Rates for Weddings
For wedding ceremonies, I typically charge a flat $300. This doesn't include travel (if outside the Seattle area) or if you want me to participate in the rehearsal. The fee rate is not necessarily based on the amount of time I perform. I base my fees on the fact that I bring 28+ years of experience to your event and have played in many weddings. My competition grade is also a factor as I'm a "Professional grade" competitor and have competed at the Grade One level in pipe bands. You can get cheaper, but you won't always be guaranteed quality.
Rates for Other Events
All other types of events such as birthday parties or whatever else you can think of where you may want a piper (and I've done some wierd ones) are subject to negotiation. I just have to see what's involved and what I'm willing to do. Generally, think of the rates for weddings... but again... it's all up for negotiation. Another factor may be timing. If you're looking for someone last minute, expect to be charged more.
Rates for Solo Instruction
For lessons, I generally charge $75 per hour. I'm pretty flexible on these types of things as I'm more interested in carrying on the art of piping than focusing on the money I make. Of course, I'm not doing it full-time either... and if I'm lucky enough to be doing that some day, my stance may change. :) FYI - I may request payments for a month at a time.
Rates for Pipe Band Instruction
For Pipe Band workshops, my rate is $750 per day, plus travel and expenses. Additional expenses can include copying fees for hand out materials, tuners, metronomes, etc. I recommend a weekend workshop for maximum effect. I bring experience from not only 10 years of playing with Grade I pipe bands, but Grade III & IV bands as well. This gives me the perspective of the differences and challenges each type of organization typically face. Professionally, I have a lot of experience with solving various business problems using critical and systemic analysis. I've spent many years analyzing pipe band processes and tools as well as both successful and unsuccessful leadership. Please contact for further information.
Pipe Band Instruction Services Include:
Availability
Honestly, I'm a busy lad between my day job, band, and main squeeze :). I don't always have a lot of time (or energy) to do performances or teach, but give me a hollar and I'll see what I can do. When requesting whether I'm available or not, you may get a response like... "I'm not available that weekend." If so, I will be happy to refer you to a number of fellow pipers for whom I respect and think will give you a high quality of performance. We do that sort of thing for each other. As I mentioned above, I will usually start with my students first and then move on to others that I know.
Travel & Expenses
I live on Bainbridge Island now. So, doing gigs in the Seattle metro area just got a bit more difficult / less desirable for me. I have a day job and do this for fun and the enjoyment of playing and performing for others. There are several full-time pipers of quality that I will recommend. Please don't be offended if I ask for a round-trip ferry reimbursement if you're dead-set on having me perform for your function.
Payment
Cash is preferred, but checks are welcome. :-) If necessary, I can set up a PayPal transaction or use my Square device so that you may pay by credit card.
Contact Me
Please see my Contact page to submit your name and email address. Complete the form and I will respond as quickly as possible. Otherwise, you may reach me on my mobile at 425-922-5245.
Thank you for visiting my site!
Best regards,
Ian Coletti
For wedding ceremonies, I typically charge a flat $300. This doesn't include travel (if outside the Seattle area) or if you want me to participate in the rehearsal. The fee rate is not necessarily based on the amount of time I perform. I base my fees on the fact that I bring 28+ years of experience to your event and have played in many weddings. My competition grade is also a factor as I'm a "Professional grade" competitor and have competed at the Grade One level in pipe bands. You can get cheaper, but you won't always be guaranteed quality.
Rates for Other Events
All other types of events such as birthday parties or whatever else you can think of where you may want a piper (and I've done some wierd ones) are subject to negotiation. I just have to see what's involved and what I'm willing to do. Generally, think of the rates for weddings... but again... it's all up for negotiation. Another factor may be timing. If you're looking for someone last minute, expect to be charged more.
Rates for Solo Instruction
For lessons, I generally charge $75 per hour. I'm pretty flexible on these types of things as I'm more interested in carrying on the art of piping than focusing on the money I make. Of course, I'm not doing it full-time either... and if I'm lucky enough to be doing that some day, my stance may change. :) FYI - I may request payments for a month at a time.
Rates for Pipe Band Instruction
For Pipe Band workshops, my rate is $750 per day, plus travel and expenses. Additional expenses can include copying fees for hand out materials, tuners, metronomes, etc. I recommend a weekend workshop for maximum effect. I bring experience from not only 10 years of playing with Grade I pipe bands, but Grade III & IV bands as well. This gives me the perspective of the differences and challenges each type of organization typically face. Professionally, I have a lot of experience with solving various business problems using critical and systemic analysis. I've spent many years analyzing pipe band processes and tools as well as both successful and unsuccessful leadership. Please contact for further information.
Pipe Band Instruction Services Include:
- Pipe band assessment:
- Analysis of pipe band during a full-day workshop
- Real-time suggestions / adjustments
- Direct / timely feedback to the band & pipe band leadership
- Bagpipe adjustments & tuning with explanation of what I'm doing and why
- Written report about core band fundamentals including organization, performance characteristics, and suggestions for improvement. This will be delivered at a reasonable time frame after the workshop has been conducted.
- Post workshop follow-up as requested
- Solo instruction for pipe band members at reduced rates
Availability
Honestly, I'm a busy lad between my day job, band, and main squeeze :). I don't always have a lot of time (or energy) to do performances or teach, but give me a hollar and I'll see what I can do. When requesting whether I'm available or not, you may get a response like... "I'm not available that weekend." If so, I will be happy to refer you to a number of fellow pipers for whom I respect and think will give you a high quality of performance. We do that sort of thing for each other. As I mentioned above, I will usually start with my students first and then move on to others that I know.
Travel & Expenses
I live on Bainbridge Island now. So, doing gigs in the Seattle metro area just got a bit more difficult / less desirable for me. I have a day job and do this for fun and the enjoyment of playing and performing for others. There are several full-time pipers of quality that I will recommend. Please don't be offended if I ask for a round-trip ferry reimbursement if you're dead-set on having me perform for your function.
Payment
Cash is preferred, but checks are welcome. :-) If necessary, I can set up a PayPal transaction or use my Square device so that you may pay by credit card.
Contact Me
Please see my Contact page to submit your name and email address. Complete the form and I will respond as quickly as possible. Otherwise, you may reach me on my mobile at 425-922-5245.
Thank you for visiting my site!
Best regards,
Ian Coletti