BC Bagpiper

Meet John Ralston Vancouver’s Trusted Bagpiper
With over 50 years of experience and a reputation trusted by legends like Paul McCartney and The Chieftains, John Ralston is one of British Columbia’s most respected bagpipers. A former Pipe Major, John brings precision, tradition, and heart to every performance. Based in Vancouver, he provides bagpiping services across B.C. for weddings, events and ceremonies. John also teaches students of all ages who want to learn the art of the pipes.

Bagpiping Services
Bagpiping for Vancouver Weddings
Set the tone with the bold, emotional sound of live bagpipes. Perfect for ceremonies, processionals, and receptions, this service adds a meaningful touch to your wedding day. Available across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
Bagpiping for Funerals and Memorials in Vancouver
Honour your loved one with the timeless sound of live bagpipes. Whether for a graveside farewell, memorial service, or procession, professional bagpiping brings a sense of dignity, tradition, and emotional resonance. Serving Vancouver and the surrounding areas with care and respect.
Professional Bagpiping for Events, Film & Media in Vancouver
Bring authentic Scottish tradition and striking visual presence to your next event or production. Available for corporate functions, brand activations, commercials, films, and live performances across Vancouver and B.C. Reliable, professional, and camera-ready.
Bagpiping Lessons
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Discover the foundations of traditional bagpiping in a supportive, beginner-friendly setting. These lessons cover the basics of technique, breath control, and fingerwork, starting with the practice chanter before progressing toward the full pipes. Perfect for those with no prior experience, you’ll learn step by step at a pace that builds confidence and musical skill while keeping the joy of the music at the heart of every session.
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Designed for students who have completed introductory lessons, this stage focuses on strengthening fundamentals and developing confidence. You’ll refine your fingerwork, improve timing, and begin learning simple tunes on the practice chanter. As you progress, you’ll take the first steps toward transitioning onto the full pipes, building a solid foundation for more advanced playing.
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For players who are comfortable with the basics, intermediate lessons focus on expanding your repertoire and polishing technique. You’ll work on ornamentation, tuning, and rhythm while learning more complex tunes and marches. Students will spend more time on the full pipes, developing stamina, control, and confidence in playing solo or with others. These lessons bridge the gap between beginner skills and advanced performance.
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Tailored for experienced players, advanced lessons focus on mastering the finer points of performance and musical expression. You’ll refine ornamentation, phrasing, and tone, while tackling challenging pieces across marches, strathspeys, reels, jigs, and piobaireachd. Emphasis is placed on precision, endurance, and style—preparing you for solo performance, or playing at a professional level.
“We believe everyone deserves the dignity that bagpipes bring to life’s most meaningful moments. To honour this, we offer complimentary bagpiping services each quarter for families and individuals who may not otherwise be able to afford them.”
