About Me
Born Portland, Oregon, 1950. Lived in Virginia 1978-2003. Moved to Ithaca, New York in 2003.
Began playing traditional Irish music and uilleann pipes in 1983. Took first lessons from Paul Levin and Tim Britton. Made uilleann pipes 1985-2023; first set built for someone else 1986. Tim Britton was a great help and influence in getting me started making pipes. Made a few Scottish smallpipes in the 1990s. Favorite piper: Seamus Ennis.
Over the years I have played many a dance, my favorite kind of gig. Also weddings, funerals, concerts. I have given lessons in uilleann pipes and whistle, and taught a few reedmaking classes.
In recent years I have spent a great deal of time researching piping history, particularly the lives of players. My focus is activity in North America from about 1850 to 1950.
Nick Whitmer
1 Renwick Place
Ithaca NY 14850
nwhitmer@livesofthepipers.com