funeral/Memorial Service

12:30pm - 2:30pm

•

San Diego, CA

March 2019

17

Sunday

House Party

5:00pm - 5:30pm

•

Torrance, CA

17

Sunday

Holiday Party

1:30pm - 4:00pm

•

Costa Mesa, CA

February 2019

16

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

1:30pm - 1:45pm

•

Santa Fe Springs, CA

13

Wednesday

Funeral/Memorial Service

9:30pm - 10:00pm

•

Riverside, CA

November 2015

27

Friday

Funeral/Memorial Service

4:00pm - 5:00pm

•

Oceanside, CA

July 2015

18

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

12:00pm - 1:00pm

•

Alpine, CA

September 2014

06

Saturday

Other

5:30pm - 8:00pm

•

Portland, ME

Set list

FUNERALS: Amazing Grace, Danny Boy, Sgt. Mackensie, Memory of Herbie MacLeod, Highland Cathedral, Nearer My God to Thee.

PARTIES/WEDDINGS: Castle Dangerous, Dawning of the Day, Pumpkins fancy, Clumsy Lover, Scotland the Brave Set, Irish music set, and many more.

If you have a specific song you would like to hear, ask me, and I'll determine whether the pipes can accommodate the tune. I will be transparent with you whether the range the pipes have can play the music.

Influences and inspiration

Currently the pipe major of Norwich University Pipes and Drums.
Member of the grade 5 Catamount Pipe band.
Competed in the World Pipe Band Championships 2013.

Setup requirements

No setup required!

Check out these featured profiles

Featured

J Daggett Bagpiping

5.0 (1)
4 Verified bookings

  • Yarmouth, ME
  • Bagpiper
  • 113 miles from
  • Contact for pricing

Karen G. said “Highly recommend John’s playing. It brought many a tear to many eyes at my mothers service. ”
Featured

Wayne Coleman, Lord of Glencoe

4.72 (13)
35 Verified bookings

  • Stone Mountain, GA
  • Bagpiper
  • 968 miles from
  • Contact for pricing

Diane T. said “Wayne Coleman, Lord of Glencoe was awesome. He arrived as strategically planned and put on an excellent show not only with his bagpipe but with his knowledge and humor. ”
Featured

Steven MacDonald

5.0 (1)
1 Verified booking

  • Winter Garden, FL
  • Bagpiper
  • 1208 miles from
  • Contact for pricing

Kay L. said “Steven played his bagpipe for my husband's military funeral at the Jacksonville National Cemetery. He was so accommodating at a time that was very hard for me. He greeted people with his beautiful... ”
Featured

Ozark Bagpiper

5.0 (99)
Top Performer
136 Verified bookings

  • Rogers, AR
  • Bagpiper
  • 1271 miles from
  • Contact for pricing

James Q. R. said “Jon, was a gentleman and very professional. I know my dad was smiling down after the hearing him honor his service and Scottish heritage. ”