Find Academic Supervisors

Cillian O’BreachainView profile

Lecturer

• Violin Performance
• Orchestral Conducting
• Baroque Music
• +3 more

Cillian O’Breachain is a faculty member at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM), specializing in Violin and conducting. He coordinates Beginner Group Violin classes and teaches violin performance. His conducting roles include leading the DYO Intermediate Orchestra, St. Agnes’ Chamber Orchestra, RIAM Junior and Divertimenti String Orchestras, and serving as rehearsal conductor for the DYO Symphony Orchestra. He holds a Master’s in Music Performance from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and a Bachelor of Music Education from Trinity College Dublin/RIAM, under Maeve Broderick. Education: Bachelor of Music Education (Trinity College Dublin/Royal Irish Academy of Music, 2014) Master’s in Music Performance (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) Orchestral Experience: BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra Ulster Orchestra RTE National Symphony Orchestra Camerata Ireland (touring globally) His research interests span violin performance techniques, Baroque violin practices, and traditional Irish fiddle traditions. He has performed with the Irish National Opera, Wexford Festival Opera, and the Irish Chamber Orchestra. In 2018, he received the Liam Healy Bursary for his contributions to opera performance. He has conducted numerous ensembles, including the Trinity Orchestra, Kirkos Ensemble, and the Orchestra of the Irish National Youth Ballet (2014–2018). His work bridges classical and traditional music, emphasizing collaborative performance and educational outreach.

Conor LinehanView profile

Lecturer

• Classical Music Performance
• Contemporary Composition
• Theatre Scoring
• +4 more

Dr. Conor Linehan is a pianist, composer, and educator at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) since 2008. He specializes in diverse musical styles, from baroque to contemporary, and has performed with major orchestras including RTÉ Concert Orchestra and the National Symphony of Ireland. His compositional work spans theatre, opera, and concert halls, with notable pieces like Roadshow (commissioned by Joanna MacGregor) and Intermezzo (2018 Dublin International Piano Competition). He has been Musician in Residence for Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown (2018) and collaborated with companies like Coiscéim Dance Theatre. His doctoral research (Trinity College Dublin) focused on orchestrations of late 19th/early 20th-century French piano music. As a teacher, his students have won prizes at the Dublin Feis Ceoil and Henle Beethoven competitions. Performances & Commissions: 2023 Irish Tour with Claudia Boyle/Niall O’Sullivan (Music Network) RTÉ Radio 1 broadcast of Mícheál Ó’Súilleabháin’s Oíche Nollaig Premiere of Don Ray’s Piano Concerto (Albany Label) Adaptations: Schubert’s Winterreise for theatre, Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf for dance Awards: Two Irish Theatre Awards (2010 & 2023) Five ITA nominations total National Symphony of Ireland collaborations Teaching & Curation: Developed contemporary Irish piano syllabus for the Contemporary Music Centre Teaches improvisation modules at RIAM Guided prize-winning students in major competitions

Peter TuiteView profile

Professor

• Classical Piano Performance
• 18th-Century Music
• Chamber Music
• +3 more

Peter Tuite is a Full Titled Professor and Head of the Keyboard Faculty at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM), one of Europe’s leading music institutions. He holds dual appointments, previously serving as Head of Piano and Keyboard Instruments at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London (2015–2018). His academic roles are complemented by extensive international performance and curation work. Education includes Trinity College Dublin, University of Oxford, and a Fulbright Scholarship at Johns Hopkins University’s Peabody Institute. He is renowned for his specialization in 18th-century keyboard works, particularly Haydn and Bach, and has pioneered innovative recordings such as the Goldberg Variations (2020) and the Art of Fugue project (2025). As a concerto soloist, he collaborates with renowned conductors like Andrei Boreyko and orchestras across Europe and the U.S. Research interests span performance practice, musicology, and interdisciplinary projects blending music with literature. He co-founded the New Lights Festival (2018), a London-based platform for contemporary music innovation, and launched the New Lights Forum for artist-intellectual dialogues. His recent hybrid works merge poetry with ancient instruments, including a 2023 piece premiered in London. Awards: Glenn Gould Bach Fellowship (2020), Loubser Fellowship (2020), Lead Curator of PLF Projects (2022), Poetry Commendation (2015). Grants & Projects: Digital exhibition space development (PLF Projects, 2024), Weimar Bach exhibitions (2021), international masterclasses in 15+ countries. Labs/Teams: Leads the RIAM Keyboard Faculty, collaborates with the Vanbrugh String Quartet and artists like Hakan Hardenberger.

Owen Gilhooly-MilesView profile

Professor

• Opera Performance
• Classical Singing
• Vocal Pedagogy
• +3 more

Professor Owen Gilhooly-Miles is a renowned Irish baritone and vocal pedagogue affiliated with the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM), where he holds the position of Professor of Singing and Opera. His career spans operatic performances, concert engagements, and recordings across Europe and Ireland. He studied at the Royal College of Music and National Opera Studio, and his 2007 participation in the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition underscored his international acclaim. His operatic roles include leading parts in works by Mozart, Verdi, Sibelius, and contemporary composers like Luke Bedford. Notable performances include world premieres (e.g., Through His Teeth ) and roles such as Papageno ( Magic Flute ), Marcello ( La Bohème ), and the title role in Don Chisciotte in Sierra Morena . His concert repertoire encompasses major choral works like Fauré’s Requiem , Mahler’s Lieder , and Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Symphony . As an educator, Gilhooly-Miles emphasizes holistic vocal pedagogy, trained as a Vocal Health First Aider. His students have achieved prominence on international stages. He has recorded with ensembles like the BBC Symphony Orchestra (NMC Recordings) and RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, producing acclaimed albums such as The Vanishing Bridegroom and Sunlight and Shadow . Awards include his 2007 Cardiff Singer of the World participation. His research integrates vocal health, historical performance practices, and contemporary repertoire interpretation. He remains active in both performance and academia, balancing teaching with ongoing creative and scholarly projects.

Annalisa MonticelliView profile

Lecturer

• Music Education
• Vocal Coaching
• Opera
• +7 more

Annalisa Monticelli is a Lecturer and Program Director for the Musical Theatre programme at Dundalk Institute of Technology. She previously served as Italian and vocal coach at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) and held roles as Assistant Lecturer and Program Director for Music at Dundalk. Her academic credentials include Summa cum Laude Master’s degrees in Piano Performance and Music Education from the Arcangelo Corelli Conservatory (Italy) and the Petrie School of Music (USA), alongside postgraduate diplomas in Chamber Music and Advanced Piano. Her research focuses on the influence of Native American music on South American academic traditions and the legacy of Italian composer Michele Esposito, particularly his impact on Irish music. She is currently pursuing a part-time PhD at TU Dublin under Dr. Maria McHale. Annalisa is renowned for her vocal and language coaching, spanning Opera, Musical Theatre, and diverse genres like Tango, Jazz, and Latin American music. She leads Ensemble Amarcord’s The Morricone Experience and co-founded Hibertango quintet. Her awards include the Premio Michele Esposito for research dissemination. She has collaborated with institutions like the Irish National Opera and received Arts Council of Ireland funding for her Jobim tribute album. Her performances span venues in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, reflecting her eclectic musical expertise.

Ross LynessView profile

Lecturer

• Music Performance
• Music Education
• Chamber Music
• +3 more

Ross Lyness is Head of Wind, Brass & Percussion at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM). He holds an MMus in Trombone Performance from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and a LLB in Law. His career combines professional performance, arts management, and education. Roles: Head of Junior RIAM (2020–present), Principal Trombone of Wexford Opera Festival Orchestra (2013–present), and Irish National Opera (2019–present). Performance: Orchestras include BBC Scottish Symphony, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and Cyprus Symphony Orchestra. Collaborations with ensembles like Belfast Ensemble and European Brass Collective. Research/Teaching: Focus on diverse genres (jazz, contemporary, classical) and pedagogy, with masterclasses in Ireland, USA, and Spain. Led Junior RIAM’s transition to the new campus and expanded programs like the Young Artist Programme. Grants/Advising: Mentorships with National Youth Orchestras of Ireland and Cyprus Youth Orchestra. Advocacy for diversity in arts education. Labs/Teams: Member of Belfast Ensemble and European Brass Collective, emphasizing cross-disciplinary collaborations.

Kathleen TynanView profile

Professor

• Opera Performance
• Vocal Pedagogy
• Lieder
• +3 more

Professor Kathleen Tynan is the Head of Vocal Studies & Opera at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM). She holds a BEd and LTCL qualifications. Her roles include teaching Opera Singing, Lieder, and serving as RIAM Opera Producer. She studied at the RIAM under Paul Deegan and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama under Laura Sarti, with additional training from Marie McLaughlin and Janice Chapman. Her career spans opera, concert performances, and recordings. Notable engagements include debuts with Wexford Festival Opera in Koenigskinder , soloist appearances with orchestras such as RTÉ NSO and BBC Concert Orchestra, and international performances in festivals across Ireland, Britain, France, Germany, Portugal, and Bermuda. She has recorded Romancing Rebellion: 1798 and the songs of Thomas Moore with Dearbhla Collins and the Irish Piano Trio, showcasing her focus on Irish musical heritage. Her teaching and administrative leadership at the RIAM emphasize vocal technique, opera production, and interdisciplinary collaboration. She has broadcast with RTÉ Radio and BBC Radio Ulster, further cementing her influence in classical music education and performance.

• Music Performance
• Piano Accompaniment
• Musical Theatre
• +3 more

Deirdre Collins serves as Head of Department for Pop, Jazz, Trad, Voice and Theatre Studies at Munster Technological University's Cork School of Music. A graduate of CIT CSM with first-class honors BMus and MA degrees specializing in piano accompaniment, she studied under Eleanor Malone and Dr. Gabriela Mayer. Her educational background includes: BMus (First Class Honors) from CIT Cork School of Music MA from CIT Cork School of Music BSc LTCL (Licentiate of the Trinity College London) AMusTCL (Associate of Music, Trinity College London) Collins maintains an active dual career as both educator and performer. Her research interests center on practical music applications, particularly in piano accompaniment techniques, musical theatre direction, and vocal performance pedagogy. Her work bridges academic training with professional performance contexts, emphasizing the integration of traditional and contemporary musical practices. As an administrator and performer, Collins demonstrates leadership across multiple musical domains without formal research publications or scientific awards documented in the available materials. Her professional activities include significant advisory roles through departmental leadership and community engagement rather than formal graduate student supervision. She serves as chairperson of Cork Operatic Society and administrator for the Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra, demonstrating institutional leadership beyond her university role. Collins maintains strong connections with performance ensembles including Madrigal 75, Voci Nuove, Seraphim, and the Irish Youth Choir, while serving as musical director for Fermoy Musical Society. Her production work includes line producing opera concert series at Cork Opera House and the 2017 summer musical at Cork Opera House.

• Music Composition
• Opera
• Sonic Environments
• +3 more

Dr. Ann Cleare is an Assistant Professor of Music and Media Technologies at Trinity College Dublin. She holds a PhD from Harvard University and an Honorary Doctorate from the National University of Ireland, recognizing her contributions to contemporary music. Her work spans concert music, opera, experimental sound installations, and hybrid instrument design, focusing on timbre, texture, and the psychological impact of sound. She is an artist-in-residence with the Crash Ensemble and a member of Young Academy Ireland. Her research explores intersections between sound and visual dimensions, exemplified by projects like rinn (a time-travel chamber opera) and TERRARIUM (a multimedia collaboration with Crash Ensemble). Key collaborations include works with Ensemble SurPlus, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, and the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland. Awards include the 2019 Ernst von Siemens Composer Prize and fellowships at Villa Concordia (2024) and Civitella Ranieri (2023). Her recent projects include MIDHE , a large-scale work commissioned by RTÉ for Ireland’s National Concert Hall, and The Little Lives , an opera addressing propaganda’s societal impact. Educational affiliations include Trinity College Dublin, IRCAM, and University College Cork. Education: PhD Harvard University, Studies at IRCAM, University College Cork Affiliations: Young Academy Ireland, Artist-in-Residence (Crash Ensemble) Notable Works: eyam series, eöl , Meridians , gravity dreams

Kevin O'ConnellView profile

Professor

• Orchestral Composition
• Operatic Composition
• Chamber Music
• +3 more

Dr. Kevin O'Connell is a Professor and Head of Composition at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM), where he founded the BA in Composition program in 2007. He holds a PhD in Composition from Dublin City University and a BMus from Trinity College Dublin. His career includes prestigious commissions from organizations like BBC Radio 3, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, and Opera Theatre Company, resulting in notable works such as operas Sensational! and My Love, My Umbrella , and orchestral pieces like North . He is a member of Aosdána, Ireland’s leading creative artists’ academy. Research interests span composition, music history, and analysis, with publications in Musical Times exploring works by Berg, Hindemith, and Messiaen. He leads the Ictus Ensemble, staging premieres of modernist works by Boulez and Turnage. Recent projects include the Dante triptych and the opera Dreamcatchr , addressing technology’s societal impact. His Aifreann (Irish-language Mass) and Mass settings reflect his engagement with liturgical music traditions. Education: PhD (DCU), MPhil, BMus (Trinity College Dublin) Awards: Aosdána membership, multiple unnamed accolades Ensembles: Founded RIAM’s Ictus Ensemble; collaborates with Lontano, Crash Ensemble

Brenda HurleyView profile

Lecturer

• Opera Coaching
• Vocal Performance
• Classical Music
• +3 more

Brenda Hurley is a leading vocal coach and academic, currently serving as Director of the International Opera Studio in Zurich and a member of the vocal staff at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM). Her career spans decades of international collaboration with prestigious opera houses, orchestras, and training programmes. She specializes in opera coaching, vocal training, and historical performance practices, working with renowned conductors and institutions worldwide. Education includes studies at RIAM (piano/flute, Briscoe Cup recipient), Trinity College Dublin, Staatliche Hochschule für Musik Freiburg, Guildhall School of Music, and the National Opera Studio London. Her teachers included Rhona Marshall, Paul Hamburger, and Martin Isepp. Research interests focus on bridging classical vocal techniques with modern performance practices, particularly in opera. Her work emphasizes nurturing young artists through mentorship and training programmes. She has collaborated with orchestras like the Berlin Philharmonic and Royal Concertgebouw, and festivals including Salzburg, Glyndebourne, and Wexford. Awarded the Janni Strasser repetiteur award (Glyndebourne), she has held positions at Opera North, Netherlands Opera, and Scottish Opera. She continues to advise RIAM’s Young Associate Artists Programme and serves as a vocal consultant for Opera Theatre Company Dublin.

Matthew ManningView profile

Professor

• Oboe Performance
• Chamber Music
• Orchestral Performance
• +3 more

Matthew Manning is a Professor of Oboe at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) and currently serves as Principal Oboe of the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland. He has held guest principal roles with the Ulster Orchestra, Wexford Festival Opera Orchestra, Irish Chamber Orchestra, and Royal Scottish National Orchestra. He has also taught at the CIT Cork School of Music and WIT School of Music. His education includes studies in London with notable teachers such as Roger Lord, David Theodore, Richard Simpson, Maurice Bourgue, and Han de Vries. Notably, he premiered a concerto commissioned by RTÉ (composer Raymond Deane), which was recorded on the Marco Polo label. Manning is an active chamber musician, collaborating with ensembles like the RTÉ Wind Quintet both nationally and internationally. No formal awards or grants are explicitly mentioned in the text. His teaching and performance roles highlight expertise in classical wind instrumental pedagogy and orchestral/ensemble performance.

Denis CondonView profile

Lecturer

• Cinema Studies
• Film History
• Irish Cinema
• +5 more

Denis Condon is a Lecturer in Irish Film at Maynooth University's Department of English and Media Studies, affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. He has been teaching since 2008 and holds roles as second-year coordinator in Media Studies and international coordinator for English. His research focuses on cinema history, Irish film, intermediality, and audience studies, with particular emphasis on early Irish cinema and the relationship between music and screen media. Education: Research MA (Dublin City University), PhD (National University of Ireland Maynooth), Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholar (2001-2004), Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Research Fellow (2007-2008). Research interests include historical cinema reception, silent film music, and cultural studies. Notable projects include the Irish Cinema Histories website and co-editing Experiencing Music and Visual Cultures . Awards include two prestigious Irish Research Council fellowships. Teaching responsibilities include modules on film and screen studies, global cinema, and contemporary Irish cinema. He also supervises PhD/postdoctoral research in areas like Irish cinema, motherhood in film, and literary adaptations. Collaborative work includes projects with Sarah Culhane and Antonio Cascelli, focusing on historical cinema audiences and interdisciplinary media studies. He maintains an active research blog ( Early Irish Cinema ) and regularly presents at international conferences.

William DowdallView profile

Professor

• Contemporary Music
• Classical Flute Performance
• Chamber Music
• +3 more

William Dowdall is a Professor of Flute at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, where he has taught since 2004. Previously, he served as Principal Flute of the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra (1979–2004) and RTÉ Concert Orchestra. Born in Dublin, he studied in Cleveland under Maurice Sharp and Donald Erb, fostering his dedication to contemporary music. Orchestral Experience: Over 50 solo performances with RTÉ orchestras and Irish Chamber Orchestra Chamber Roles: Member of Daedalus Wind Quintet, Ulysses Ensemble, and prize-winning Ulysses Wind Quintet (Colmar 1980) International Presence: Performed across Europe, USA, China, New Zealand, and Australia His research focuses on promoting Irish composers and contemporary works, including 8 world premieres in two years. He developed a workshop on Irish contemporary flute music, presented globally. His recordings include landmark albums like Works for Solo Flute (Celestial Harmonies, 2009). Scientific Awards: Ulysses Wind Quintet: Colmar Prize (1980) Grants & Advising: Supported by RTÉ for premieres like John Buckley's Sea Echoes , toured nationally and internationally. No explicit grants mentioned, but extensive performance collaborations highlighted. Labs/Teams: Active in RTÉ orchestras, chamber groups, and educational workshops.

Lance CoburnView profile

Lecturer

• Piano Performance
• Classical Music
• Beethoven
• +3 more

Lance Coburn is a full-time faculty member in the Keyboard department at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM). A celebrated pianist, he has performed internationally with orchestras such as the Sydney Symphony, RTE National Symphony, and WDR Orchestra Cologne. His repertoire includes major works by Beethoven, Prokofiev, and Liszt, praised for technical mastery and artistic interpretation. Education highlights include studies at the Tchaikovsky Conservatoire (Moscow) and under John O’Conor at RIAM. He has won major competitions and awards, including the Tomassoni Prize and Australian Young Performers’ Award. Beyond performance, Coburn teaches masterclasses and lectures on composers like Carl Vine. He resides in Dublin with his family. Affiliations: RIAM Keyboard Faculty, Full-time Staff Performance Venues: Sydney Opera House, Bonn Beethoven Festival, Accademia Filharmonica (Verona) Broadcasts: Deutsche Welle, BBC Radio 3, ABC Television