Chris has been playing pipes since the age of ten and was originally taught by James Archibald Templeton from Lesmahagow Lanarkshire. Archie taught many young players over the years and had the Juvenile Champion of Champions band back in 1953. Chris took further piobaireachd tutelage from Pipe Major Evan MacRae but mostly from Bob Brown Jr. the son of Bob Brown of Balmoral.

Chris went on to great success in professional competitions throughout the UK and whilst competing around the games was asked to come over to the States in 1986 to join the then grade one Kansas City St Andrews Pipe Band.

After a number of happy years in America Chris returned to the UK and started his reedmaking business which has grown from strength to strength and become internationally renowned over the last 18 years.

During the 1990's Chris joined the grade two Clan Sutherland pipe band and became the ‘soundman' for the band, making the reeds and tuning the band for competition. With the help of Chris' ear and knowledge the band went on to become the grade two Champion of Champions in 1997

Chris was honored to be asked to be Pipe Major of the prestigious Scottish Piping Society of London soon after this and gratefully accepted the position. During this time Chris became an associatejudge with the Joint Committee for judging for both light music and Piobaireachd.

Chris has now relocated to the States and is continuing to make world class reeds, conduct workshops, teach and is now a qualified judge with the MWPBA for both band and solo competition.

Chris has appeared in numerous television shows and commercials and has played and performed with top musicians including Mark Oldfield and Rod Stewart.

Chris Apps Reeds LLC has been producing quality bagpipe reeds since 1991. Today Chris Apps Reeds LLC combines the most modern machining techniques with careful hands-on craftsmanship to produce reeds with a most beautiful tone. Chris Apps' reeds are now played on every continent in the world.