The bagpipes are indeed loud. However, a bagpiper can perform indoors when the space is large enough for the sound to spread out. Many churches have high ceilings and spacious rooms that are perfect for a bagpiper. Conversely, when the room is small and there are lots of people packed inside I opt to play outside of the room instead. Usually I open the doors when playing outside so that the sound of the bagpipes may reach all guests