A passion for piping...

Raised in Somerville, Massachusetts, Adam began playing bagpipes at the age of eleven under the instruction of renowned piping instructor Archie MacLeod. Soon after, he began competing in solo competitions and has competed with a number of prestigious bands including the grade 2 Tulach Ard pipe band based in Lexington, Massachusetts and the Manchester Pipe Band of Manchester, Connecticut. Adam is currently Pipe Major of the grade 1 Stuart Highlanders of Wilmington, Massachusetts, which on August 13, 2011 won the overall piping score at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.

Adam is one of the most sought after instructors in the Boston area. In addition to over 15 students weekly, Holdaway has also been the instructor for the Boston Police Pipe Band, the Stuart Highlanders, the Greater Boston Fire Brigade and the Clan MacPherson Pipe Band.

Adam has competed throughout the Eastern US and has won solo prizes for 'Piper of the Day' at nearly every contest along the eastern seaboard. Adam has won prizes not only in the US, but also in Scotland and Canada, including a second place in the Professional 'A grade' Piobaireachd (classical music for the bagpipes) in Perth, Scotland.

In addition to his own solo achievements, Holdaway has been the pipe major of the Stuart Highlanders since 2002, and was instrumental in their upgrades from grade 5 to grade 1. With the addition of a new grade 4 and 5 band, and over 80 members strong, the Stuart Highlanders enjoy being New England’s premier bagpiping organization.

Besides competitions, Adam has produced and conducted piping concerts and recitals throughout Massachusetts. He can be heard on several movie soundtracks, including the box office hit, The Boondock Saints.

Adam holds a graduate certificate from the Institute of Piping and was admitted to the judges' panel of the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association in 2009. He currently resides in Chelmsford, MA with his wife Sarah, their 2 dogs Lucy and River and a cat named Alastair. 

A professional-level bagpiper, certified judge and pipe major; Adam is available for weddings, funerals, instruction and competition adjudication.