Instructors

Gordon Stobbe - www.fiddlebooks.com

Seaforth, Nova Scotia - Fiddle

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!

J.J. Guy - www.jjguy.ca

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - Fiddle

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.

Alex Kusturok - www.alexkusturok.com

Sherwood Park, Alberta - Metis Fiddle

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 -www.troymacgillivray.com

Lanark, Nova Scotia - Fiddle

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

Winnipeg, Manitoba - Raw Beginner Fiddle

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!

Cathy Sproule

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Piano

Cathy Sproule, an accomplished piano player, began playing traditional fiddle accompaniment in 2003. She teaches piano at several fiddle camps across Canada. She accompanies Gordon Stobbe and JJ Guy for the Twin Fiddles shows every chance she gets! When not playing fiddle or piano, Cathy organizes fiddle events such as house concerts, the FiddlyNess Fiddle Camp and the Saskatoon bid for the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championship in August, 2014. When COVID started, Cathy was pleased to join JJ Guy for the Facebook Live Weekly "Jamming With JJ" and the two of them have entertained hundreds with their light hearted and entertaining weekly sessions. Cathy is known for being the organizer of Shivering Strings Saskatoon, but will be taking up the instructor spot in piano as well in 2023!

Daniel Koulack

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Guitar

Daniel Koulack is an extremely talented multi-instrumentalist who is a wonderful addition to any workshop or camp that he attends. His caring personality and patience brings out the best in his students. While his main instruments are banjo and stand-up bass, Daniel has a great, solid, back-up guitar style that is highly desirable in Canada's fiddle scene.