Jacob McCauley

Jacob McCauley is an award-winning Bodhrán player (Toronto Fleadh Music Competition, March 2008), Detroit Midwest Fleadh May 2008, 2009) and most recently winning first place in the Chicago Midwest Fleadh (2010). He is an active recording musician, performer and touring artist, having played with many different groups of multiple genres around the world. Jacob has also been featured in a 5-page feature article in the November 2011 issue of DRUM! Magazine, a 3-page feature in the January 2013 issue of The Living Tradition Magazine as well as recently featured article in the December 2017 Issue of Celtic Life International Magazine.
Jacob’s unique Bodhrán technique has allowed him to more recently branch out from traditional music into other genres such as Jazz, Metal, Experimental and World Music. Utilizing his innovative back hand technique (precise tonal control and melodic range) and tipper hold (integrating traditional and more modern influences such as the single-ended/top-ended styles into his own distinctive hybrid style), Jacob has begun to incorporate a much larger range of melodic notes, as well as intricate, complex and odd time signatures such as his favourite 7/8 and 13/16. He has currently finished several tours with NUA following the release of their debut album entitled BOLD (released on October 14th 2013) and have recently released their highly anticipated second album entitled FLOW on June 5th 2016.
Throughout his career some of the artists he has performed and/or recorded with include the multi award-winning Irish band “The Chieftains", 5 time Juno award winner and Grammy nominated Canadian Rock group Glass Tiger, award-winning Scottish band "Lau", award-winning Quebec based “Genticorum” Award-Winning Irish flutist Nuala Kennedy, 3 time All Ireland Champion Irish fiddler Maeve Donnelly, several time Canadian and US National Fiddle Champion Shane Cook and 2 time Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Champion Julie Fitzgerald.
Jacob’s unique Bodhrán technique has allowed him to more recently branch out from traditional music into other genres such as Jazz, Metal, Experimental and World Music. Utilizing his innovative back hand technique (precise tonal control and melodic range) and tipper hold (integrating traditional and more modern influences such as the single-ended/top-ended styles into his own distinctive hybrid style), Jacob has begun to incorporate a much larger range of melodic notes, as well as intricate, complex and odd time signatures such as his favourite 7/8 and 13/16. He has currently finished several tours with NUA following the release of their debut album entitled BOLD (released on October 14th 2013) and have recently released their highly anticipated second album entitled FLOW on June 5th 2016.
Throughout his career some of the artists he has performed and/or recorded with include the multi award-winning Irish band “The Chieftains", 5 time Juno award winner and Grammy nominated Canadian Rock group Glass Tiger, award-winning Scottish band "Lau", award-winning Quebec based “Genticorum” Award-Winning Irish flutist Nuala Kennedy, 3 time All Ireland Champion Irish fiddler Maeve Donnelly, several time Canadian and US National Fiddle Champion Shane Cook and 2 time Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Champion Julie Fitzgerald.
Jacob's 2018 classes
Trio Nua Int+/Advanced Band (all instruments, int+ - advanced)
Percussion & Accompanying instruments
This class will focus on songs and tunes from the bands repertoire, and we invite all intermediate to advanced players on fiddle, guitar, bodhran, horns, whistle/flute, piano, bass (upright or electric). Ages 13 and up.
**This class will collaborate with the Int+/Advanced Band Melody Instruments class**
Class Time: 11:00
Beginner Bodhrán (for new and experienced players)
Have you ever wanted to learn the mysterious Celtic/Irish drum know as the Bodhrán? Now is your chance to learn from award-winning player Jacob McCauley and start from the ground up with the basics on technique, essential rhythms, common tune types, musical analysis as well as the history of the drum. Students will also be given the opportunity to learn multiple styles of playing, learn about the history of the instrument, as well as discover the vast possibilities of this simple drum.
Class Time: 1:00
Rhythm for Accompanying Instruments
Rhythm is perhaps the most important aspect of any accompaniment instrument whether you play the Bodhrán, Guitar, Piano, Cajon, Bouzouki etc. Playing in time, keeping up the groove, and being tasteful at the same time is the backbone to your accompaniment. Understanding the many tune types and their essential rhythms as well as interesting options for your own unique grooves is key for being a good accompanist. Join award-winning bodhrán player Jacob McCauley and let’s work together to improve your timing as well as add a tasteful approach to tune accompaniment.
Class Time: 2:30
Percussion & Accompanying instruments
This class will focus on songs and tunes from the bands repertoire, and we invite all intermediate to advanced players on fiddle, guitar, bodhran, horns, whistle/flute, piano, bass (upright or electric). Ages 13 and up.
**This class will collaborate with the Int+/Advanced Band Melody Instruments class**
Class Time: 11:00
Beginner Bodhrán (for new and experienced players)
Have you ever wanted to learn the mysterious Celtic/Irish drum know as the Bodhrán? Now is your chance to learn from award-winning player Jacob McCauley and start from the ground up with the basics on technique, essential rhythms, common tune types, musical analysis as well as the history of the drum. Students will also be given the opportunity to learn multiple styles of playing, learn about the history of the instrument, as well as discover the vast possibilities of this simple drum.
Class Time: 1:00
Rhythm for Accompanying Instruments
Rhythm is perhaps the most important aspect of any accompaniment instrument whether you play the Bodhrán, Guitar, Piano, Cajon, Bouzouki etc. Playing in time, keeping up the groove, and being tasteful at the same time is the backbone to your accompaniment. Understanding the many tune types and their essential rhythms as well as interesting options for your own unique grooves is key for being a good accompanist. Join award-winning bodhrán player Jacob McCauley and let’s work together to improve your timing as well as add a tasteful approach to tune accompaniment.
Class Time: 2:30