Juno and CFMA nominated piper and multi-instrumentalist, Heather MacIsaac, plays not only treasured traditional tunes and songs, but many of her own compositions. Occasionally she even sings and plays Scottish smallpipes simultaneously!

1. Juno Award and Canadian Folk Music Award nominated piper and multi-instrumentalist, Heather MacIsaac, plays not only treasured traditional tunes and songs but many of her own compositions. Accompanied by guitar and/or piano she switches from various types of bagpipes, whistles, and accordion. Her earthy vocals focus on gems of traditional songs, and occasionally she sings and plays Scottish smallpipes simultaneously!

Born and raised in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, an area known for its strong Scottish Highland heritage, she was exposed early to the pipes as a Highland dancer then later began playing the pipes as a solo and pipe band competitor. She has begun exploring the deep culture of her family’s Scottish Gael ancestry. In her search for the past decade to find her own voice in piping she has been influenced by the classical piano lessons of her youth, playing as an Irish style session regular at a local pub, and ubiquitous fiddle music of the area.

The Moon’s Daughter, Heather’s debut album, is a collection of original compositions performed on Highland and small pipes, whistle, piano, and voice. The album was nominated for: Juno Awards Traditional Roots Album of the Year (2026), Canadian Folk Music Awards Solo Artist of the Year (2026), and Music Nova Scotia Traditional Recording of the Year (2025).

With the release of The Moon’s Daughter, Heather feels she has overcome her earlier struggles with performance anxiety and is ready to let others know how she has developed as a musician.