Matthew Phelps-Professional Bagpiper Bagpiper from Boston, MA

Matthew Phelps began piping at the age of eight under the instruction of Pipe Major Thomas Shearer, a graduate of the pipe major's course at Edinburgh Castle taught by the legendary Willie Ross. He later attended the Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Matthew has competed throughout the Eastern United States as well as in Canada and Scotland. In 1998 he placed first in the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association rankings for grade 1 and was promoted to Open or Professional competitive status in 1999. This is the highest level of competitive piping. Phelps has played at hundreds of events including weddings, funerals, birthday parties, trade shows, Burns Suppers, bachelor parties, summer camp festivities, clam bakes, graduations, grand openings, and political campaign marches. He has played in New Orleans during Mardi Gras and at Brunnenburg Castle in Italy. Phelps has taught students to play the pipes in New England, North Carolina, Alaska, and in Canada. Phelps currently works as a full time piping instructor and performer.