Betty Lou Beaton School of Piano

Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Celtic Piano at the Betty Lou Beaton School, where you’ll learn from some of the best!

We are beyond excited to host the annual Betty Lou Beaton School of Piano! The Cape Breton style of piano has captivated audiences across the globe. Every year, thousands of visitors travel countless miles to Cape Breton with one objective in mind: immerse themselves in this music. Few players can claim the level of prestige and influence as the local legend Betty Lou Beaton. Her name is synonymous with Cape Breton fiddle & piano music, and every piano player on Cape Breton Island today has been influenced by her music in one way or another. In 2024, the son of the late Buddy MacMaster helped announce for the centre an annual school in her honour.

The Betty Lou Beaton School of Piano is a five-day series for intermediate and advanced players. Each day features two different instructors chosen from among Cape Breton’s very finest piano players, each with their own unique musical signature. Students will learn the nuances of the Cape Breton style in a personal setting. This will be a similar setting as our signature Buddy MacMaster School of Fiddling.

Here are some of our past teachers:
• Mac Morin
• Adam Young
• Andrea Beaton
• Kolten MacDonell
• Neil Pearlman
• Amanda MacDougall
• Troy MacGillivray
• Kimberly Fraser
• Lawrence Cameron
• Susan MacLean

The Betty Lou Beaton School of Piano runs late June to early July during KitchenFest, projected dates are:
• 2026 – June 29 to July 3
• 2027 – June 28 to July 2
• 2028 – June 26 to June 30
• 2029 – June 25 to June 29

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1985074547408?aff=oddtdtcreator