A word of caution: Cape Breton fiddle music is best learned by ear. Although detailed sheet music and sound files are provided here for learning the basics of a tune be aware that the tune may sound a little different played live. The sheet music provides the melody of a tune, and while some common ornamentation such as a 'cut' may be occasionally notated, in general the fiddler is encouraged to add to the sound with their own selection of ornamentation. In addition the rhythm pattern played may be slightly different that the dotted notes in the sheet music would have you believe. The best way to really learn these tunes is to come out and play along with us at either a house or pub session. You would be more than welcome!

To really capture the Cape Breton flavour of a tune, it is best to hear it played by a Cape Breton fiddler. Use Alan Snyder's Cape Breton Fiddle Recording Index to locate publicly available recordings containing the tune you are interested in. The index also returns the first few bars of the tune in notation and midi, it is very helpful when you know a tune but can't quite get it started (it happens to us all!).

Download copies of the tunes in our sets. Click to see and hear, right-click and "save target" to download.

Whats New?

2009-11-17: Springbank House as played by Denis Lanctot. Sorry, still working on the notation.......... Listen