Don Ross is a pioneering figure in the world of fingerstyle guitar, renowned for his groove-based playing and ability to blend complex rhythms with intricate melodies. His career spans over three decades, during which he has released 21 albums, including his most recent solo work, WATER (2023). A fully independent project, WATER showcases collaborations with notable artists such as Bruce Cockburn and Michael Manring, and features the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, demonstrating Ross’s commitment to pushing musical boundaries.

Born in Montreal to a Mi’kmaw mother and Scottish father, Don was exposed to a wide range of cultural influences, which shaped his musical journey. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music from York University in Toronto and began his professional career in 1988. That same year, he became the first Canadian to win the prestigious US National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship, a feat he repeated in 1996, making him the competition’s only two-time winner. His early work with Duke Street Records led to three well-received albums, which established him as a rising star in Canada’s acoustic music scene.

Ross's international reputation took off in the late 1990s after signing with Narada Records, where he released Passion Session in 1999—an album that is now considered a landmark in modern solo guitar. Tracks like "Michael, Michael, Michael" and "Tight Trite Night" have become standard repertoire for fingerstyle guitarists. His experimentation with blending acoustic guitar and electronic music on albums like Robot Monster (2003) further cemented his reputation as an innovative and versatile musician.

Ross’s touring career has taken him around the world, with performances in Japan, Germany, the United States, and beyond. He has shared the stage at prestigious venues and festivals, including the Montreux Jazz Festival, and regularly collaborates with fellow guitarists such as Andy McKee and Calum Graham. In 2005, Ross became the first signed artist to the indie label CandyRat Records, a partnership that helped him navigate the changing landscape of the music industry in the digital age.

In addition to his performance career, Ross is a dedicated educator. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he pursued a Master of Arts in Orchestration from the University of Chichester in the UK, graduating in 2021. He has since expanded his work into composing for video games, films, and television, applying his rich musical background to new creative realms.

Ross also leads his jazz-leaning quartet, Don Ross Louder Than Usual, where he continues to explore new dimensions of his artistry. His contributions to music were recognized in 2021 when he was awarded the prestigious Walter Carsen Prize for Excellence in the Performing Arts by the Canada Council for the Arts.

Whether through his solo performances, collaborations, or his work as a teacher and composer, Don Ross continues to inspire a generation of guitarists, musicians, and fans worldwide. Currently based in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Ross remains a trailblazer in the world of acoustic and fingerstyle guitar, with a legacy that continues to grow.