Birmingham Bagpiper

I am Pipe Major Joseph R. Morrison, Professional Bagpiper available for hire in and around Birmingham, Alabama, and throughout the southeastern United States. I am available for a range of engagements, from funerals and memorial services to weddings, anniversary parties, birthdays, family reunions, recitals and educational demonstrations, and any festive event that may call for a piper.

As a Professional Bagpiper I have been performing throughout the Southeast for nearly three decades. In addition to taking solo bookings, I am a member of the Competition League for Amateur Solo Pipers (CLASP) and Overall League Winner of the 2022/23 Grade 2 competition season. I am a member and officer of the Saint Andrew's Society of the Middle South and the Pipe Major and Director of the Ian Sturrock Memorial Pipe Band. I am also a member of the Piobaireachd Society and the Scottish American Military Society as well as a lifetime member of the Clan Morrison Society of North America.

I am under the mentorship of Douglas "Dougie" Murray of Fife, Scotland, himself a student of nearly twenty years of the legendary Donald MacPherson, B.E.M., universally lauded as the greatest piper of the 20th century. Dougie is the former Pipe Major of the top-six grade 1 pipe band Fife Constabulary (now Police Scotland Fife Pipe Band), the winner of many prestigious solo awards, and a well-known reedmaker. As Dougie's student, I am learning the ancient art of Piobaireachd, the classical music of the bagpipe, in the style of Donald MacPherson as well as receiving tutelage in ceòl aotram, or "light music." You can visit Dougie's website here: Murray Reeds.

With three decades of experience and service as an award-winning soloist, professional musician and entertainer, instructor, composer and arranger, recording artist, and the director of a prize-winning pipe band, piping is not just my livelihood, it is my life. Don't trust your special event to a mere hobbyist. Hire a professional.

What my clients have to say...

You're a true gem.
— Elizabeth and Alan Hunter

If you are looking for a bagpiper who is professional and who sounds wonderful, then this is your guy.
— Misty Doles-Busic

I could not have expected more. A truly class act that left everybody emotional. So many people have mentioned the bagpipes. You will forever be the lasting positive memory of my dad's passing
— Steve Parker

Thank you so much! You're our fav bagpiper!
— Casey Nail

Thank you for helping us celebrate Amazing Grace's 250th anniversary in such a beautiful way. It was a pleasure to work with you.
— Roger Walworth
Minister of Music at First Baptist Church, Fort Payne

It was as close to perfect as a son could want and the family is forever in your debt.
— Joe Farley

Everyone was blown away by you. Thanks for making this possible.
— Susan Picking

Your presentations were the hit of the night last night. Thanks so much for not only being willing to play for us, but for serving with such excellence. Your passion for what you do is so evident, and your ability to relate to children is quite impressive!
— Tracy Hanrahan
Children's Choir Coordinator, Dawson Memorial Baptist Church

Thank you again for playing for our wedding! John loved following behind as you led the processional and will never forget it! You were awesome and everything I imagined it would be!
— Robin and John Roberts

You made our celebration absolute perfection!! You were such a gentleman. You were such a professional. You played magnificently. You are wildly talented. You were soooo flexible about the program and such a pleasure to work with.
— Claudia Reach
Life Enrichment Director, Kirkwood by the River

Thank you for coming and making our special day even better.
— Mary Williams

How do you top "perfect"?
— Joanne McGlown

Thank you for coming out again. That was great as usual.
— Fire Chief Chris Beasley
Boldo Volunteer Fire Department

Just a quick note to tell you how impressive you were on Saturday. I believe the music was enjoyed by all.
— Margaret D'Souza
Program Assistant, New College, The University of Alabama

You did a great job! Everyone was so impressed with your talents. You were in all the papers the next day.
— Carla Swinney
Student Affairs, Calhoun Community College

We sincerely appreciate all that you have done for us, especially at the last moment. This is something that is so very special to all of the family, my mother most of all ... the beautiful sound of the bagpipes.
— Dr. Rhonda Cornell

My family and I want to thank you for providing the bagpipe music at my husband's funeral. It was a fitting beginning for one who so appreciated his Scottish heritage, and your entrance to "Amazing Grace" set a beautiful tone which touched all of us deeply.
— Leila Welch