Joe MacMaster

Joe MacMaster is a Cape Breton fiddler deeply rooted in the music of his native island. A traditionalist since childhood, he took a strong interest in his Scottish Gaelic heritage at 12 years of age, which soon after prompted his uptake of the music.

A nephew to Natalie MacMaster and grandnephew to Buddy MacMaster—two of the most esteemed Cape Breton fiddlers—Joe has learned from the best.

Since beginning his career at 15, he has performed regularly around Cape Breton and beyond, bringing his playing to audiences across the United States, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, and Scotland. In 2022, he released his debut self-titled album. As a teacher he hopes to impart a love both of how the music is played, and why, infusing repertoire, technique, and history into his classes. In 2021 he completed a Bachelor of Science at St. Francis Xavier University and is currently enrolled in the Master of Divinity program at St. Augustine’s Seminary of Toronto, in formation to the priesthood for the Diocese of Antigonish.