Rob Crabtree

Rob Crabtree is a renowned Canadian piper born in 1966 in North York, Ontario. His early musical influences included classical, jazz, and folk music, which he was exposed to through his family and education. At a young age, Rob became fascinated with the bagpipes, partly due to their connection to his mother's home province of Nova Scotia and the military. He began his piping career under the guidance of notable instructors like Jim McGillivray and Scott MacAulay. Rob has achieved significant success as a soloist, winning titles such as the North American Amateur Champion at Maxville in 1986 and the Gold Medal for Piobaireachd at Braemar, Scotland, in 1998.

Rob Crabtree is also celebrated for his work in extending the appeal of bagpipe music to broader audiences. His album *The Piper's Legacy* (1999) was Juno-nominated and gold-selling, featuring a unique blend of pipe music with other instruments. He has released several albums, including *The Piper's Christmas* and *The Piper's Journey*, showcasing his versatility and creativity. Beyond music, Rob holds degrees in engineering and works in the public sector in Toronto. He is also involved in creative writing and has been a leader in piping instruction, co-founding the Ontario School of Piping and Drumming.