Keith Murphy, KY Highlander

I have been a soloist and performer on Highland pipes since 1996. My foray into piping began shortly after completing graduate school. My initial instruction began with the William Sutherland Reid Pipes and Drums in Lexington. I began solo instruction in 1999 with James Nowlan, a former piper in the Canadian Guards, and a native of New Ross, County Wexford, Republic of Ireland. The ensuing five years were an intense immersion into the breadth and scope of piping literature, with a focus on the study of piobaireachd, regarded as the "classical music" of piping. I later served as pipe sergeant of the former General Michael Collins Memorial Pipe Band in Lexington, which formally disbanded in 2009 after a five year run.

Since 2005, I have served as the principal dance piper for the Kentucky Academy of Highland Dance in Lexington, playing for pupils in the studio, as well as on the stage. I have also been a piper for various Burns Suppers since 2000. My most recent activities have been in management of piping and drumming events at two of the three sanctioned events in Kentucky.

I am currently the director of competitions for the Kentucky Scottish Weekend in Carrollton, Kentucky, and the co-director for the competitions held at the Central Kentucky Highland Games in Eminence, Kentucky.

As a competitor and performer, I have participated in competitions in nine states, including the Silver Medal piobaireachd competition at Winter Storm, in Kansas City. I have also been fortunate to have performed on stage to open for the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, and the Kentucky Ballet Theater production of "The Witches of Doon", at the Lexington Opera House. I also participate in various cultural events and school presentations. In addition, I have served as organist at the Stamping Ground Christian Church since November of 1989. My goals for the immediate future are to continue to expand my pupil base as well as the commercial and cultural presence of piping in the Commonwealth. Most important is the creation and expansion of a comprehensive piping program that focuses on the individual's development of good fingering, knowledge of repertoire, and deportment.

	Some thoughts on piping instruction The decision to take on the study of piping either for yourself, or for your child requires some careful forethought, research, and most importantly, an understanding of the commitment necessary to excel at the instrument. Whether the desire is to play for one's own personal enjoyment, or to train as a serious piper, the necessity of knowing the basics of musicality, bagpipe mechanics, and a strong fundamental skill set of proper fingering is crucial. As with any endeavor worth pursuing, this process takes time and steady practice, and far too many have attempted to train themselves, with unsatisfactory results. In addition, the selection of a good instrument can be a confusing process without guidance. The prospective student will come to learn these aspects, and more; each lesson provides a basis for the next, and consistent practice will provide the foundation for increasingly advanced fingerwork. Basic instruction does not require a prior knowledge of how to read music; that will be one of the first things taught - at the same time, initial familiarization with the practice chanter will begin. As the student progresses, they will be introduced to simple tunes, and these will be used in part as exercises to improve the fingering skills. Progression to the pipes will commence after a determined period of time, such that the student will be enabled to practice actual tunes while learning to blow a set of pipes. This will be a gradual process as well, and the student can expect to be fully versed about maintenance, reeds, and tuning.
The opportunities for piping are numerous; along with performing for weddings, funerals and parades, the realm of competition perhaps offers the greatest opportunities to develop as a player. As a long-time successful solo competitor, I have discovered the competition venue to be one of the best learning environments toward my own piping development, and I actively encourage a pupil to consider solo competition. Whether one does or not, the same instruction will be given; the critical focus is upon providing the pupil with the resources they need to play publicly with confidence. As this site develops, I will occasionally upload text, music, or links I deem appropriate to this section. The emphasis is to provide the pupil over time with as comprehensive a knowledge as possible. I will also point the way to other sites of interest that will have already incorporated information, or more fully developed the topic at hand.

The day of your wedding is the culmination of many months of careful planning and attention to detail. The incorporation of a piper, particularly as the principal musician of the service, is a dignified addition as well as providing a presence reflective of the family's heritage. It is the piper's job to play well and dress appropriately to the occasion, and be sensitive to the desires and plans of the wedding party, such that the piper's actual involvement is the last thing of concern to the bridal party.

There are numerous details to consider when considering the option of retaining a piper for your wedding:

1). Time, date and location: the earlier you can book, the better. The typical "busy season" for weddings runs from April through September, the months of May, June and July being the most active. It is recommended that an appointment be made six months to a year in advance, in order to ensure a secured date as early as possible. I take bookings at any time, but the weekends do begin to fill throughout the winter and spring seasons. I will be glad to travel in or out of the state to be of service.

2). Appropriate attire for the occasion: formal attire for day or evening is available (white or black tie), or, if preferred, a semi-formal presentation of argyl jacket and waistcoat, all designed to blend in and reflect the taste of the event.

3). My routine and requirements the day of the event: it is my habit to attend the rehearsal, unless otherwise indicated. I enjoy meeting everyone, and I will especially need to meet with the person officiating the ceremony, as well as the wedding coordinator. Warmup and tuning are crucial to the performance, and I will usually secure (or have provided) a room or outdoor location suitable for that purpose. If the event is indoors, the warmup area will need to be indoors, and vice-versa for an outdoor event, as this directly impacts the sound of the instrument. Every care is taken to be as discreet as possible. I am on-site a minimum of one hour before the event starting time, to insure an adequate amount of time to prepare.

Rates are as follows: $250 for events in the Central Kentucky area, with mileage added for travel outside the area. Out of state travel compensation is negotiable.

A non-refundable deposit of $125 is due upon booking, with the balance due by the date of the event.

The inclusion of a piper in a funeral or memorial service is a moving and dignified addition, applicable to all faiths. I have participated in services across the state, and also specialize in military funerals. I am experienced with the protocol observed by honor guards, and maintain deportment and presentation throughout the service. As a Mason, I am also intimately familiar with those burial rites associated with the order.

My routine and requirements for a funeral or memorial service have me arriving a minimum of one hour prior to the start of the service, and whenever possible I will procure a discreet place to warm up and prepare. At graveside, I endeavor to be in place prior to the arrival of the funeral cortege, and the last to leave. Tune selection is discussed at the time arrangements are made, with either a family member or representative of the funeral director. I also coordinate closely with the funeral director and the person officiating the service.

Rates are $150 for services in central Kentucky, with an additional compensation for mileage incurred for travel elsewhere in the state.

Web Site of Jon Maffett, in Reynoldsburg, OH Excellent resource for piping and drumming supplies. Web Site of J. Higgins, Ltd, in Lenexa, KS Highland clothing outfitters and suppliers. Web Site of Failte Irish Imports, in Lexington, KY Liza Hendley Betz, Proprietor Web Site of Peter's Pipes, Inc., in Middletown, KY Highland bagpipe manufacturer and repair.
Web Site of the Central Kentucky Highland Games in Eminence, KY		Web Site of the Kentucky Scottish Weekend, in Carrollton, KY