Some of you may know all about me, but for those who don't or are interested in knowing more...
I began my music career at the young age of five. From the time I was born, I've lived for music and for learning. I developed a passion for the violin and classical music. At the age of nine, I was introduced to fiddle music at a workshop and began teaching myself various styles of fiddle. I moved to Calgary where I began playing for various Celtic groups and functions. At the age of thirteen, I joined the Calgary Fiddlers. I also won the top prize in a fiddle competition, a recording contract, and recorded my first album, Breakthrough.
With the Calgary Fiddlers, I toured throughout the world where we represented Canada and Calgary to many VIPs, dignitaries, politicians and diplomats including presidents, prime ministers and premiers. As a member of the Calgary Fiddlers, I developed a keen interest in global politics. I began pursuing other forms of music including Rock and Folk and have been involved with many Rock and Folk bands throughout Calgary. I also developed an interest in many other instruments including the Bodhran (Celtic Drum), the Mandolin, Guitar, Bass Guitar, and Vocals. Through my time in the Calgary Fiddlers, I have developed a close, family-like relationship with others in the group.
Recently, I have been teaching music and spreading my love and knowledge of the violin and fiddle. I teach music part time in the evenings as well as being a proud faculty member of Fiddlemania! while also teaching at various other music workshops. I am also involved as a teacher with the Calgary and Bow Valley Fiddlers associations and Seven Fiddles Worth in Cremona, Alberta.
I am an active and proud member of the Irish Dance community, and am pleased and fortunate to have become a recognized Feis (Irish Dance competition) Musician, playing throughout the world at Irish Dance Competitions or Feises. During my time playing Feises, I was recognized and featured in an Irish Dance documentary for Bravo and Access Television.
I am also continuing my work as a recording artist, having been featured on a number of albums including: a number of Calgary Fiddler albums, Kinetic North's Caught in a Crosswind, a joint project between Ben Plotick and myself: Celtic Ruins, Ben Plotnick's latest [fantastic] release: Music is Not a Museum, and my own solo albums: Breakthrough and a soon to be completed work in progress.
I am also pleased to be playing with a number of bands locally including Stephen's Green, Fiddlers Green, Currach, Kinetic North, The Moxham Dogs (or whatever we decide to call ourselves next) as well as contributing as a guest musician to a number of other bands. You can look at the News feed or the Events page for upcoming dates with any of these groups.
I am currently studying Political Science at the University of Calgary and have a keen interest in politics, history, and the social sciences. I am currently pursuing a BA with hopes of continuing to earn a Masters and PhD. It is my hope that I will be able to teach at the university level, write on political issues as both a journalist and an analyst, and participate in organizations with the hopes of contributing to the resolution of social and political issues. Check out my blog page for some of my 'practice' writings and feel free to give feedback. I also enjoy writing/reading fiction and poetry.
Update: November 2009
I'm thrilled to be working with two great friends and the best musicians around town, Jarred Albright and Ben Plotnick in our new project Lark Hill. Check out www.larkhillband.com
Once again, thank you for taking the time to check out my page, enjoy the music, leave your thoughts and I hope I will see and/or hear from you very soon.
Cheers,
Sean Softley
