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I began playing fiddle at the age of nine. For almost 30 years, I have been touring and recording with various songwriters and recording artists, as well as fronting my own projects. While I grew up in Waterloo, music has allowed me to travel around the world and meet and interact with many wonderful audiences, musicians, and artists. I have lots of first-hand experience working in the music industry, both in live performance, in the studio, and teaching. I am a seven-time Canadian Country Music Association award winner and a proud inductee into the CCMA Musicians Hall of Honour. I also hold a Master of Arts in Community Music from Wilfrid Laurier University, where my research focused on helping string improvisors overcome fear and creating safe space learning environments for musical risk taking and creative growth.
Teaching improvisation is something I am very passionate about. The ability to improvise is such a valuable skill for any musician. It quite literally gave me a career in music. I love watching young musicians discover this new-found freedom with their instrument, and I am constantly looking to discover new ways to help unlock this sometimes-elusive skill.
- Country Music Association of Ontario – Musician of the Year - 2024
- Canadian Country Music Association - Fiddle Player of the Year – 2010, 2011, 2014, 2016, 2017
- Inducted into the Canadian Country Music Association Musicians Hall of Honour – 2017
- Canadian Country Music Association - Specialty Instrument Player of the Year (mandolin) – 2016, 2018
- Country Music Association of Ontario - Roots Artist of the Year (The Western Swing Authority) 2014, 2015, 2022
- The Western Swing Authority – “12 to 6 Central” – 2024
- Dean Brody – “Right Round Here” – 2023 – JUNO nominated
- Jason Benoit – “Time Traveler” – 2023 – East Coast Music Award winner
- Tim Moher – “Clefs of Moher vol 2” – 2022
- The JUNOs on CBC
- The Canadian Country Music Awards on both CTV and CBC
- Canada AM, CTV
- Breakfast Television, CITY TV
- CBC By Request
Playing a musical instrument requires hard work. However, what you can gain from this experience can be life changing. No matter your age or skill level, music can bring so much joy. The biggest obstacle to unlocking our creative freedom is fear. I strive to create safe space environments for students to take creative risks. You can’t create something new and interesting without taking chances, so I encourage taking as many chances as possible. Especially while in a learning environment.