About Me

Ryan Praskovich has played the bagpipes for 18 years throughout Pittsburgh, PA and the Columbus, OH areas. He started playing the Great Highland Bagpipe when he was 8 years old and has since pursued mastering the art of playing the instrument. He has reached the grade level of Professional which is the highest level of Solo competition. Throughout the years, Ryan has accrued many prestigious awards and honors such as:

  • 3rd place at George Sheriff Memorial Invitational (3rd best in North America)
  • 1st place at the Gilchrist Challenge receiving free airfare to compete in Scotland (2 times)
  • The McLeod Quaich for 1st place in Piobaireachd at Rural Hill Scottish Festival in 2015
  • 1st place at the 2008 Balmoral Classic naming him “The Best Piper in the US under 18.”
  • Awarded day named after self in Pittsburgh, PA due to services to bagpiping

Ryan has travelled internationally having competed in the United States, Canada, and Scotland playing at highly prestigious competitions such as the North American Pipe Band Championships in Maxville, Ontario, the MacGregor Memorial Competition in Oban, Scotland and the World Pipe Band Championship in Glasgow, Scotland.

Ryan has played with the 78th Fraser Highlanders Pipe Band from Toronto, Canada  who competes in the highest level of competitive band playing. In 2014, he placed 11th in the world with the band at the World Pipe Band Championship. Ryan has also played with highly acclaimed individuals and groups such as Carlos Nunez and Tartanic.

Ryan is currently looking for students and ways to promote the Scottish Arts within the Columbus, Ohio community providing the area with highly-skilled bagpipers to act as a hub for the Midwest United States.

Band Experience

  • Pittsburgh Firefighters Memorial Pipe Band, Grade 5
  • Balmoral Highlanders, Grade 3
  • Carnegie Mellon University Pipe Band, Grade 3
  • 78th Fraser Highlanders Pipe Band, Grade 1
  • North Coast Pipe Band, Grade 3
  • Cyril Scott Pipe Band, Grade 4
  • Capital City Pipes and Drums, Grade 5
    • Current Registered Instructor
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