​A Wedding Processional

Meet Gary Guth – Professional Bagpipe Teacher, Pianist, and Singer

Gary Guth is a highly accomplished musician and educator with over 50 years of experience in bagpipes, piano, and voice. His musical journey began at age 11 with piano and expanded to include bagpipes during his time with the Helix High School Pipe Band in La Mesa, California. His deep passion for music shaped his education, where he majored in both piano and voice and became an active choral singer.

A Competitive Bagpiper with Decades of Experience

As a competitive bagpiper in the Pacific Coast Pipe Band Association (now the Western United States Pipe Band Association), Gary rose to the esteemed Grade 2 level before stepping away from competition to focus on family. Today, he performs professionally as a full-time bagpiper, pianist, and singer, bringing his talents to audiences across the country.

Founder of Symphony Studios – Bagpipe, Piano, and Voice Lessons in Philadelphia

In 1997, Gary founded Symphony Studios, Inc., a premier music education center offering private lessons in bagpipes, piano, and voice. Based in the Philadelphia area, the studio has helped hundreds of students—children, teens, and adults—discover their musical potential.

Author of “Bagpipes for Beginners” and Creator of Unique Bagpipe Music Collections

Gary is the author of Bagpipes For Beginners, a widely used resource for new pipers. He has also published two popular music collections: A Piper’s Christmas (Christmas carols arranged for bagpipe) and The Bagpipe Hymnal. These works reflect his commitment to preserving and sharing traditional music through innovative, accessible arrangements.

Building the Bagpiping Community in the Philadelphia Region

Gary has founded three pipe bands in the greater Philadelphia area and is deeply involved in the regional bagpiping community. He regularly hosts workshops, recitals, and cultural events that celebrate the history and artistry of Scottish bagpipes. His passion for teaching extends beyond the studio—he’s dedicated to mentoring the next generation of pipers and promoting the bagpipe tradition to new audiences.

Personalized Bagpipe Lessons for All Ages and Skill Levels

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced piper, Gary’s teaching approach is tailored to your goals. He welcomes students of all ages and offers flexible, student-centered lessons that focus on building confidence and achieving musical success.

Weddings

Professional Wedding Bagpiper – Add a Touch of Elegance to Your Ceremony

With over 20 years of experience, I specialize in providing professional bagpipe music for weddings across a variety of venues—from Catholic churches to outdoor parks and elegant catering halls. If you’re looking to create a truly unforgettable experience for your guests, the sound of the bagpipes adds a unique and emotional touch to any wedding ceremony.

Are Bagpipes Allowed in Catholic Weddings?

One of the most frequently asked questions I receive is whether bagpipes are allowed in Catholic wedding ceremonies. The answer depends on the specific church and the officiating priest. While many welcome the stirring tones of the pipes, others may view it as a traditional “instrument of war.” If you’re planning a church ceremony, I strongly recommend discussing your intentions with your priest in advance to ensure approval.

What to Expect When You Hire Me as Your Wedding Bagpiper

Every wedding is different, and I take pride in personalizing the bagpipe performance to suit your vision. Here’s a typical timeline of how I perform at weddings:

• Guest Arrival: I begin by greeting your guests with traditional bagpipe music as they arrive at the venue.

• Bridal Party Coordination: I meet with the wedding party before the ceremony to confirm the order of events.

• Ceremony Music: I play for the seating of the mothers, the entrance of the bridesmaids, and finally, the bride’s grand entrance.

• Recessional: After the ceremony, I lead the newlyweds up the aisle and perform a joyful postlude as guests exit.

• Reception or Receiving Line: I often continue playing during the receiving line or while guests mingle after the ceremony.

Whether the wedding takes place in a church, garden, or banquet hall, my goal is to provide a seamless, memorable musical experience.

Quality Matters: Choose a Wedding Bagpiper with Experience

While there are many bagpipers for hire, not all are created equal. I’ve had students assume that owning a set of pipes and a kilt makes them ready to perform at a wedding—but performing at such an important event requires skill, timing, and stage presence. I recommend that you never hire a bagpiper for your wedding without first seeing them perform—in person or via video.

You can view wedding bagpipe performance videos on my Video Page, where you’ll see the high level of professionalism and musical quality I bring to every event.

Customize Your Wedding Music with Bagpipes

Whether your wedding is traditional or modern, formal or casual, I work closely with every couple to ensure the music fits your theme and atmosphere. My mission is to provide more than just music—I aim to create lasting emotional memories with the powerful and timeless sound of the bagpipe.

Book a Wedding Bagpiper in Philadelphia and Beyond

If you’re searching for a wedding bagpiper in Philadelphia, New Jersey, or the surrounding areas, I’d be honored to be part of your special day. Let’s discuss your vision and how bagpipes can elevate your wedding ceremony.

📅 Contact me today to check availability and book your wedding bagpiper.

Memorial or Funeral Services

Professional Funeral Bagpiper – Honoring Life with the Sound of the Bagpipes

As a funeral bagpiper with over 20 years of experience, I understand how important it is to create a respectful and meaningful tribute for your loved one. Most of the funeral services I perform are held at cemeteries, and I make it a priority to guide families through what to expect during this emotional time.

What to Expect When You Hire a Bagpiper for a Funeral

My goal is to provide a dignified and comforting musical experience that supports the grieving process. Here’s how I typically incorporate bagpipe music into a funeral:

• Cemetery Arrival: I begin playing as the funeral procession (cortege) arrives at the cemetery.

• During the Burial: I continue to play as the casket is placed at the gravesite.

• Post-Ceremony Music: After the religious service, military honors (if applicable), and announcements by the funeral director, I perform “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes, followed by a solemn postlude.

• Final Goodbyes: I play continuously until the final mourner has placed a flower on the casket and paid their last respects.

Church Funeral Services with Bagpipes

If you would like bagpipe music at the church, I will perform as guests exit the building and as the casket is placed in the hearse. Depending on the flow of the service, I may continue playing slightly longer before we transition to the cemetery.

In cases where there is no cemetery service, I will play before and after the church ceremony to ensure that the bagpipe music remains a significant part of the tribute.

Bagpipes for Indoor Funeral Services and Viewings

For indoor settings such as funeral home viewings or memorial services, I use a set of small pipes—a quieter, more subtle instrument ideal for background music indoors. This allows me to provide the emotional resonance of the bagpipes in a softer, more intimate setting.

You can watch videos of my small pipes performances on the Video Page, giving you a clear idea of how they sound in a funeral home environment.

Why Choose an Experienced Funeral Bagpiper?

Not all bagpipers are equally qualified to perform at funerals. It’s essential to verify a bagpiper’s professionalism and skill, especially for such a meaningful event. I offer multiple video samples on this website so you can be confident in the quality of my performance.

Whether you’re planning a traditional graveside service, a church funeral, or a private memorial, I will work closely with you and the funeral director to ensure the music is appropriate, timely, and respectful.

Book a Funeral Bagpiper in Philadelphia and Surrounding Areas

If you’re in need of a funeral bagpiper in Philadelphia, New Jersey, or nearby regions, I am here to help you honor your loved one with grace and reverence.

📞 Contact me today to check availability and discuss how bagpipe music can enhance your loved one’s final farewell.

Special Events

Hire a Bagpiper for Special Events, Corporate Gatherings, and Private Performances

The sound of the Scottish bagpipes brings a distinctive and unforgettable atmosphere to any occasion—not just weddings and funerals. I am honored to perform at a wide variety of events, offering live bagpipe music that creates a memorable and meaningful experience for all in attendance.

Recent Highlight: National Association of Funeral Directors Meeting in Philadelphia

One of my most meaningful performances this year was at the National Association of Funeral Directors Meeting in Philadelphia. It was an honor to contribute to such a prestigious event and to share the powerful sound of the bagpipes with attendees from across the country.

Bagpiper Gram – A Unique 30-Minute Bagpipe Performance Program

Looking for something special for your event? My signature Bagpiper Gram is a 30-minute live performance that blends music, storytelling, and Scottish tradition. This engaging program includes:

• A selection of traditional and lesser-known bagpipe tunes

• Entertaining and educational stories about bagpipes and their cultural significance

• Insights into Highland dress and the tradition of wearing a kilt

Perfect for birthdays, retirements, anniversaries, business functions, and community events, the Bagpiper Gram is an ideal way to add a cultural and musical highlight to your gathering.

I’ve received outstanding feedback from clients who appreciated the unique format, educational content, and crowd-pleasing music.

Book a Bagpiper for Your Next Event

If you’re planning a corporate event, private party, or cultural celebration, I would love to bring the spirit of Scotland to your special day. Booking is simple:

• A $50 deposit secures your date

• The remaining balance is due on the day of the event

📅 Dates fill quickly, so please reach out early to ensure availability.

Serving the Philadelphia Area and Beyond

Based in the Philadelphia region, I am available for events throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and beyond. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a large corporate function, my bagpipe performances will elevate the atmosphere and leave a lasting impression.

📞 Contact me today to book your performance or learn more about the Bagpiper Gram program.