EDUCATION
Edufest August 2014
A Musical Smorgasbord
11 hours of professional development focused on elementary classroom music.
Cape Breton University January 2010 - May 2011
Bachelor of Education
Courses included were ELA Methodology 1 & 2, Fine Arts Methodology 1 & 2, Principles and Practices of Secondary Education, Integrated Technology, Guidance, Assessment, English as a Second Language, Inclusion, Philosophy/History of Education, Literacy in Content Areas, The Adolescent Learner, Sustainable Happiness, and Sociology of Education.
Cape Breton University January 2009 - April 2009
Upgrading
Completed two courses to meet the minimum credit requirements for acceptance into the B.Ed program, Essay writing and research essay writing. I also completed a Microsoft Office course.
Saint Francis Xavier University 1992 - 1999
Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies (emphasis on performance)
Courses included were Jazz Theory, Classical Theory, Jazz History, Classical History, Ear Training, Keyboard Skills, Conducting, Advanced Improvisation, Bass (upright and electric), Guitar, and Composition/Arranging for small ensemble and big band. Electives I took for my degree were Celtic Studies, Literature, Psychology and Philosophy. I was presented with the University Silver Medal for having the highest grade point average the last three years of my program while I was simultaneously performing around the globe. It should be noted that I took 3 years off between 1995 and 1998 because my professional career was filled with opportunity. I returned to University in 1998 to complete my degree.
Riverview Rural High School 1985 - 1988
High School Diploma
WORK EXPERIENCE
Eskasoni School Board March 2026 to present
Substitute teacher at the high school in Eskasoni.
Maupeltuewey Kina'matno'kuom October 2024-present
Substitute teacher at the school in Membertou. Grades 4-8. Organised the schools Christmas Concerts for 2024 and 2025 and taught a variety of classes..
Nova Scotia Community College, Marconi Campus September 2022 - May 2024
Casual faculty with the Music Arts Program. I taught bass, guitar, and jazz ensemble.
Long & McQuade Lesson Centre November 2021 - present
I provide studies in guitar, bass, ukulele, pedal steel, and music theory at all levels.
Solo Musical Performer September 2021 - present
I play guitar and sing covers by many of the artists I have been fortunate enough to play bass with over the years. I perform mostly in restaurants and pubs in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Cape Breton Victoria Centre for Education September 2011 - March 2020, September 2024 - present
As a substitute teacher I have taught a variety of subjects with my focus being primarily on General Classroom Music and Instrumental Band classes covering all grades. During my time with the CBVRCE I completed two paternity leaves, one of which included final assessments and reports using Powerschool software.
Private Music Instructor 1999 - March 2020
I gave private lessons for guitar, electric bass, upright bass, pedal steel and voice. My students ranged in age from 8 to 65.
Freelance Musician 1989 - Present
Studio/Live Performer
As a recording and live performance bass, guitar, steel guitar and supporting vocalist, I have toured Canada and the USA extensively and have also performed in Brazil, Japan, Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, England, Scotland, Ireland, and Denmark. This has given me the opportunity to work with many high-profile musicians such as:
Rita MacNeil
Gordie Sampson
Jimmy Rankin
Men of The Deep
Dave MacIssac
Symphony Nova Scotia
The Chieftains
Bruce Gouthro
Ashley MacIssac
The Rankin Family
Ron Hynes
Mary Jane Lamond
The Barra MacNeils
Kalolin Johnson
Laura Smith
Morning Star
Morgan Toney
Elf The Musical
Kimberly Fraser
Jennifer Roland
Dave Gunning
Dave Sampson
Amy Sky
Brenda Stubbert
Buddy MacDonald
Susan Crowe
Lorraine Segato
Scott MacMillan
Tracey Dares
Paul MacNeil
Lookout Tower
Kim Dunn
The Cottars
Emma Stevens
Hearts Of Kin
Celtic Mass For The Sea
Howie MacDonald
Jessica Rhaye
Duane Andrews
Wendy MacIsaac
Beolach
Carlo Spinazzola
Sons of Maxwell
Slante Mhaith
Steve MacDougall
Catriona MacKay
Doug MacPhee
Otis Tomas
Paul Cranford
Angelo Spinazzola
Kirk MacDonald
Elyse Aeryn
The Back Pack
Le Grand Cercle
With these artists I performed as support for acts such as Johnny Cash, The Tragically Hip, The Chieftains, Sound Garden, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, Sting, Elvis Costello, The BareNaked Ladies, Sarah McLachlan, Blue Rodeo, and many more. During this time I also had the opportunity to perform on the East Coast Music Awards, Juno Awards, Canadian Country Music Awards, Late Night
with Conan O’Brien, Good Morning America, Canada AM, Much Music Video Awards, and Dini Petty, to name a few.
In 2009 I was nominated for Producer Of The Year at the East Coast Music Awards.
In 2010 an album I produced was awarded Best Folk Recording at the Music New Brunswick awards.
In 2016 I was the recipient of the Musician’s Achievement award from the East Coast Music Association.
I began my music career touring and recording with the Cape Breton group Realworld between 1989-1993. In 1992 we won the ECMA for pop/rock artist of the year. We had several releases on local and national radio stations, toured in the Maritimes, Ontario and Quebec, and appeared on several television shows. I also operated The Ed Woodsworth Jazz Trio in Sydney from 1999-2001.
Band Leader
I have appeared on several Canadian television programs, including CBC productions: Celtic Electric and Drum. I was hired as Band Leader for Celtic Electric and utilized as a band leader for Drum, responsible for leading and conducting the band throughout rehearsals and live performances.
Live Sound Engineer
While earning my degree at St. F.X. I volunteered to mix sound at weekly jazz performances. I was the house sound engineer at the Upstairs Club in Sydney between 2003-2005, and have been mixing live shows since 1994.
Producer & Songwriter
I have produced numerous projects over the past 20 years such as:
“Kindle,” the debut album from Celtic Tide, a family band from Prince Edward Island.
“The Growl” on Jennifer Roland’s second album entitled Wings.
“Short Stories,” the second album released by New Brunswick’s singer/songwriter Jessica Rhaye. Jessica’s third album entitled “Good Things,” released in the spring of 2009, and Jessica's fourth album titled “Far Gone Lullabies” released in September of 2013. I have co-written songs on all three of these records. I was nominated for Producer of the Year at the 2009 East Coast Music Awards for “Good Things.” From these albums Jessica has earned a nomination for a Canadian Folk Music award as well as multiple East Coast Music Awards. She has won several Music New Brunswick awards and shortlisted for several Canadian and international songwriting contests.
“We Rise Again” Cape Breton University’s school song. I engineered/co-produced with Stewart MacNeil and Erin Martell in July 2008.
I produced an EP for local singer/songwriter Erin Martell entitled “You and Me.”
MacKenzie College 2004 - 2011
Music Instructor
I assessed each student’s current skill level on electric bass and gave them individual lessons focusing on technique, music theory and musicality. I also provided lap steel instruction at this institution.
Cape Breton Fly Fishing Adventures 2001 - 2011
Fly Fishing Guide
I was the owner/operator of an eco-tourism business on Cape Breton Island called Cape Breton Fly Fishing Adventures. I was a licensed guide in the province of Nova Scotia, and took clients on guided fly fishing trips on the island. The job demanded that I provide each client with a fun, safe and comfortable experience.
TipTop Tailors 1988 - 1989 and 2002 - 2005
Retail Salesperson
I worked full-time and part-time positions and was responsible for opening and closing the store. I maintained the company’s high level of customer service.
VOLUNTEER
Board of Directors-Native Council of Nova Scotia 2000 - 2003
As a representative for Zone 6 for Cape Breton Island, my duties were to inform the local members of the events within the Council at monthly meetings, and relay local members’ concerns to the Executive Committee. The Native Council of Nova Scotia maintains many programs to assist aboriginals who live off reserve.
Board of Directors-Trout Unlimited 2002 - 2004
This is an organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing wild trout populations in North America.
Director at Large-Trout Nova Scotia 2004 - 2012
Field Editor-NovaScotiaFishing.com 2006 - 2012
MEMBERSHIPS
Member-The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada 1995 - present
Member-Nova Scotia Teachers Union 2011 - 2021, 2024 - present
Nova Scotia Department of Education teaching certificate. Major in Fine Arts, minor in English Language Arts. July 2011 - present
Member-Cape Breton professional Musicians Association Local 355 A.F. of M. 1989 - 2005
Member-Maragaree Salmon Association 2004 - present
Member-Cape Breton Anglers Association 2004 - present
Member-Native Council of Nova Scotia 2004 - present
Licensed Fishing Guide in the Province of Nova Scotia 2001 - 2011