Acoustic duo with Sam Lawrence

Very happy to announce a new musical project: – an acoustic duo with multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist Sam Lawrence.

Becky is a highly talented player of the Uilleann and Northumbrian pipes and many other instruments, and Sam Lawrence is a wizard on stringed instruments and brings a varied selection of songs to the table.
But, there’s a twist – they can swap at will and bring in whistles, accordion, hurdy-gurdy, mandolin, bouzouki and more!

Expect jigs, reels, songs and plenty of good natured chat.

“You won’t be bored with this lot”

“A most amazing set of music and song – anyone not here tonight has missed one of the best sessions available. They are superb.”


We made a short video to show the sort of noise we make.

The Folkies Folk!

Between us we have lots of tunes and songs on two sets of Uilleann pipes, duelling whistles, bouzouki, guitar, concertina, hurdy-gurdy, accordion, mandolin and probably something else that I have forgotten…


Here’s a pic from Sams Instagram at our first gig with 3 sets of Uilleann pipes, 4 chanters, hurdy-gurdy, accordion, guitar, bouzouki, mandolin, 4 whistles and a PA!

Here’s a video of us playing a couple of sets of Uilleann pipes in the key of ‘B’ – ‘the Diamond Jig’ a lovely tune.

Becky and Sam playing ‘the Diamond Jig’

We have been known to get the Hurdy Gurdy and accordion out on occasion! Here’s a wee snippet from a recent practise session…

A bit of ‘pure folk silliness’! Becky and Sam play Hogs Eye Man on Accordion and Hurdy-gurdy…

Traditional Music Lessons

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Becky has been teaching traditional music for over 25 years and is experienced in one-to-one tuition, group workshops at festivals and events, and tutoring youth groups. She has great enthusiasm and ability in helping people improve their playing and achieving their goals whether that be learning a new instrument from scratch, brushing up on technique and ornamentation, or increasing repertoire. Her relaxed, easy style will improve your confidence and help you make progress quickly. Complete beginners always welcome!

Rating: 5/5
Comments: Brilliant tutor, lovely to have a tutor who is passionate about the instrument and music. In addition enthusiastic to help me make good progress. Thoroughly recommend her.”
(FirstTutors Comments: 31/01/2020)

Becky currently teaches the following instruments and levels:

  • Uilleann Pipes – Beginners, Intermediate/Improvers and Advanced
  • Northumbrian Smallpipes – Beginners, Intermediate/Improvers and Advanced
  • Tin whistle – Beginners, Intermediate/Improvers, and Advanced
  • Fiddle – Beginners, Intermediate/Improvers
  • Mandolin – Beginners, Intermediate/Improvers
  • Other instruments available on request

Please contact Becky at becky@beckytaylor.info for further details and availability.

International Uilleann Pipers Day- Saturday 6th November 2021

North West Uilleann Pipers
Photograph by David Lim

On Saturday 6th November North West Uilleann pipers will be celebrating International Uilleann Piping Day at The Yard Manchester M8 8NF https://www.theyardmcr.com/
Here is the itinerary for the day:
10am Welcome and coffee
10.30am Reed making – Sean Jones
10.30am Pipe maintenance – David Lim
11.30am The Scrape: talk/demonstration/discussion – David Lim
12.30pm Lunch
1.30pm Try the Pipes – Jim Horan
1.30pm Reed making – Sean Jones
1.30pm Piping workshops – Becky Taylor
3pm Piping recital/Piper’s Chair – Becky Taylor and anyone else who would like to play
4pm Finish
There will also be space and opportunities for some sociable tunes. 
To help cover costs they are charging £10 for the day or part of the day.

The Nial Judge Legacy Loan Scheme.

On the 18th March 2021 the world lost my dear old friend and musical supporter of many years, Nial Judge. Amongst many other things, he left a small collection of musical instruments and as part of a group of his close friends and family I am delighted to announce the launch of the NIAL JUDGE LEGACY LOAN SCHEME in his memory.

We have a range of instruments to go out on loan to anyone in need or who would like to learn…It’s just the sort of thing he would have loved. More details on the scheme and instruments available on the scheme page https://beckytaylor.info/yorkshirepiper/the-nial-judge-legacy-loan-scheme/