Teacher Profiles
Susan Callaghan
2006 – Present
Guitar teacher / Music School Director
Exam Boards Taught
Trinity Rock and Pop
Rock School
Registry of Guitar Tutors
Background
Susan Callaghan (BA) is the Director of the Lucan School of Music which she set up in 2006. Susan received a FETAC Level 2 award in Music Technology at Kylemore College; and BTECH Higher National Diploma in Sound Operations and Production and an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Media Production and Management (Ballyfermot College of Further Education). In recent years, Susan has participated in the Kodály Society of Ireland summer course, and completed the International Summer School for Kodály-based Music Pedagogy in the Kodály Institute of the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music in Kecskemét, Hungary.
Growing up in Lucan, Susan played the flute in the Lucan Concert Band for over 10 years. She has played guitar since 1993 and has taught guitar since 1999. As a songwriter / singer / guitarist / sound engineer Susan has worked with bands in a variety of styles both playing live and recording. Currently, Susan plays guitar with the Spook of the Thirteenth Lock’s Electric Guitar Orchestra as well as working on her own original music which is available on www.suecallaghan.com. Susan is Musical Director of four community choirs, two of which are with the organisation Music Matters in particular working with singers of all abilities who have intellectual disabilities / restricted mobility.
Susan Says
“What I love about teaching is helping my students achieve their goals; that means something different for everyone. For some it is sitting exams or playing at a school assembly, others want to write their own songs or get into more technical electric guitar, some students are happy when they can strum the guitar and sing along. Every class is different but I’m happy to tailor the classes to each individual / group to keep it fun, encourage practice, and foster a love of music. I believe if you have a passion for music the hard work that’s needed to develop an understanding of music theory and good technique is much more rewarding and enjoyable. If you are learning your choice of music that gives much more motivation to practice than a set syllabus. Finger exercises, chords, scales and theory are an important part of the classes too and will all contribute to the student reaching their target.”
Vita Galla
2006 – Present
Piano / Theory
Exam Boards Taught
ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music)
RIAM (Royal Irish Academy of Music)
Leinster School of Music
Background
Vita Galla graduated Riga Teacher Training and Education Management Academy, where she received a BA degree in piano teaching and performance. Vita plays accompaniment for RIAM / ABRSM exams and has worked accompanying choirs such as Latvian choirs ‘Elvé’ and ‘Diva Voces’. She has worked in two kindergartens in Latvia as a music teacher teaching pre-instrumental classes with singing, dancing, co-ordination exercises, analyses of dynamics and tempo, pitch, and developing exercises for rhythm. As well as working well with beginners and younger children, Vita can teach up to Senior Certificate level, and a varied repertoire for more experienced students.
Kathryn Toolan Coakley
2006 – Present
Piano / Resident Accompanist
Exam Boards Taught
RIAM (Royal Irish Academy of Music)
Background
Kathryn Toolan Coakley was awarded a scholarship with the RIAM at age 11. She attended under Miss Copeman for five years and did ‘in house’ Academy exams during this time in Performance, Theory and Harmony. She was successful in Dublin Feis Ceoil, Feis Maitin and Sligo Feis Ceol at this time.
As a performer, Kathryn plays in the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre and Finnstown Castle Hotel. As an accompanist Kathryn plays in Griffeen Educate Together School once a week, accompanying the school assembly’s singing, as well as doing RIAM accompaniment for instrument and voice.
Kathryn Says
“I try to ‘pass on’ the invaluable range of techniques passed on to me by Miss Copeman, and introduce the student to a wide range of musical styles. My main aim is to instill a love of music in the student.”
Dermot Behan
2006 – Present
Guitar / Music Technology / DJ Skills
Exam Boards Taught
Trinity College London
Background
A guitar player from the age of 12 Dermot graduated Ballyfermot Senior College in Audio Production and Multimedia before starting out in recording studios working with international recording artists including Robbie Williams, U2 and Carole King. Mixing and recording sound for film and television including writing music soundtracks and remixing tracks for Irish artists including Academy Award winner Glen Hansard. He left studio work and established himself in the live music scene with high calibre tribute shows that have played all the countries major venues including The Olympia, Vicar St, The Academy and The Button Factory for over 15 years. His extensive experience has helped guide previous students who became involved in bands to success in winning competitions and headlining show cases.
In his classes Dermot teaches rock / acoustic / classical / improvisation techniques on the guitar, as well as Studio Recording and Engineering, Computer Music Composition and Production, Computer Music Systems, Live Sound for Small Venues, Audio Post Production, Music Studio Production, Sound Creation and Manipulation, and Public Performance Technology.
Dermot Says
“Each student is unique, so patience and empathy are a must to let the student progress at a pace that suits their needs and time constraints. I let them choose the songs of their favourite artists and use them as a way to explore music theory and improvisation to give them a well rounded understanding of what music is really all about. Part of that understanding includes thinking for themselves through applied knowledge, a hard habit to establish as students spend so much time just repeating what they are told in school. For younger students a sense of fun and positive re-enforcement of their ability will give them confidence and a self belief that will develop good practice habits.”
Dominic Dixon
2006 – present
Piano / Guitar / Theory teacher
Exam Boards Taught
RIAM (Royal Irish Academy of Music)
Background
With a Masters in Musicology (MMus) from UCD, Dominic Dixon works as a music teacher and music producer. During his time at UCD he was a tutor at the UCD department of music, preparing undergraduates for their exams. Since beginning his own piano lessons at age 9 and progressing to teaching level, Dominic has helped many students through their own grades as well as learning for fun. His philosophy is that every student is different, and so his focus is always what’s best for the individual. He can help students achieve many goals ranging from exams to learning for fun, from composition to songwriting, from improvisation to ear training, and from beginners acoustic guitar to advanced electric guitar techniques.
As a performer, Dominic plays guitar for Ireland’s biggest heavy metal band Gama Bomb, currently signed to Prosthetic Records in Los Angeles. He has toured extensively all over the world including South America and Japan, as well as performing with local outfits around Ireland. Having studied music technology also, Dominic does a lot of work as a studio producer and recording / mixing engineer. Among others, he has recorded with Damien Dempsey and Christy Dignam. With many feathers to his bow, Dominic also composed and engineered the music for our own school video ‘An Introduction to Lucan School of Music‘, as well as playing guitar for it!
Dominic Says
“The only thing I ask of my students is that they enjoy what they’re doing. To become a great musician takes years of dedication and persistence but it’s been my experience that hard work doesn’t seem so hard if you’re having fun!”
Anne O’Shea
2006 – Present
Introduction to Music (Pre-Instrumental)
Background
Anne has been teaching the Introduction to Music course since the school opened in 2006 and most of her students have gone on to study instruments and singing with Lucan School of Music. Anne has a Bachelor of Music Degree (Hons) and plays the Irish Harp with the Kylemore Harp Ensemble. She has grade examinations and a bronze and silver medal in Irish Harp recital from the Royal Irish Academy of Music. She also teaches music in primary schools with the Schools Completions Programme teaching music to children from junior infants to sixth class.
Anne specialises in the Kodaly method of early childhood music education and has undergone courses and workshops held by the Kodaly Society of Ireland in conjunction with in the Kodaly Institute of the Liszt Ferenc Academy in Kecskemét, Hungry. Anne has directed children’s choirs for both sacred and secular music. To quote Zoltan Kodaly;
“to teach a child an instrument without first giving him/her preparatory training and without developing singing, reading and dictating to the highest level along with playing is to build upon sand”
It is this preparatory training that is the focus of the Introduction to Music Course.
Anne Says
“My aim is to teach the foundations of music in a fun and relaxed atmosphere in order that the children gain an appreciation of music and a desire to go on to pursue an instrument or voice training.”
Antonio Garcia-Lopez
2010 – Present
Violin / Theory / Ensemble
Exam Boards Taught
RIAM (Royal Irish Academy of Music)
Background
With a BA in Music from the University of the Americas, Mexico, Antonio Garcia-Lopez first moved to Ireland to pursue his MA in Community Music from the University of Limerick. The strong tradition of music in Irish culture was the reason that Antonio chose Ireland, and he is well versed in Irish traditional music which he brings into his classes as well as classical music. Antonio started the Lucan School of Music’s chamber orchestra, where students can come together to learn ensemble playing skills.
Antonio is the founding member of Mariachi San Patricio (St Patrick’s Mariachi), bringing the traditional music of Mexico to the Irish audience. He arranges the music for the group who regularly play events for the Mexican Ambassador. 2016 was their biggest year yet, playing support to Jerry Fish in Vicar St, and Rod Stewart in Nolan Park, Kilkenny, and Electric Picnic!
Antonio Says
“I work with a music facilitation approach, this moves away from the traditional Teacher / Student concept. The student is an active participant in the process, not a passive receptor of the teacher’s knowledge. The student’s initiative and creativity is the most important thing and needs to be encouraged.”
Gill Carr
2012 – Present
Piano / Keyboard / Theory
Exam Boards Taught
RIAM (Royal Irish Academy of Music)
ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music)
LCM (London College of Music)
Background
Gill Carr has achieved the following qualifications: BMus NUIM (2:1 Honours) ARIAM Associate Teacher Diploma (RIAM), and Senior Certificate in Pianoforte (RIAM). She teaches Classical, Contemporary, Pop, Rock, and Beginners Jazz piano / keyboard styles.
As a performer Gill has been an active member of Maynooth University’s ensemble Schola Gregoriana since 2013. This included travelling to Hungary in July 2014 to represent Ireland and Maynooth University, in the V International Gregorian Chant Festival in Vac. She performed the keyboard in Jesus Christ Superstar with UCD Community Musical (2014) and in Phantom of the Opera with UCD Community Musical (2013).
Gill Says
“Every class is tailored for individual students, of all ages, to give them an understanding of music to enable them to enjoy playing at whatever level they can. Those wishing to take examination grades will cover all aspects tested in examinations; technical exercises, aural skills, theory and performance. All classes are conducted in a relaxed manner with an emphasis on enjoyment.”
Andrii Kryzhanivskyi
2017- Present
Classical Guitar / Electric Guitar / Violin / Ukulele / Theory
Exam Boards Taught
RIAM (Royal Irish Academy of Music)
ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music)
LSMD (Leinster School of Music and Drama)
Background
Andrii Kryzhanivskyi Graduated with Tchaikovsky National Music Academy in 2005. During studying years, he began his concert activity from the tour in Southern Italy. Since 2002 Andrii becomes a soloist of the Zhytomyr Regional Philharmonic named after S.Richter. After completing full post graduate Andrii moved to Ireland and continue his career as a performer and teacher appearing on many stages in classical and contemporary music styles. Andrii had master classes with such remarkable musicians as Paolo Pegoraro, Marco Tamayo.
Andrii is professional classical/electric guitar teacher and performer with the experience since 1996. He is registered with the Teaching Council in Ireland from 2017. Andrii has guided students through national and international guitar competitions such as 1-st prize on the Classical Guitar Competition in Dublin at Feis Ceoil in April 2019 and March 2017, the 3-rd prize on the Newpark Music Festival in February 2017, 2-nd prize on the Classical Guitar Competition in Dublin at Feis Ceoil in March 2016, 3-rd prize in “Amarante” international classical guitar competition (Portugal). Andrii takes an individual approach to classes with students of different age and taste of music. As well as classical music, he can teach pop, jazz and jazz rock improvisation based on John McLaughlin School, Electric Guitar based on Steve Via and Joe Satriani schools.
His Audio CD was presented in USA on KRZA FM by American composer Richard Cameron-Wolfe. Andrii’s repertoire consists of works of composers in different epochs and styles. Andrii is known as an arranger and the first performer of new original works written by modern guitar composers such as Jo Spork and Alexander Khodakovsky. In 2021 Andrii created his transcriptions of “Acoustic Alchemy” music and published a book “Acoustic Alchemy For Guitar Duo”.
Andrii Says
“In the process of teaching and studying the most important thing is giving the maximum effort which leads to the best result. However, in performing and composition – the inspiration is the guide which should not leave even any of the audiences indifferent; furthermore it should give unforgettable elated spirit.”
Oisín Ó Dálaigh
2018 – present
Singing / Junior and Leaving Cert music theory / Early Years Piano / Early Years Theory / Sight Singing and Practical Musicianship
Exam Boards Taught
RIAM (Royal Irish Academy of Music)
Background
Oisín O’Dálaigh specialised in pedagogy (teaching/education) in college while achieving his BMus Ped – First Class Honours from DIT (now TUD) Conservatory of Music and Drama (2018), He followed this with a professional masters of education PME with First Class Honours from University of Galway (2023). These courses equipped Oisín with universal ways of reaching students’ understandings of concepts and practices.
As a performer, Oisín is a professional operatic singer and sings with Irish National Opera Chorus, as well as other opera companies and productions in Ireland and England. He am a section lead in Newman Vocare Ensemble, meaning that he practices what he preaches and sightreads every Sunday!
As a teacher, Oisín believes that doing grade exams are not a necessity but always an option. His classes are centered around singing for artistry, growth, learning, confidence, goal reaching, and fun! Oisín teaches his students to sing pop music, musical theatre, classical singing, operatic singing, but overall HEALTHY singing! From a technical point of view, Oisín works towards teaching good principles rather than one specific technique. The ideals he work towards achieving with the student are adduction (cord closure), clarity, projection, inspiration, beauty of tone, artistry, coordination of airflow and cord closure. All of this is incorporated into lesson plans factoring in the readiness and the condition of the student.
Oisín Says
“I adore what I do. I feel that I successfully instil the love of music into my students, and I have seen their confidence and their skill and aptitude grow immensely. It brings me great joy if I am a stepping stone in contributing to the development and nourishing of confident, skilled, creative individuals with the enjoyable, encouraging lessons I provide. Singing is hard work, but it can make you feel like you are on top of the world. Little practice sessions each day rather than one big chunk amount on one day bring the best results. “
Shane Farrelly
2021 – present
Saxophone, Clarinet, Beginner Recorder
Exam Boards Taught
Trinity Rock and Pop, Rock School, Registry of Guitar Tutors
Background
Shane Farrelly has achieved his Grade 8 RIAM with both Clarinet and Saxophone, as well as his primary degree in English and Geography.
While living in Cavan, he was the clarinet section leader in the Cross Border Orchestra Of Ireland for multiple years. Shane is currently a 1st clarinet in the Kingscourt Brass and Reed Band, performing in marches in New York on St. Patrick’s Day 2023, as well as marches and performances in Ireland throughout the year. He also holds the Tenor Saxophone position in the Maynooth University Jazz Band.
Shane takes a student centered approach to his classes to help his students achieve their goals, whether exam based or other. He will focus on songs the student has an interest in to help them achieve key skills, and often arranges these himself to fit the student’s level. Part of Shane’s approach is to use a range of instruments to help his students explore the dynamics of group playing.
Shane Says
“Everyone is capable of learning music in some form. All it takes is dedication and a fun perspective to enjoy the process!”