A special tune for your special occasion
Written for a wedding, a birthday, a retirement, a memorial, or someone you want to honour. Pipers have named music after people for centuries, and a commissioned piece is played long after the day itself.
How it works
- Tell me about them
Use the form below to tell me who the piece is for, the occasion, and when you need it.
- We talk it through
A short call to hear the story, settle the style and the title, and choose your package. Then you pay to get started (the terms are under the packages, below).
- I write the music
You hear a draft before anything is final, and tell me what you think.
- You receive the finished piece
After your changes, I send the finished package, ready to play, frame or give.
Choose how your piece arrives
Prices are for a two-part composition, such as a 16-bar march. Anything longer costs more, and I'll give you the price when we talk. Shipping for anything printed is extra.
Paying: The Tune is paid in full when you book. Packages 2, 3 and 4 start with a 50% deposit, and the rest is due before I send the finished package.
The Tune
From $350CADAbout $250 USD
- A new composition, written for your person or occasion
- Engraved sheet music as a printable PDF, with a dedication line
- A MusicXML file, so any piper can open it in their notation software
- A recording of me playing it on the practice chanter
- One round of changes
- Permission to have it played at your event and to share it with family
Perfect for a birthday, a retirement or a thank-you.
Choose this packageTune and Recording
From $700CADAbout $500 USD
Everything in The Tune, plus:
- My studio recording of it on the Highland pipes
- A composer's note: one page on the story behind the music
- A designed score with a title page and dedication
- Two rounds of changes
Music they can listen to again and again, for an anniversary or a milestone.
Choose this packagePrinted and Illustrated
From $1,400CADAbout $1,000 USD
Everything in Tune and Recording, plus:
- An original graphite drawing by me, made for this piece. The original is yours to keep.
- The score and the drawing printed together on heavy art paper, and signed
- Both mailed flat, ready for you to frame
A keepsake for a memorial or a family heirloom.
Choose this packageEnsemble Arrangement
From $2,800CADAbout $2,000 USD
Everything in Printed and Illustrated, plus:
- A full arrangement for other instruments, such as a string quartet or brass quintet
- A typeset full score and printed parts, ready for live players to perform at your event
- A recording of the whole arrangement, made in my studio with high-quality digital instruments
Tailored to a wedding or special ceremony.
Choose this packageTell me about your piece
Share as much as you like. I'll write back within a few days to set up a short call.
The more lead time the better, especially for a wedding or a gift with a fixed date.