Cape Breton Fiddle Workshop & Concert

Join us this Sunday, March 13, 2022 for two back-to-back instructional sessions over Zoom. This live fiddle workshop will feature award-winning Cape Breton musicians Andrea Beaton and Troy MacGillivray. The instructional workshops will begin at 3PM EST and last 50 minutes each, with a short break between sessions.

Troy teaching fiddle technique

At the conclusion of the instructional workshop, we will host a live concert where Troy and Andrea will offer us a taste of traditional Cape Breton-style music. This free concert is open to all and the lively tunes will feature both the fiddle and piano.

Andrea Beaton (she/her/hers) comes from a long line of musicians, composers and dancers. Both the Beaton and MacMaster sides of her family are well known and respected as some of Cape Breton’s finest musicians, dancers and composers. She is an award-winning fiddler, tune composer and recording artist who is known for her powerful bow and driving style. She tours and teaches internationally and is in great demand as a teacher at music camps and fiddling/dancing workshops.

Listen to an on-air cut featuring Andrea (MP3-4:48)

Troy MacGillivray (he/him/his) was raised in Lanark, Nova Scotia and is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for outstanding contributions to culture in Canada. His musical prowess can be attributed to an especially rare combination of commitment and bloodline.  MacGillivray teaches tunes that range in type and are suitable for all levels of students including slow airs, marches, strathspeys, reels, and jigs with both music and by ear.

Watch 5 minutes of Troy on stage

From Fabric of Life founder and Troy's student, Becky Ashenden: “I started taking online for lessons with Troy February 2021, and it’s been one of the better musical decisions I’ve ever made. His delightfully, encouraging, patient, and un-intimidating approach, (not to mention incredibly talented),  make him an outstanding teacher. He is one of the highest level tradition bearers of Cape Breton music today. Even if you are not so familiar with this style of music, I assure you it will be a rewarding day. Teamed up with Andrea Beaton, another stellar player, and from a long line of master players in her family, together they will enhance the workshop experience by accompanying each other on the piano, each having their unique advice and insight to offer on the fiddle. This will be a rare opportunity to enjoy this duo intimately from your own home.”