Biography

Originally from Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, Julie has travelled extensively throughout Canada and the United States but has never lost connection with her roots on Nova Scotia’s North Shore.

She now lives in North River, NS, where she maintains a busy schedule as a fiddle teacher,  community volunteer, workshop instructor, recording artist, performer, psychology tutor, and university student. Her Passion for life long learning led her to pursue degree in Psychology which she completed in 2024. She is now enrolled in a Masters of Adult Education program.

Although she has received numerous awards and accolades, Julie is best known for her community spirit and willingness to use her talents to help those in need. She has been instrumental in fundraising for countless organizations and individuals.

Despite her varied interests, promoting old time music has long been a passion for Julie. She has served as President of the Maritime Fiddlers Association and spent several years co-chairing the Maritime Fiddlers Association's Workshop Committee with her husband. Together they organized one of the biggest fiddle Workshops in Nova Scotia, bringing together musicians from all over the Maritimes and beyond to receive instruction in fiddle, piano, and guitar from some of the top music teachers in Atlantic Canada. 

Julie was honoured to be chosen as the recipient of the 2020 Tara Lynne Touesnard Memorial Award. Tara Lynne was a promising young fiddler who's life was ended tragically in a car accident in 1994. This award is presented annually to a person who exemplifies Tara Lynne's dedication to the preservation and enhancement of old time fiddling, devotion to community service and her pleasant and outgoing personality. Julie had the privilege of knowing Tara Lynne and was humbled to be chosen as the 2020 recipient.