ABOUT
LINCOLN HILTON
Lincoln (Sonic) Hilton is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential pipers of the modern era. Renowned for his ability to seamlessly blend traditional Highland piping techniques with contemporary musical influences, Hilton has redefined the boundaries of what is possible on the Great Highland Bagpipe. His compositions are characterized by intricate melodic structures, rhythmic complexity, and unconventional time signatures, making them some of the most sought-after pieces in the piping world.
His technical precision, masterful phrasing, and pioneering approach to harmonies in his 345 page Ceol Beag Volume 1 book have drawn comparisons to legendary pipers such as Donald MacLeod, cementing his place as a defining figure in 21st-century piping.
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Lincoln Hilton
As the founder of Modern Piping, Hilton has revolutionized the world of bagpipe music publishing. His original compositions and arrangements have been performed by the worldâs top Grade 1 pipe bands, including Field Marshal Montgomery, Shotts & Dykehead, St. Laurence OâToole, Simon Fraser University, Police Scotland Fife, Triumph St, 78th Fraser Highlanders, and Canterbury Caledonian. His arrangements of contemporary pieces, such as Leonard Cohenâs Hallelujah, have been widely acclaimed and covered by pipers and pipe bands worldwide. His work was showcased at the World Pipe Band Championships and prestigious venues such as Lincoln Center in New York alongside being featured on shows such as BBC, the Royal Edinburgh Tattoo and more.
Hiltonâs technical expertise extends beyond performance and composition. His deep understanding of bagpipe acoustics and tuning has led to the development of pioneering products, including the Hilton Chanterâa performance chanter uniquely designed for equal temperament tuningâand the Tone Temple chanter case, which utilizes cutting-edge two-way humidity control. His relentless pursuit of tonal perfection is evident in both his live performances and studio recordings, where he produces a rich, harmonically balanced sound that elevates the instrumentâs expressive capabilities.
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Lincoln preparing Haileybury in the tuning circle at the European Championships (2019)
A decorated soloist, Hilton has won prestigious titles such as the Gordon Duncan Memorial Solo Piping Competition and Young Australasian Piper of the Year. His influence extends beyond competition, as a dedicated educator and mentor who has shaped a new generation of pipers through his online teaching platform and publications. As Director of Pipes and Drums at Haileybury College, Hilton transformed the program into one of the worldâs largest and most successful school piping initiatives, culminating in a Grade 3B World Pipe Band Championship victory in 2023.
After 14 years with Haileybury, Hilton stepped down as director in 2024 to focus full-time on composing, producing, and innovating both bagpipe and mainstream music. His groundbreaking work continues to shape the future of modern piping, ensuring that the art form remains dynamic, evolving, and accessible to new generations.
COMPOSITIONS
He published 41 volumes of light music and 2 books of educational purpose, including the worldâs largest collection of light music in his 345-page book, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1 â For The Great Highland Bagpipe and the longest running bagpipe music series, Modern Piping. He has also contributed to multiple publications of bagpipe music. Among his light music compositions and arrangements were tunes such as:
2/4 MARCHES
Aikman Hall (Modern Piping Vol. 31)
Divina Tinio Hilton (Modern Piping Vol. 20, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Durnehviir (CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Fingal's Cave (Modern Piping Vol. 28, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Kelvingrove Park (Modern Piping Vol. 27, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
King George Square (Modern Piping Vol. 25, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Lord Todd (Modern Piping Vol. 26, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Missing Links (CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Mr Charles Duff of Dunavourdie (Modern Piping Vol. 30)
Murphy's Law (Modern Piping Vol. 29, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
P/M Bob Gow (Modern Piping Vol. 11, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Peter Moir Milne (The Blue Book of Contemporary Bagpipe Music, Modern Piping Vol. 14, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
3/4-4/4 MARCHES
A New Home (Modern Piping Vol. 29, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
AithnĂonn CiarĂłg Eile (Modern Piping Vol. 29, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Breaking the Order (CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Decaf 2 (Modern Piping Vol. 7, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Greenwood Side (Modern Piping Vol. 37)
House of Tarrin (Modern Piping Vol. 14, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Kokoda (Modern Piping Vol. 7, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Ode to the Patron (Modern Piping Vol. 32, Modern Piping Vol. 33)
P/M William Rossâ Farewell to the 2nd Battalion Scotâs Guards (Modern Piping Vol. 37)
Prodigal Prince (Modern Piping Vol. 28, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Sonerien Bleimor (Modern Piping Vol. 9, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
The Arrival (Modern Piping Vol. 22, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
The Pipers Alliance (CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Waltzing Matilda (Modern Piping Vol. 25, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
COMPOUND MARCHES
Andrew Bonar (Modern Piping Vol. 13, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Carrying the Torch (CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Carpe Diem (Modern Piping Vol. 30)
Elbow Bump (CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
I.O (Modern Piping Vol. 13, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Ian McMaster (Modern Piping Vol. 10, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
John Elliott (Modern Piping Vol. 36)
Kelly Abel (Modern Piping Vol. 31)
P/M Scott Ruscoe (The Winnipeg Collection, Modern Piping Vol. 1, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Nelson Terrace (Modern Piping Vol. 34)
Ritchie Conrad Hilton (Modern Piping Vol. 26, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Ryan O'Neil Hilton (Modern Piping Vol. 35, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Sans Peur (Modern Piping Vol. 28, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Springvale (Modern Piping Vol. 36)
The Great Scattered Army (CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Valor (Founder Edition Perk)
STRATHSPEYS
Cortex Castle (Modern Piping Vol. 28, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Falkirk Wheel (Modern Piping Vol. 29, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Federation Square (CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Gruten Flee (Modern Piping Vol. 18, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Heather and Galen (Modern Piping Vol. 5, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Lemon and Lime (Modern Piping Vol. 5, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Letting Go (Modern Piping Vol. 2, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Manners Maketh Man (Modern Piping Vol. 21, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Persistent Pertinence (CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
The Cherry Tree Anthem (Modern Piping Vol. 17, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
The Dainty Swallowtail (Modern Piping Vol. 30)
The Shadow Judges (Modern Piping Vol. 31)
The Sheepwife (Modern Piping Vol. 33)
Trick or Treat (Modern Piping Vol. 3, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Trouble Brewing (CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Written in Stone (Modern Piping Vol. 17, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
REELS
Ancestor's Reel (Modern Piping Vol. 27, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Back to Belfast (Modern Piping Vol. 3, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
John's List (CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Gruten Flee (Modern Piping Vol. 18, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Kraken's Kitchen (Modern Piping Vol. 27, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Maslow's Hierarchy (Modern Piping Vol. 28, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Messi Magic (Modern Piping Vol. 34, Modern Piping Vol. 37, Hilton Chanter Founderâs Edition Perk)
Mrs. Heather Hilton (Modern Piping Vol. 21, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Prodigal Prince (Modern Piping Vol. 28, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Powlett Reserve (Modern Piping Vol. 29, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Sinclair's Chanter (Modern Piping Vol. 24, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
The Silver Spear (Modern Piping Vol. 9, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Tom's Turnaround (Modern Piping Vol. 28, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
JIGS
1-Up (Modern Piping Vol. 31)
A Friend from Hell (Modern Piping Vol. 25, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Ah Dinnae Ken (Modern Piping Vol. 32)
Amigo (Modern Piping Vol. 38)
Bob the Cockatoo (Modern Piping Vol. 34)
Calum Brown G Major (Modern Piping Vol. 10, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Calum Brown D Major (Modern Piping Vol. 10, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Crossing the Minch (Modern Piping Vol. 35)
Dark Horse (Modern Piping Vol. 9, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Dominion (Modern Piping Vol. 40, Hilton Chanter Founderâs Edition Perk)
Funky Fresh (Modern Piping Vol. 18, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Goldies (Modern Piping Vol. 19, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Hakuna Matata (Modern Piping Vol. 40)
Lady Madlena Sinclair (Modern Piping Vol. 6, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Letting Go (Modern Piping Vol. 2, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Morning Blossom (The Blue Book of Contemporary Bagpipe Music, Modern Piping Vol. 9, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Mrs. Heather Hilton (Modern Piping Vol. 21, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Mug of Brown Ale (Modern Piping Vol. 3, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
No More Bull (Modern Piping Vol. 10, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Noro (Modern Piping Vol. 37)
Pablo (Modern Piping Vol. 19, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Por Favor (Modern Piping Vol. 34)
Pressed for Time (Modern Piping Vol. 9, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Stuart & Hazel (Modern Piping Vol. 29)
Stitch (Modern Piping Vol. 32)
The Rain Gods (Modern Piping Vol. 33)
The Red M&M (CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
The Unholy Offspring (Modern Piping Vol. 8, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Unreel (Modern Piping Vol. 9, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Veni Vidi Vici (Modern Piping Vol. 17, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
SLOW AIRS
A Road Less Travelled (Modern Piping Vol. 12, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
C'est la Vie (Modern Piping Vol. 1, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Dollar Sunrise (Modern Piping Vol. 12, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Dominion (Modern Piping Vol. 40, Hilton Chanter Founderâs Edition Perk)
Hallelujah (Modern Piping Vol. 15, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Ignite (Modern Piping Vol. 13, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Infynite (Modern Piping Vol. 23, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Letting Go (Modern Piping Vol. 2, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Never Forgotten (Modern Piping Vol. 16, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Odyssey (Modern Piping Vol. 18, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Ragnarök B minor (Modern Piping Vol. 20, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Shinryu A minor (Modern Piping Vol. 26, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Shinryu B minor (Modern Piping Vol. 13, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
SlaÌinte Mhath (Modern Piping Vol. 39)
Solace (Modern Piping Vol. 22, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Thar She Blows (CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
The Anithero (CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
The Day the Sun was a Moon (Modern Piping Vol. 38)
HORNPIPES
400% (Modern Piping Vol. 12, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
13 (Modern Piping Vol. 6, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Alasdair Fraser's Toast to Moana (Modern Piping Vol. 4, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Altera Terra (Modern Piping Vol. 8, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Berserker (Modern Piping Vol. 39)
Big Rab's 200th (Modern Piping Vol. 22, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Black Flag (Modern Piping Vol. 14, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
White Flag (Modern Piping Vol. 15, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Bona Fide (Modern Piping Vol. 39)
Blues You Lose (Modern Piping Vol. 7, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Copy Cat (Modern Piping Vol. 4, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Donald Cameron (Modern Piping Vol. 26, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Dominion (Modern Piping Vol. 40, Hilton Chanter Founderâs Edition Perk)
Dr. Dre (Modern Piping Vol. 16, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Eminence (Modern Piping Vol. 30)
Erratic Disposition A minor (The Winnipeg Collection, Modern Piping Vol. 8, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Erratic Disposition B minor (The Winnipeg Collection, Modern Piping Vol. 8, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Galway Girl (Modern Piping Vol. 1, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Geese in the Bog (Modern Piping Vol. 18, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Ku (Modern Piping Vol. 36)
Lord Alexander Kennedy (Modern Piping Vol. 3, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Masons Apron (Modern Piping Vol. 25, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Masons Apron V.2 (Modern Piping Vol. 37)
Masons Apron V.3 (Modern Piping Vol. 39)
Mr. Bag Drop (Modern Piping Vol. 33)
Ragnarök B minor (Modern Piping Vol. 20, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Ragnarök E minor (Modern Piping Vol. 21, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Richat (Modern Piping Vol. 11, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Shadow (Modern Piping Vol. 5, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Sursum Corda (Modern Piping Vol. 36)
The 29th Annual Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race (Modern Piping Vol. 32)
The Boomer Effect (Modern Piping Vol. 24, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
The Golden Chanter (Modern Piping Vol. 9, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
The Piping Cognoscenti (Modern Piping Vol. 35)
The Summer Cold V1 (Modern Piping Vol. 8, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
The Summer Cold V2 (Modern Piping Vol. 8, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
The Winter Warmer (Modern Piping Vol. 38)
Tone Temple (Modern Piping Vol. 4, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Twisted (Modern Piping Vol. 3, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
SUITES
400% (Modern Piping Vol. 12, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Calum Brown G Major (Modern Piping Vol. 10, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Checkmate (Modern Piping Vol. 1, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Dollar Sunrise (Modern Piping Vol. 12, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Dominion (Modern Piping Vol. 40, Hilton Chanter Founderâs Edition Perk)
Dr. Dre (Modern Piping Vol. 16, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Eminence (Modern Piping Vol. 30)
Final Reunion (Modern Piping Vol. 24, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Galway Girl (Modern Piping Vol. 1, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Modern Piping Vol. 14, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
I See Fire (Modern Piping Vol. 20, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Ignite (Modern Piping Vol. 13, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Infynite (Modern Piping Vol. 23, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Letting Go (Modern Piping Vol. 2, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Me and My Chanter (Modern Piping Vol. 15, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Odyssey (Modern Piping Vol. 18, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Pirates of the Caribbean (Modern Piping Vol. 3CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Ragnarök B minor (Modern Piping Vol. 20, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Shadow (Modern Piping Vol. 5, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Shape of You (Modern Piping Vol. 2, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Shinryu A minor (Modern Piping Vol. 26, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Shinryu B minor (Modern Piping Vol. 13, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Solace (Modern Piping Vol. 22, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
The Cherry Tree Anthem (Modern Piping Vol. 17, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
The Tower (Modern Piping Vol. 10, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Tone Temple (Modern Piping Vol. 4, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Treat You Better (Modern Piping Vol. 6, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Trick or Treat (Modern Piping Vol. 3, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Valor (Founder Edition Perk)
WALTZES
David Ross (Modern Piping Vol. 24, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Fur Elise (CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Ignite (Modern Piping Vol. 13, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
John MacDonald of Glencoe (Modern Piping Vol. 20, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Odyssey (Modern Piping Vol. 18, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Pirates of the Caribbean (Modern Piping Vol. 3, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Scotland the Brave (CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
The Landing (Modern Piping Vol. 18, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Valor (Hilton Chanter Founderâs Edition Perk)
MISCELLANEOUS
Dave Websters 39th (Modern Piping Vol. 40)
Dominion (Modern Piping Vol. 40, Hilton Chanter Founderâs Edition Perk)
Gruten Flee (Modern Piping Vol. 18, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Halo (Modern Piping Vol. 37)
Heatherbell (Modern Piping Vol. 19, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Marga's Moment (Modern Piping Vol. 7, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Mirage (Modern Piping Vol. 25, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Pablo (Modern Piping Vol. 19, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Prodigal Prince (Modern Piping Vol. 28, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Sanctuary (Modern Piping Vol. 4, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
Star Theme (Modern Piping Vol. 16, CeĂČl Beag Vol. 1)
HEAR LINCOLN PLAY
Here are some of Lincoln Hiltonâs performances. Subscribe to his YouTube channel for more incredible music!
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âLincoln Hilton of Melbourne, Australia, has emerged as one of the worldâs most innovative pipers. Early on, he recognized and harnessed the potential of the Internet to bring his compositions to a global piping and drumming audience. His Modern Piping business works to bring fellow composers together, and his YouTube channel provides a platform for debut performances, many of the videos garnering tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands, of views.â
Andrew Bertoff (Pipes Drums)