Instructors

Gordon is likely the most highly sought after instructor and performer on the Canadian fiddle circuit these days. Never one to let the dust settle, Gordon keeps busy with a host of projects across Canada. His "Fiddle History of Canada" production is being workshopped and presented in several provinces, he continues to compose and tour, and has released 5 Twin Fiddle CDs with some of the tunes he has composed with fellow musician and travel buddy JJ Guy. There is no room here to list all the accomplishments of this Canadian treasure, so check his website. But above all, Gordon is an inspiration to anyone who sees him perform, or teach, or call a square dance!

A beloved regular at Shivering Strings, it was no accident that JJ Guy took home the "People's Choice Award" at the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championship in Saskatoon in August 2013! JJ is a beloved performer and instructor who has touched the hearts of thousands of fiddlers at fiddle camps across Canada. From B.C. to the NWT to the east coast, JJ is kept hopping, teaching and performing along the way. He has several recordings under his belt so check out his website! During COVID, JJ kept busy doing a very popular weekly Facebook Live jam and other online work. To join the weekly jam, search for "Jamming With JJ" on Facebook.

Growing up, Alex followed his mother Patti to old time dances around Manitoba where he was enriched with the Métis fiddle music from a very young age. Alex has had the opportunity to travel the world, sharing his passion for the Metis culture through his music. He has most recently travelled to Rome as part of the Metis delegation who had an audience with Pope Francis, and in August 2022, Alex was ranked in the top three Nationally at the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Competition. Alex is in high demand as a performer, and educator across Canada. He has a blend of styles in his music, being greatly influenced by the Quebecois and Cape Breton fiddle styles, however, the Métis style remains at the forefront of his playing.

Troy MacGillivray is a tradition keeper of his family's long history of fiddle music from his home of Antigonish and also of the Cape Breton style of fiddling. He is much in demand across the eastern seaboard and across the pond too! He keeps busy on the festival circuit as well as instructing at fiddle camps across North American in the British Isles. He has been recognized for his prodigious talent with many awards throughout his career. Troy is no stranger to Shivering Strings Winnipeg and we are delighted he is coming back!

Karen Warner teaches fiddle at the Winnipeg Conservatory of Music. She taught fiddle in the Seven Oaks School Division from 2010 to 2021. Karen studied at the U of W, Brandon U, and the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. She was a violin teacher on the faculty of the Manitoba Conservatory of Music from 1985 until 2013. Karen taught in the Dauphin School Area and in the Winnipeg School Division (River Heights Junior High School). She is a member of the Mennonite Community Orchestra, leads the Bel Canto String Quartet, and goes to fiddle camp whenever possible!