Seán Heely is a musical force of nature—an award-winning fiddler, singer, harpist, and composer whose artistry bridges Celtic tradition and classical virtuosity. One of the most creatively versatile performers of his generation, Seán has been hailed by Irish fiddle legend Liz Carroll as “One powerhouse of a fiddler.” Seán holds the rare distinction of being both a U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion and a U.S. National Champion in Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) Song—a testament to his deep mastery of the Scottish tradition in both instrumental and vocal forms. He is also an award-winning Irish fiddler and harpist, bringing a rare fusion of technical brilliance and heartfelt expression to every performance. A graduate of the University of South Carolina with a degree in Violin Performance, Seán made his classical solo debut in 2012 with the Virginia Symphony performing Mozart’s 5th Violin Concerto, and was named a 2019 Artist in Residence at the prestigious Strathmore Music Center. An educator in demand, Seán has served as an Adjunct Instructor at American University, and been on faculty at some of the premier traditional music programs in North America, such as Acadia Traditional School of Music and Arts, Boxwood Music Festival, Upper Potomac Fiddle Retreat, and Fiddle Hell Festival.  He has performed in Scotland, Ireland, South America, Germany and at prestigious venues in the U.S such as the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C and Strathmore Music Center.

Seán has shared the stage with traditional music luminaries such as Liz Carroll, Bonnie Rideout,
Natalie Haas, Cathy Jordan, Eamon O’Leary, Zan McLeod, Maeve Gilchrist, and Paddy Keenan..

Along with his accolades in Traditional Music, Seán made his Classical solo debut with the Virginia Symphony in 2012 performing Mozart's 5th Violin Concerto. In April 2023, Seán was honored to win the Dan R. MacDonald Memorial Prize from the Clan Donald Trust from the Gaelic Performing Arts.
Seán was awarded 2023 Male Musician of the Year by the Ireland Tonight Radio Music Awards.
Seán has been a featured soloist with the Virginia International Tattoo in Norfolk, VA and the Washington Tattoo.

In 2018, Seán Heely was featured on the cover of Fiddler Magazine’s Winter Issue, along with an in-depth interview chronicling his rise as one of the foremost young Celtic performers of his generation. He has released three internationally acclaimed albums, including his latest, “Dramagical,” which has been spotlighted on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, and NPR’s Thistle and Shamrock. Based in Washington, D.C., Seán performs both locally and internationally with the Seán Heely Celtic Band, The Glencoe Lads, and Jennifer Cutting’s Ocean Orchestra captivating audiences with his virtuosic blend of tradition and innovation. A passionate ambassador of Gaelic music and culture, he frequently performs for the British Embassy Scottish Affairs Office and the St. Andrew’s Society of Washington. When not touring as a solo artist, Seán teaches privately from his studio in Falls Church, Virginia, nurturing the next generation of traditional musicians.

Check Seán and his story out on WETA arts feature!!