March
“We needed something special to commemorate this time in our lives.”
March
Perth, Western Australia
Your Story.
Set to Tradition.
Great music has always been written for incredible people, unforgettable places and memorable moments. I compose bespoke tunes for the Highland Bagpipes, written from your story for gifts, weddings, memorials and milestones. Immortalise your story today.
- Pipe MajorPerth Highland Band
- Award WinningComposer
- First Class HonoursUWA Conservatorium of Music
- WASO Emerging ArtistTwice Selected
The Gallery
Every commission starts with a story. Here are three recent works, with the brief each one was written from.
March
Slow Air
“I need a tune that captures the beauty I see in her eyes.”
The Petals in Her Eyes
Reel
“He was our everything. We want to remember him how he lived.”
Theo and His Kite
More tunes on SoundCloud.
My partner and I have just moved into our first home together. It's been a journey full of anxiety around the unknowns, but things are finally starting to come together. We're filled with excitement for what this means for our future. Sitting on our mattress on the floor of an empty living room, I knew we needed something to commemorate this moment on the new street we now call home, a tune to capture that sense of triumph, joy, and forward momentum. I hope that this is something you might be able to translate into music.
My partner and I have been together for some time, and we will soon be spending our first Valentine's Day apart from each other. I am hoping you might be able to help me by producing a piece of music that adequately conveys what I just can't put into words. Whenever I look into her eyes, I see blooming and thriving sunflowers beneath clear blue skies, giving life to all around her. I see a future that is bright, and whole. With her, everything makes sense and thinking of her conjures feelings of unbridled warmth and comfort. I need a tune that captures the beauty I see in her eyes. Thank you in advance and I look forward to hearing from you.
We recently lost our beloved family dog, Theo. He was our everything, we want to remember him how he lived. He was the most vibrant, youthful, and caring companion you could ask for. We have fond memories with him, from celebrating life's big moments, walks down by the creek near our house, and countless sunsets down by the park watching him chase his kite. We are hoping to commission a piece of music that we can display and listen to whenever we want to recall our beautiful, albeit too short a life together.
The Crafting Process
Every composition begins with your story. Whether you need a poignant slow air to remember someone, or a lively march, jig or reel to celebrate, I write within the traditions of the Highland bagpipe while bringing fresh, modern musicality to a tune that is yours alone.
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Your Story
Choose a package and tell me your story: who or what the tune is for, and the feelings you want it to carry. Add your date if you have an event.
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Composition
I read every brief personally. Once I accept your commission you'll receive a secure payment link, and composition begins as soon as payment is made.
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Delivery
Your tune arrives by email with its sheet music (and recording, if included). One revision is included. Just follow the steps in your delivery email.
Commission a Work
Select your preferred format
Custom 2-Part Tune
$0.99 AUD
An original 2-part tune written from your story, delivered as professionally typeset sheet music, ready to frame or for any piper to perform.
7-day delivery
1 revision
- Original composition
- Typeset sheet music (PDF) for display or performance
- Studio recording (MP3)
- Harmony part (seconds)
Custom Tune + Recording
$1.99 AUD
An original 2-part tune written for your occasion, with typeset sheet music and a studio-quality recording on Highland bagpipes or Scottish smallpipes.
10-day delivery
1 revision
- Original composition
- Typeset sheet music (PDF) for display or performance
- Studio recording (MP3)
- Harmony part (seconds)
Custom Tune with Harmony + Recording
$2.99 AUD
An original 2-part tune with a harmony part for a richer, layered sound, delivered with typeset sheet music and a studio-quality recording on Highland bagpipes or Scottish smallpipes.
12-day delivery
1 revision
- Original composition
- Typeset sheet music (PDF) for display or performance
- Studio recording (MP3)
- Harmony part (seconds)
Want it played live?
In Perth, I can perform your new tune on Highland bagpipes at your wedding, memorial or celebration. Tick the box on the next step and I'll get in touch for further details so I can prepare a quote.
Delivery times start once payment is made.
Something bigger in mind, such as a tune for a band, school or anniversary? Ask for a custom quote.
“I'm blown away, this tune is everything I hoped it would be and more. Thank you so much!”
Immortalise Your Story
A cherished memory, a milestone, a family history: if it deserves to be remembered, it deserves a tune. I'll compose an original bagpipe tune based entirely on your story.
Whether it's a joyous celebration, a heartfelt memorial or a gift for someone you love, I'll bring your words to life through the unmistakable sound of the pipes.
Perfect For
- A truly one-of-a-kind gift for friends or family
- Weddings, funerals, memorials and special events
- Framed display pieces for the home
- Honouring your Scottish or Celtic heritage
- Pipers wanting a tune of their own to play
What You'll Receive
- An original compositionA tune written from scratch to capture the emotion of your story. All packages
- PDF sheet musicProfessionally typeset for framing, or for any piper to perform at your event. All packages
- A studio recordingA high-quality MP3 on Highland bagpipes or Scottish smallpipes. The Tale and The Saga
- A harmony partA second line for a fuller, layered sound. The Saga
About the Composer
I'm Charles Barblett, a piper and composer based in Perth. I've won state titles in solo bagpipe, solo bass drum and pipe band, performed at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Basel Tattoo, played professionally with the Western Australia Police Pipe Band, and taught bagpipes at Scotch College, Presbyterian Ladies' College and Trinity College. Today I'm Pipe Major of the Perth Highland Band.
“I value the chance music gives us to tell stories and share moments.”
I'm also classically trained in composition, graduating with First Class Honours from the UWA Conservatorium of Music. I've twice been selected for the West Australian Symphony Orchestra's Young and Emerging Artists program, was runner-up in Willoughby Symphony Orchestra's Young Composer of the Year, was a finalist for UWA's Dorothy Ellen Ransom Prize, was commissioned to write a fanfare for the Perth Festival, and held an Orchestral Management Fellowship with the Australian Youth Orchestra and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Questions
Who owns the tune?
As the composer, I keep the copyright, as is standard for commissioned music. You receive a permanent personal licence to have it performed at any event, to frame and display the sheet music, to play the recording, and to share it on social media. If you'd like to release it commercially (on an album or streaming services, for example), just ask.
Full details are in the terms.
Can another piper play it at my wedding or funeral?
Yes. The sheet music is typeset to a professional standard so any competent piper can learn and perform it.
Can you play it live at my event?
In the Perth area, yes, on Highland bagpipes. Tick the live performance box when you submit your story and I'll get in touch for further details so I can prepare a quote for performing your tune (and anything else you'd like played) on the day.
I have a deadline. Can you meet it?
Add the date to your brief. Standard delivery is 7 to 12 days from payment depending on the package. If your date is sooner, I'll tell you honestly whether I can meet it before you pay anything.
What if I don't love it?
Every package includes one revision. Tell me what isn't quite right (the feel, the tempo, a phrase) and I'll rework it.
Highland bagpipes or Scottish smallpipes?
Highland bagpipes are the big, ceremonial sound made for the outdoors. Scottish smallpipes are softer and warmer, well suited to indoor venues, intimate services and listening at home. Not sure? Mention it in your brief and I'll recommend one.
Can I commission a tune as a gift for someone else?
Absolutely. That's one of the most common reasons people commission a tune. Write the story from your point of view and tell me who it's for.
Do you work with people outside Australia?
Yes. Everything is delivered by email, so I can compose for anyone, anywhere. Prices are in Australian dollars and your card provider converts them automatically.
Will my story be shared?
Only with your permission. Your story is used to write your tune and nothing else, unless you tick the portfolio box. See the privacy policy.