Betty Lou Beaton School of Piano

We are beyond excited to host the annual Betty Lou Beaton School of Piano! The Cape Breton style of piano has captivated audiences across the globe. Every year, thousands of visitors travel countless miles to Cape Breton with one objective in mind: immerse themselves in this music. Few players can claim the level of prestige and influence as the local legend Betty Lou Beaton. Her name is synonymous with Cape Breton fiddle & piano music, and every piano player on Cape Breton Island today has been influenced by her music in one way or another. In 2024, the son of the late Buddy MacMaster helped announce for the centre an annual school in her honour.

The Betty Lou Beaton School of Piano is a five-day series for intermediate and advanced players. Each day features two different instructors chosen from among Cape Breton’s very finest piano players, each with their own unique musical signature. Students will learn the nuances of the Cape Breton style in a personal setting. This will be a similar setting as our signature Buddy MacMaster School of Fiddling.

Students are encouraged to purchase tickets for the Master's Concert held at the Celtic Music Centre on Jul 2, 2026. Tickets on sale! Book: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/masters-concert-piano-tickets-1984138691237?keep_tld=true

Our teachers are confirmed along with their dates for 2026, for the classes they will be teaching.

Monday June 29th

• Mac Morin
• Adam Young

Tuesday June 30th

• Andrea Beaton
• Kolton MacDonell

Wednesday July 1st

• Neil Pearlman
• Amanda MacDougall

Thursday July 2nd

• Troy MacGillivray
• Kimberly Fraser

Friday July 3rd

• Lawrence Cameron
• Susan MacLean