Bagpipes at a Funeral

There are no words to comfort the loss of a loved one.

Bagpipes are a moving musical tribute that helps you say farewell.

The power of the pipes can fill a church, hall, cemetery, or wherever you’re having your service.

How to Use Bagpipes at a Funeral

I’m often asked, “What does a piper do at a funeral?”

There are plenty of opportunities for bagpipes at a funeral and the piper you hire should be willing to take any request you have for your service.

Typically, this is how I perform at a funeral service:

• Playing outside as guests arrive at the ceremony

• Playing during the ceremony

  • As a standalone performance

  • To begin the ceremony

  • To end the ceremony

• Playing outside as guests depart

This is just a “typical” program. I am always happy to accommodate any requests you or your loved ones may have.

How to Use Bagpipes at a Burial

I often attend either the funeral or the burial. Sometimes, it’s both. Again, it all depends on what you and your loved ones desire. What I offer for a burial service is similar to a funeral:

• Playing as the procession arrives from the funeral to welcome guests.

• Playing a specific tune to begin the burial service.

• Playing “Amazing Grace” to end the service.

  • Amazing Grace is one of my most requested tunes for a reason. That said, there are hundreds of beautiful bagpipe tunes to mark the end of a service.

What Songs does a Bagpiper Play at a Funeral?

Every service is different, and your piper should play tunes that fit the mood. Anything can be played at a funeral; however, the classic pipe tunes are:

"Amazing Grace" - traditionally played at the end of a service.

"Going Home" - traditionally played as the casket or urn moves.

"Danny Boy" - a favorite to be played whenever you desire.

Your piper should take requests but keep in mind that not everything is transferable to the bagpipe. That said, there are many hymns and funeral tunes that are not specifically bagpipe tunes, but they are able to be played on the pipes.

Here are a few more examples of tunes I often play at a funeral service:

Bagpipes at a Military Funeral

Bagpipes have a military tradition and are often played at funerals and burials for service members. In the States, the tunes of our military branches - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard - can be played on the pipes.

Besides the specific tunes for specific branches, many bagpipe tunes are marches written specifically for military purposes.

In short, no matter what branch or nation your loved one served, the piper should be able to honor them with tunes fit for their service.

Playing at the Bath National Cemetery in Bath, NY, for a fallen service member.

Hire a Local Bagpiper

While a funeral is never an occasion you look forward to, I try to approach them as a celebration of a life well-lived. Whether you’re mourning, celebrating, or somewhere in between, bagpipes can strike the right note.

For even more information on bagpipes at a funeral, check out this page on my website.

Even if I’m not in your area, I’m happy to help you add pipes to your service and help you find a local piper. Get in touch, I’m here to help.