About Tom
Tom is an accomplished musician from Bancroft, ON. While his primary passion has always been playing the fiddle, Tom is also accomplished on the guitar and as a step-dancer. He is a Canadian Grand Master Fiddle Champion (2012) and a Canadian Open Fiddle Champion (2012), and has performed with Natalie MacMaster, Leahy, Nathan Carter, Tommy Hunter, Tony McManus, Brian Finnegan, Wayne Rostad, and We Banjo 3, among others. Growing up in the centre of the Ottawa Valley, Tom was immersed in the rich tradition of Canadian Old Time fiddling and step dancing. However, over the years he has absorbed elements of other musical styles and traditions such as traditional and contemporary Irish, country, bluegrass, swing, jazz, R&B, and classical, which allows him to effortlessly fit into almost any musical situation.
He is a seasoned performer, having had the opportunity to tour professionally with his family band “Everything Fitz” since he was 9 years old. The group continues to tour as “The Fitzgeralds”, performing extensively across North America and Europe. In 2017 a video of the group’s high-energy a cappella dance routine went viral via Ireland’s independent.ie, with over 4 million views. Since 2006 the band has performed over 500 live concerts, ranging from theatres, festivals, fairs, house concerts, weddings, corporate events, and more. The group has released 3 albums, the second of which was nominated for the 2019 Canadian Folk Music Awards "Instrumental Group Of The Year". They are continuing to create new music for their upcoming 2022 performances and tours.
He is a seasoned performer, having had the opportunity to tour professionally with his family band “Everything Fitz” since he was 9 years old. The group continues to tour as “The Fitzgeralds”, performing extensively across North America and Europe. In 2017 a video of the group’s high-energy a cappella dance routine went viral via Ireland’s independent.ie, with over 4 million views. Since 2006 the band has performed over 500 live concerts, ranging from theatres, festivals, fairs, house concerts, weddings, corporate events, and more. The group has released 3 albums, the second of which was nominated for the 2019 Canadian Folk Music Awards "Instrumental Group Of The Year". They are continuing to create new music for their upcoming 2022 performances and tours.
“The Fitzgeralds are standout musicians in our Canadian music industry...The caliber of musicianship is very high- I think together they are beautiful blend of gorgeous fiddle music, and top rate, absolutely exhilarating dance routines.
- Natalie MacMaster
- Natalie MacMaster
In 2017, Tom completed the Bachelor of Music program at Humber College in Toronto, ON where he studied jazz violin. As part of his final year of study, Tom recorded a 3 track EP which you can listen to here. In the works for 2022 is a full-length solo album, consisting of all original music composed by Tom. Besides performing, he also teaches privately and has been an instructor at various music camps/workshops across Canada including the Leahy Music Camp, Algoma Trad, Smithers BC, Orangeville Fiddle Camp, Central Peel Regional Strings Program, and Goderich Celtic College.
Career highlights:
- An extensive 2021 fall tour across Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, and Luxembourg
- Featured performers on the IFF (Irish Folk Festival) tour across Germany, Austria, Switzerland (2019)
- Guest musician on the Nathan Carter BBC 2018 Christmas Special
- Milwaukee Irish Festival (2017), Dayton Celtic Festival (2017-2019), Iowa Irish Fest (2016-18), Cleveland Irish Fest (2016-18)
- Shrewsbury Folk Festival (UK) 2017 & 2018
- 2015 Papal Visit: World Meeting of Families, Philadelphia, PA
- Stan Rogers Folk Festival 2008 & 2015
- World Fest at Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO 2007 & 2010
- Allied Concert Series US Tour: Sept-Oct 2009 & March 2010
- Manitoba Arts Network Tour: Oct-Nov 2009
- Wayne Rostad Christmas Tour 2009
- Arts Northwest Tour April-May 2008
- Atlantis Resort - Paradise Island, Bahamas 2007
- Alberta Tour: Oct-Nov 2006
- OSAC Tour: March-April 2006