Scott Macmillan’s passion for creating music propels him forward in all aspects of music-making, inspiring exploration into genres from rock to blues, classical to choral, Celtic to jazz, as well as modern and avant-garde.
In 2021 Scott composed the Dramatic Score for the NS Masterworks-winning film Dawn, Her Dad and the Tractor. 2019 was a busy year for Scott, which included two premieres: 12 & Change, his Concerto for Electric Guitar, with Symphony Nova Scotia and his experiential composition Woodland Revival. The music features Mi'kmaw drummers, Persian, Celtic & Classical musicians, and vocals. It is Scott’s homage to forests in light of the ecological challenges they face locally and globally.
Criss-crossing Canada many times to conduct orchestras, perform, or create for television, radio, and films. Music has taken Scott to many places. His contemporary Canadian choral classic and much loved ode to our world’s oceans Celtic Mass for the Sea with partner/librettist Jennyfer Brickenden has been performed over 90 times nationally and internationally, including at Carnegie Hall, since premiering in 1991.
Multiple awards, appointments, commissions, and critical reviews all reflect Scott's contribution to the music of Nova Scotia and beyond. In 2014, he received Nova Scotia’s top artist award, the Portia White Prize. A musical treasure, Scott has played a significant role expanding audiences for Atlantic Canadian music both nationally and internationally for over 40 years. An integral contributor to the success of the late Rita MacNeil, Scott played an equally pivotal role in the rise of the Rankin Family Band and the Nova Scotia Mass Choir, and led Symphony Nova Scotia’s Maritime Fusion series for 10 years in the 1990s.
Ultimately, it’s connections with people that feed Scott, inspiring his performances and creative talent. He has a great personal legacy of written music, recorded music, and music presented from the grandeur of concert halls to the intimacy living rooms. Scott's musical legacy is lasting and timeless.
In 2008, Scott began mentoring a new generation of guitarists at the Fountain School of Performing Arts at Dalhousie University in Halifax.