Eric McDonald is a Montréal-based musician steeped in traditional, folk, and Celtic music. With a quick ear and a tasteful approach, his playing is defined by subtlety and a collaborative spirit. Equally at home on stage and in session, Eric brings a thoughtful musical presence shaped by years of listening, learning, and working closely with others.

Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts to a musical family, he grew up surrounded by the sounds of singer/songwriters, klezmer, and modern piano compositions. Yet it was formative experiences with organizations such as The Revels and Club Passim that set Eric on his musical path. At 17, he discovered bluegrass mandolin and soon after enrolled at Berklee College of Music, studying mandolin performance under the late master musician John McGann. While at Berklee, he began cutting his teeth professionally playing for contra dances and gigging in the vibrant Boston roots music scene. Toward the end of his time at school, he discovered DADGAD guitar —a pivotal moment in shaping his musical voice. Inspired by the troubadour musicians of the 1960s and '70s folk revival, he dove deeply into studying and playing traditional music.

In 2011, Eric joined the Edinburgh-based powerhouse band Cantrip (with whom he still tours today) and formed a duo with Scottish and Cape Breton fiddler Katie McNally. After moving to Montréal in 2015, he entered a period of more extensive touring, stepping into the Celtic supergroup The Outside Track. He toured internationally with them for three years, performing across North America, the UK, France, Germany, and Switzerland.

Today, Eric tours regularly with Kalos, Cantrip and Bellwether, an international folk trio. He also performs regularly with the legendary, Juno-winning Canadian group The McDades, and is an active studio musician. Additional touring credits include the Irish music trio Daymark award-winning singer/songwriter Connor Garvey, flute phenom Chris Norman’s Ensemble and as an accompanist for fiddlers Andrea Beaton and Wendy MacIsaac.

In addition to performing, Eric is a dedicated teacher, sharing his knowledge at fiddle camps and music schools. His teaching credits include Tufts University, Springfield College, The Club Passim School of Music, Maine Fiddle Camp, Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddle School, Acadia Trad School, Celtic Arts Foundation Winter School, and many others.

Eric’s work reflects a deep reverence for traditional music paired with a contemporary sensibility. Whether performing, recording, or teaching, his playing favors clarity and connection over flash, playing with a deep regard for tradition and an instinct for what each moment needs.