Erin Russell is a Melbourne-based bagpiper and multi-instrumentalist who has established herself across pipe band, folk and solo performance contexts. She has been a member of the Hawthorn Pipe Band, one of Australia’s long-standing and competitive pipe bands based in Melbourne since 1914, competing and performing at state, national and international events.

Russell joined Hawthorn in 2018 and through the band has travelled extensively for music engagements, including tours interstate and to traditional pipe music centres in Scotland and New Zealand. Her involvement at competitive events includes participation in Australian championship competitions with the band during national contests.

Alongside ensemble work, Russell performs in a variety of folk music settings. She has appeared at prominent folk festivals such as the Port Fairy Folk Festival. At these festivals she plays both bagpipes and flute, reflecting broad musical interests beyond the pipe band repertoire.

Russell also appears at the National Celtic Festival, a key gathering for Celtic and folk musicians where artists present sets, collaborations and workshops across multiple venues.

In addition to group performances, Erin regularly presents solo recitals. Her solo work has brought her to varied cultural venues in Melbourne, including the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) and other local spaces known for hosting experimental and traditional music programs.

Her musical practice spans traditional pipe band repertoire, folk-influenced sets on both bagpipes and flute, and solo explorations that engage audiences in both concert and community settings.