Margaret MacPhee

Margaret MacPhee (1913 – 1997) Cape Breton piano, is another example of a tradition bearer when the culture, especially the piano traditions, was first being cultivated. Margaret was born in New Waterford, but her parents were from Mabou. Margaret was a pioneer of the piano chording style and developed her own method of playing since she had no one to rely on for lessons. Margaret was influenced greatly by her father who was a well known and decorated fiddler, that of Dougald MacIntyre. Her piano playing days though didn’t begin until the age of 17. Margaret showed promise and was musically driven prior to receiving a piano in the house. She’d jig tunes and sit at the end of the kitchen table, pretending to chord to the music. It was a birthday gift on her 17th birthday that introduced the instrument into the house. Margaret practiced whenever she had the chance to chord to her father’s playing. It wasn’t long before visiting musicians would ceilidh at their homestead and Margaret was expected to accompany. Besides piano accompaniment, Margaret and her sister Florence were fine stepdancers and showcased their steps at many local concerts and picnics. Margaret was associated with the playing of “Little” Mary MacDonald when both women were living in the New Waterford area. She also recorded frequently with Johnny Wilmot and made a number of 78 records with him. Margaret’s son Dougie MacPhee is also an exemplary pianist. Margaret’s ability and quick ear is even more applauded as she was almost totally blind by the age of 14, due to an accident. Margaret was known for her fine timing as a pianist, her generosity with her music, and her compositions, especially for her two children, Doug and Jacqueline.