Abigail Hanson

Born and raised in Canada, with strong ties to the Nova Scotia Gaelic community, Abby Hanson has been involved in music since she was an infant. She views music as an integral part of her life and enjoys sharing her love for music with others through both performance and teaching. Now a postgraduate student at the University of Edinburgh, she's excited to continue sharing her musical skills in the UK.

Abby is proficient in both classical piano and violin after more than a decade of theoretical and practical training following the Royal Conservatory of Music curriculum. Participation in many music festivals, recitals, and exams gives Abby a deep empathy for her students as they prepare their own pieces and experience the nerves and excitement of performing for others.

In addition to her classical music work; Abby has spent years working with a variety of Celtic artists on her fiddle repertoire. Specializing in the Cape Breton/Gaelic style, her fiddle playing is enhanced by her fluency in Scottish Gaelic language and her extensive knowledge of Gaelic song, which she attributes to language mentors and years of study at Colaisde na Gàidhlig/The Gaelic College. Abby’s talents have been utilized by the Cape Breton and Nova Scotia Gaelic community as she has been booked to perform at a wide variety of events, tourist attractions, and dances throughout the province. Notable performances include performing as a member of the onstage orchestra for Michael Bublé's 2022 Higher Tour.

Abby is a lifelong learner even as she teaches and inspires her own students; there is always new music to learn and perform!