Richard D. Katz, a professional piper, began his piping career playing the Scottish Highland Bagpipes. He competed in local Scottish Highland Gatherings for 7 years being awarded 16 medals before retiring from competition. He has been tutored by Sgt. Gordon Walker (Scotland), Robert Wallace (Scotland), Harry McNulty (PM Power of Scotland, Scotland), and his piping teacher, Robert Boyd, California. Richard's highland pipes were custom made for him by Allistair Sinclair (Wm. Sinclair & Son) of Leith, Scotland. Richard traveled to Scotland in 1992 to take delivery of his pipes.
Richard became interested in Irish music and purchased an inexpensive tin whistle. While learning the tin whistle, Richard, became more aware of the world of Irish music. After seeing Davey Spillane perform on Uilleann pipes in "Riverdance" he decided to learn Uilleann pipes. He had a full set made for him by Charles Roberts of County Sligo, Ireland and traveled to Ireland in 1998 to take delivery.
Richard has been taught by such noted Irish pipers as Mick O'Brien, Eoin O'Raighaigh, Gay McKeon, Jimmy O'Brien-Moran, and Martin Nolan. He has also been tutored by Bay Area piper, Todd Denman.
Richard plays a concert D tin whistle made by Chris Abell of Ashville, North Carolina and a 18" bodhrán made by Eoin Leonard (Belgarth Bodhrán's) of Orkney, Scotland.
Richard became very involved in the Irish music scene and is the Secretary of the San Francisco Irish Pipers' Club.
Richard plays at weddings, memorials & funerals, parties, corporate events, etc. He also teaches all of his instruments.
Please contact Richard at the following for information or bookings.
(408) 489-2881 or rkatz2552@aol.com
