Buddy MacMaster School of Fiddle

The Cape Breton style of fiddling has captivated audiences across the globe. Every year, thousands of visitors travel countless miles to Cape Breton with one objective in mind: to immerse themselves in this music. Few players can claim the level of prestige and influence that the late local legend Buddy MacMaster. His name is synonymous with Cape Breton fiddle music, and every fiddler on Cape Breton Island today has been influenced by his music in one way or another. In 2006, renowned Cape Breton fiddler Kinnon Beaton founded an annual school in his honour.

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

Here is some of our past teachers:
• Natile MacMaster
• Liz Doherty
• Shelly Campbell
• Troy MacGillivray
• Andrea Beaton
• Stan Chapman
• Kimberley Fraser
• Kendra MacGillivray
• Kenneth MacKenzie
• Dara Smith-MacDonald
• Donna Marie DeWolfe
• Rodney MacDonald

The Buddy MacMaster School of Fiddle runs early October during Celtic Colours, projected dates are:
• 2026 – Oct 9 to Oct 17
• 2027 – Oct 8 to Oct 16
• 2028 – Oct 9 to 13
• 2029 – Oct 8 to 12