Celtic Fiddle Guru presents
Play from the heart.
Live it in Cape Breton.
An 8-day immersion into movement, sound, and the kind of presence that changes how you play — forever.
📅 August 16–23, 2026 📍 Mabou, Cape Breton Island, Nova ScotiaThe retreat begins in
I've spent over four years playing fiddle for Dr. Michelle Greenwell's online movement and Tai Chi classes. Michelle's Tai Chi exercises run at 30–40% slower than a standard class. And that slowness — that deliberate, embodied pace — quietly transformed my playing in ways I never expected.
I became more present in the room. My tone deepened. I started reading audiences differently — feeling the energy of a session shift and responding to it, rather than just playing the next tune on the list. That's what "Slow Down to Speed Up" means, and it's what this retreat is built on.
This August, I'm heading back to Cape Breton — the spiritual home of Celtic fiddle tradition — to co-facilitate the Artfilled Wellness retreat alongside Dr. Michelle Greenwell of the Greenwell Center for Holistic Health. And I want to bring fellow musicians along for the journey.
Why this matters for musicians
What four years of slow movement taught me about playing fiddle
Presence in your playing
Slowing down through Tai Chi and Tia Cho movement rewires your nervous system. You stop anticipating the next note and start inhabiting the one you're on.
Playing from the heart
When you're not gripping on to the music, something opens. The tune stops being a technical exercise and becomes a conversation — with the room, with the listeners, with yourself.
Reading a room at a gig
Being present means being responsive. You notice when the energy lifts, when a room needs slowing down, when it's time to hold back and let the silence breathe.
Greater tone and resonance
Body tension kills tone. When movement, breath, and awareness align — as Michelle's work teaches — your instrument responds differently. The bow flows; the sound opens.
"Playing alongside movement at Michelle's pace taught me what I'd been telling students for years — you genuinely have to slow down to speed up. Now I feel it in my bow arm, in my tone, in the way a whole room settles when I play."
— Colin MacLeod, Celtic Fiddle GuruThe retreat
Eight days on the island that shaped a tradition
Cape Breton isn't just a beautiful place — it's a living musical community. The fiddle tradition here didn't come from sheet music or concert halls; it grew from communities dancing, playing together, feeling the music in their bodies. That's the context for everything we'll do at this retreat.
The retreat is led by Dr. Michelle Greenwell — educator, dancer, Tai Chi instructor, Touch for Health practitioner, and one of the most quietly transformative people I know. Our team spans Ireland, Scotland, Virginia, BC, and Cape Breton itself. No prior experience with energy work, movement, or art is needed. Just bring your curiosity — and your fiddle if you like.
What you'll experience
The practical details
Logistics
Retreat cost
$800 + tax
Reserve your spot; first come, first served
Accommodation
Glendyer B&B
Historic inn in Mabou — mention Michelle for the special retreat rate.
356 Smithville Rd, Mabou NS.
[email protected] · (902) 945-2345
Getting there
Fly into Halifax
3.5 hrs to Mabou. Sydney airport is closer at 2 hrs. Hire a car for the week — there's so much to explore.
Cancellation
Refunds to July 1
$100 withholding fee applies. After July 1 registrations are transferable only.
Venues span Mabou, Inverness, Creignish, Judique, and the Cabot Trail. The retreat wraps Sunday afternoon, August 23 — plan flights for Sunday evening or Monday morning.
Register now
Join us in Mabou this August
This is a small group experience — maximum 15 participants. I'd love to have a few fellow musicians in the room. Come as you are, with whatever instrument you carry. You'll leave playing differently. I promise you that.
Reserve your place at the Greenwell Center →⚠️ Maximum 15 participants — spaces are limited.
Questions? Reach Colin at
[email protected]
or visit celticfiddleguru.com.
For retreat bookings, visit the Greenwell Center for Holistic Health.