Meet The Music Teacher #3: Aoife

Ms Murphy!

leverly bringing together music teachers of all chords and creeds, Darryn and Elaine Scott have high hopes for their Harmonics Music School.

Especially given that everyone involved loves what they do.

Just how much, we decided to find out by asking each of the teachers involved just where their passion for music came from.

And how it got them from getting down in front of their bedroom mirror to teaching classes on Theatre Lane.

Third up to the podium, it’s Aoife Murphy, who teaches singing and theory…

When did the music bug first bite?
My mum first sent me to a music class when I was four years old and before we knew it music was a giant part of my life. As a kid I joined choirs, including my local church choir, which really instilled in me a love of harmony and singing. I always loved music and it was part of everything I did. As I grew up my interests branched into various different genres, including school musicals, choral concerts, Feis Ceoil competitions, and I was a guitarist and singer with my friends in our own version of a rock band. Basically, any activity that involved music!

Was there a point where it went from a hobby to a passion, to something you want to do for a living?
Over the years I did vocal lessons, summer classes, singing workshops, and my love for music crossed over from choral, classical and musical theatre. As a teenager I was part of the Penston Vocal Academy. It was in this choir that I really began to develop my appreciation for various types of music, and also the fun of being with people my own age, as well as the social aspect of music. I made many friends and began to explore the idea of one day being able to study that music deeper or even conduct a choir myself.

The fine art of teaching has a degree of the Yoda about it, given that it involves the passing on of magic, when did you decide to become a Jadoo master?
During my TY year I explored many career options, but music and teaching were always won out. I love being able to share my passion and help other people find theirs. My favourite aspect of teaching is seeing the development of the student’s confidence throughout the weeks, and most importantly fun and increasing love for the music.
It is a great joy to see the blossoming of once shy students as their journey progresses and their talents begin to shine. This encouraged me after my leaving cert to study music in UCD, where I obtained a BA in Music and Linguistics, a BMus, and now am completing a MMus there too. I also completed to grade 8 in the RIAM Classical singing grades. It’s been great fun, as is always is when you love what you do…

Finally, what can students expect in your particular class? What’s your approach?
My approach to teaching is all about building confidence in a safe environment and developing a love of music. I believe everyone should be encouraged to sing, and after the hard times we’ve been through, we all need some lightness in our lives!
My students can expect a welcoming and fun class, where their development can flourish. I take influence from the Kodaly methods of teaching, which is a holistic method, all about engaging musical appreciation and encouraging a practical way to learning. The class will be tailored to suit the student, and will be centred around their learning, development and most importantly their enjoyment and their favourite music.

You can find out more about the Harmonics Music School on their website here, or contact them directly on [email protected].