JC Piping - Pipe Major James Cowie

Book Live Bagpipers & Drummers – Professional Performance Services

By using JC Piping, you gain access to Western Australia's most experienced and accomplished bagpipers and drummers—musicians who actively compete and perform at the highest level on the international stage.

Whether you're looking to create a powerful atmosphere or add a traditional touch, our performers bring expertise, professionalism, and passion to every event.

Our Performers Are Available For:

  • Weddings – Traditional, elegant, and unforgettable

  • Birthday Parties – Celebrate with a bold and lively performance

  • Funerals – Honour your loved ones with heartfelt, respectful music

  • Corporate Functions – Add a unique, cultural element to your event

At JC Piping, we guarantee exceptional musical quality and a performance you’ll remember. We take pride in delivering value for money and ensuring every event is handled with care and professionalism.

"It’s the quality of the performance you’ll remember—and we make no mistake in getting it right."

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Easily schedule your piper or drummer online via the link below:

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James Cowie – Piping Professional

James Cowie is one of Australia’s most accomplished and influential figures in the world of bagpiping. Originally from Fort William, Scotland, James began his piping journey in Victoria, Australia, under the guidance of the late William Bruce—one of the country’s most respected piping mentors.

By the age of 14, James had already assumed leadership as Pipe Major of the Moorabbin City Pipe Band, and just two years later, he was competing at the World Pipe Band Championships in Grade One. This early start laid the foundation for a remarkable career that has spanned decades and crossed international borders.

Career Highlights

  • Pipe Major of WA Police Pipe Band (1997–2007)
    Led the band through its most successful period, including:

    • World Champions, Grade 2 (1998) – Youngest Pipe Major to lead a band to a world title.

    • U.S. Open Champions, Grade 1 (2001) – Defeated top North American competitors.

    • World Championship Finalists, Grade 1 (2004) – Achieved 11th place, the best result by an Australian Grade 1 band to date.

  • Founder and Pipe Major, Perth Metro Pipe Band
    Focused on education and development, James led the band to:

    • World Champions, Grade 3B (2016) – A historic first for Western Australia.

  • International Experience
    James has performed globally with leading bands, including:

    • Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia (Scotland)

    • Australia Highlanders (Melbourne)

    • Peel Regional Police (Canada)

    • Los Angeles Scots Pipe band (USA)

Expertise

James is known for his ability to produce world-class pipe tone and his deep understanding of ensemble performance. He has a passion for teaching and is highly regarded for mentoring players of all levels—from beginners to professionals.

Workshops & Teaching

James is available for:

  • Bagpipe tone production & maintenance

  • Ensemble and leadership training

  • Band setup and competitive preparation

  • Youth development and one-on-one coaching

Whether you are looking to elevate your band’s sound or develop individual skills, James brings a wealth of experience and a proven record of success.

Qualifications:

  • Teaching Diploma in Piping
  • Advanced Certificate in Piping
  • Certified Adjudicator
  • Pipe Band Australia National Adjudicator
  • Life Member Pipe Band Australia 
  • 2020 Pipe Bands Australia - National Award for Performance