My daughter was a member of the Scots Guards and a volinist. She was also the leader of the orchestra and played at banquets, investitures, garden parties and in addition led a quartet which played at the Queens private dinner parties. She was also a soloist at the Edinburgh Festival and various foreign locations including Australia. She played during state visits for Putin, Clinton, Obama and various other heads of state and worked at various locations during the Queens Jubilee. When marching or on duty outside Buckingham Palace, Windsor or in the Scottish castles she played the saxophone. This was her main job, although of course she was also a serving soldier who had frequent fitness tests, target practice, etc. and could be called on to fight although (I am very grateful) this never happened. So basically that is what she was paid for by the Army, although if someone wanted to hire the orchestra privately a fee was charged and she would receive payment from that. She lived in "quarters" with her husband (also a soldier) and paid rent, and when at work in the barracks had a subsidised canteen. Her salary was not amazing. I believe the Piper is engaged to work on the same basis, and playing first thing in the morning for the Queen is merely PART of his daily duties - not ALL of them. So no reason to get excited Vampirequeen!
