“One of the finest bodhran players on the planet today...a true rhythmist, and the blood of the beating Celtic heart...” - Celtic Life International Magazine
Jacob McCauley is an internationally recognized Bodhrán player and instructor, renowned for his innovative approach to the instrument, and whose work has expanded the boundaries and re-defined the potential of this simple frame drum both within and beyond the Irish tradition. Based near Toronto, Canada, Jacob grew up in a household filled with Irish music and was immersed in Bodhrán playing from an early age. Today, he is an active performer, touring artist, and sought-after teacher.
Throughout his career, Jacob has performed with and recorded alongside a wide range of artists across multiple genres and around the world, including the multi-award-winning Irish band The Chieftains; five-time Juno Award-winner and Grammy-nominated Canadian rock band Glass Tiger; award-winning Scottish group Lau; the Quebec-based trio Genticorum; award-winning Irish flutist Nuala Kennedy; three-time All-Ireland Champion fiddler Maeve Donnelly; several-time Canadian and U.S. National Fiddle Champion Shane Cook; and two-time Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Champion Julie Fitzgerald and her Canadian Folk Music Award-nominated family band The Fitzgeralds.
Much of his creative focus over the last decade has been centered on his trio NUA, recognized for its original compositions and distinctive, avant-garde approach to traditional music.
In addition to his work as a musician, Jacob is also an experienced background and principal actor, appearing in film and television productions across Ontario. His work includes both acting roles and on-camera musician roles, reflecting his range across creative disciplines.
With more than 20 years of teaching experience, Jacob has served as faculty at institutions such as the Riverside Celtic College in Ontario, The O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat in Texas, The Gaelic College in Cape Breton, and the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival and College in Ontario. In addition, he has taught workshops, classes, and private lessons internationally, and currently offers a year-round online Zoom workshop series as well as ongoing subscription-based instructional content.
Jacob’s groundbreaking Bodhrán technique continues to push the instrument into new musical territory. His distinctive backhand approach offers precise tonal control and melodic range, while his signature tipper hold blends traditional and modern influences into an individual hybrid style. This technique has enabled him to incorporate a wider palette of melodic pitches and explore intricate rhythmic structures, including complex, odd time signatures such as 5/8 and 7/8. His expertise has been featured in numerous publications over the years, including: DRUM! Magazine, The Living Tradition Magazine, and Celtic Life International Magazine.
“A master of the bodhrán, Jacob McCauley's playing shows depth and dexterity on both classic and contemporary Celtic music. His super-skillful technique adapts to drive energetic reels, or to provide lovely delicate tipping on slower numbers. Jacob has that rare ability to step up at the right moments, but fade into the background as required. His performance always enhances the music.” - Alex Monaghan: well-known Traditional music reviewer from Irish Music Magazine, The Living Tradition Magazine and Folk World