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.”
Johanna Kenny
2011 – Present
Piano / Flute / Junior Cert / Leaving Cert /Theory
Exam Boards Taught
RIAM (Royal Irish Academy of Music)
ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music)
Background
With a Bachelor of Music Education Johanna Kenny works full-time as a professional musician with the Defence Forces where she plays flute/piccolo in the Band 2 Brigade and piano in their Big Band (Jazz & swing style). She is also a member of the Dublin Concert Band (National Band Championship winners 2016) and has toured Ireland with many university, amateur and professional groups as well as Europe, particularly with Trinity Orchestra.
As well as preparing students for exams Johanna brings elements such as Keyboard Skills, playing along with pop songs by ear, Pop, Flute Ensemble, and Piano Duets (perfect for siblings) into her classes.
Johanna Says
“I am a fan of both the Kodaly and Dalcroze methods of teaching for young students. Having studied many strains of music pedagogy at university I incorporate many of the physical aspects of these two particular methodologies in my own practice. Over the years at LSM I have developed a ‘practice plan’ to help students with their homework. The plan is fool proof in the sense that even parents with no previous musical experience can assist their child with his/her daily practice.”
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.”
Rebecca Rodgers
2015 – Present
Voice
Exam Boards Taught
RIAM (Royal Irish Academy of Music)
Background
Rebecca Rodgers has a BA in Music Performance from The Royal Irish Academy of music (RIAM), a Diploma in Vocal Coaching from The RIAM (LRIAM), and a Masters in Music Performance from The RIAM & Trinity College Dublin. She is Currently a Young Artist with Northern Ireland Opera and has various opera roles throughout the year, as well as working with a music `management company playing in hotels and bars at the weekend and teaching privately.
Rebecca can teach a wide range of styles including Opera, Pop , Musical Theatre, Rock, and Jazz. She focuses on performance technique, breathing technique, vocal health, languages for songs and arias (Italian, German, French, Czech, Irish and Latin) and building the confidence of the singer.
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.”
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.”
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.”
Anna Devine
2011 – Present
Electronic Keyboard / Voice / Music theory
Exam Boards Taught
RIAM (Royal Irish Academy of Music)
LCM (London College of Music)
Background
Anna joined Melody School of Music at age 11 where she received one to one tuition in preparation for the Electronic Keyboard exams through the Royal Irish Academy of Music. She then went on to study music in Ballyfermot College of Further Education, better known as the Rock School. From there, Anna went to NUI Maynooth to study the BA in Music and Business achieving a First Class Honours. At present, Anna is the Dublin Representative for London College of Music also she teaches in Newbridge School of Music as well as the Lucan School of Music.
Anna is a member of the Dublin Gospel Choir where she has performed with Ennio Morricone, Kodaline, Outcast, and Westlife to name but a few. She is also a backing vocalist for The Riptide Movement, touring throughout Europe and appearing on National TV shows. She has recently finished recording backing vocals for the bands new album in Windmill Lane Recording Studios. Anna also features regularly in Irelands premier motown band, The Dionnes further extending her versatile repertoire.
She holds a wealth of experience in composing and arranging music for various projects and events. She is currently working on her own compositions which will be on her EP set to be released in 2017.
“Anna is a great tutor, she makes you feel comfortable and has a very relaxed and easy to understand method of teaching, if you always wanted to learn how to play the piano or keyboard I couldn’t recommend her highly enough” Malachy Tuohy – The Riptide Movement
“Anna has been a valued member of the Dublin Gospel Choir for many years; she is always committed, enthusiastic and professional. Her talent and strong passion for music make her a joy to work with” Orla Gargan – Dublin Gospel Choir
Anna Says
“Whether students want to learn for fun or take exams, my classes are aimed at building each individuals confidence no matter what level the student is at. I believe self-confidence is extremely important and can be learned and built on. Enhancing skills and goals keep motivation levels high and help with important decision making with educational and career routes. In my classes, I teach music theory, prepare students for exams and also let them choose music pieces in which they are inspired and influenced by. The joy of being able to play an instrument is always highlighted throughout the year and when the student is ready, I always encourage performances where possible.”
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)
Background
Andrii graduated from the Tchaikovsky National Music Academy in Ukraine (Degree in Music Performance). During his study at the Academy, he began performing solo concerts both locally and abroad. He has also given premieres of original works written by contemporary guitar composers. Since Andrii moved to Ireland he continued his career as a guitar teacher and performer. He occupies a deputy teacher position in Kylemore College and prepares students for RIAM/ABRSM examination. In competitions his students have achieved the following prizes: Second Prize on the Classical Guitar Competition in Dublin at RDS Feis Ceoil in March 2016, Third Prize on the Newpark Music Festival in February 2017 and First Prize on the Classical Guitar Competition in Dublin at RDS Feis Ceoil in March 2017.
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.”
Phil Casey
2017 – Present
Drums / Percussion
Exam Boards Taught
Trinity Rock and Pop, Rock School
Background
Phil has been playing and teaching drums professionally since 2010. His studies have included 4 years at Drumtech (now BIMM) where he was awarded the Rhythm Scholarship and Vice Chancellor’s Award. He subsequently achieved a First Class Hons degree (BMus in Popular Music Performance) and a distinction in his postgraduate studies (MMus in Music Performance). Phil also studied for6 years under the late Bob Armstrong, widely regarded as one of the best instructors in the UK. This has given him a strong technical and theoretical underpinning, a broad knowledge of styles and a deep understanding of technique.
In his teaching, Phil has worked with a wide cross-section of students, with a varying range of abilities, including students with visual impairment. These experiences have helped Phil develop a flexible and student-oriented teaching style. Phil also draws on his real world experience as a performer and, of course, his own experience as a music student, benefitting from studying under some of the finest drum instructors in Europe (Darryn Farrugia, Erik Stams, Justin Scott, Paul Elliott).
Before moving back to Ireland, Phil had been the drummer on the touring rock n roll tribute show, Be Bop A Lula, which had enjoyed acritically acclaimed run at The Ambassadors Theatre in the West End, London. Phil also became a much in demand rockabilly/rock n roll drummer, playing with a number of artists, namely The Obscuritones, The Boom Boom Booms, Sister Cookie, Wayne Hopkins, Danny McVey, Craig Shaw and Mike And The Rhythm Stars. He has played some of the biggest festivals in Europe dedicated to these styles, such as Bethune Retro and Americana in Tours (both in France) and Vintage Nostalgia (Wiltshire, UK). Phil has also played at the prestigious SxSW in Texas and Glastonbury Festival. Phil is currently the drummer with Dublin based indie-folk sextet The Crayon Set as well as playing with one of Ireland’s best authentic Jamaican ska outfits, Skazz.
Phil Says
“Teaching drums is an absolute privilege. Each student is unique and I approach my lessons with that at the forefront of my mind. For example, grades and exams are great for providing targets and goals, but they are not for everyone. For some, learning an instrument is its own reward and they don’t want to be hemmed into a structured syllabus. Personally speaking, I find both perspectives to be completely valid.
My students will have automatically earned my respect by deciding to start lessons. This is no easy pursuit. It’s not easy for anyone, no matter what people say. To persevere through all the difficulties we will inevitably meet and come out the other side a better drummer will win my admiration and continued respect. Perseverance will reap truly transformative results.
Lastly, I feel my responsibility as a drum teacher is to not only offer precise and accurate instrumental instruction, but to nurture a love and appreciation of the drum set, the drummers we listen to and study and the songs these drummers play on. Whenever possible I encourage my students to bringin a song, drum groove or drum fill that they want to learn. The richness of music will never cease to put a smile on my face and it’s always great to see a student jam through a song they’ve been dying to play for ages.”