Colin MacLeod: Celtic Fiddle Guru
From the tender age of seven, Colin MacLeod has been weaving melodies that resonate with the soul, taking his fiddle on adventures across the globe.
Whether teaching students in the US, Australia or his native Scotland, Colin has mastered the art of playing Celtic fiddle "by ear", a skill that has not only enriched his life but also those of his students.
Playing from the heart, Colin's musical journey is as diverse as it is inspiring. From serenading elephants in the Sumatran jungle with "Jungle Bells" to playing his violin at 33,000 feet over the majestic Mt. Everest, his experiences are a testament to the universal language of music.
Rooted in a rich family tradition of ceilidhs—social gatherings filled with music and dance—Colin's passion for sharing the love of Scottish music & building community is deeply intertwined with the cultural heritage of Scottish and Irish immigrants.
His research into how playing by ear enriched the experiences of those communities which emigrated to the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia highlights the community interactions and the social connections fostered through music.
Colin is dedicated to sharing the joy of learning and playing the Celtic fiddle by ear, inviting you to embark on your own musical adventures.
With Colin as your guide, you'll not only learn to master your fiddle playing, you'll also experience the fun, camaraderie, and rejuvenation that music brings, something his students repeatedly remark upon.
- fiddle players wishing to up level their mastery in the Celtic fiddle style
Through our School of Celtic Fiddle Mastery, we provide online group classes for Absolute Beginners through to Advanced students. We offer a unique blend of storytelling and immersive learning, allowing students to explore the joy of playing Celtic fiddle from the heart through learning to play by ear.
With personalized guidance, actionable insights, and student tailored support, we transport learners to the heart of each tune's origin, creating a rich, world-schooling experience from the comfort of home.
This approach not only nurtures musical skills but also fosters a deeper connection to the cultural roots of each melody.
With Colin's background of having lived in Scotland and Australia, we are eager to set up tours to Scotland and Australia in 2026 and 2027.
Drop Colin a private message if you are interested in our forthcoming trips.
We invite you to join us on this transformative journey and share your thoughts on our upcoming adventures.
The music is lively and fun to play and to listen to and Colin tells many great stories and histories of Scotland that make the songs come alive.
One of the many benefits of learning the Celtic fiddle with Colin has been the training to play by ear which helps to be able to pickup new songs quickly and to hear the notes. It is an art to be able to teach an instrument online and Colin does it very well.
Mrs. B - Homeschooling Mom
Australia.
Mary Mayer
Virginia, USA
FAQS
Our School of Celtic of Celtic Fiddle Mastery classes can get you re-started with the Absolute Beginners or Beginners online courses. These lessons were specifically designed to enhance micro-learning and learning on the go.
In addition to signing up to the core programs within the School of Celtic Fiddle Mastery, we offer ongoing online group mentoring.
It depends on the needs and skill levels of the students. In addition to the actual Celtic Fiddle Mastery classes offered online, we’ve created a special monthly subscription aimed at the unique needs of homeschooling families.
We understand and share your perspective. We feel that Scotland is best seen through small van experiences taking in the local flavour and culture that Colin knows so well as a native. Past tours have focused on some of the sacred or mystical sites. The small intimate, bespoke tours have created magical memories of places that were both beautiful and serene.