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Cormac McCarthy serves as a Lecturer in Piano, Composition and Arranging at Munster Technological University's Cork School of Music. Holding MMus, MA, and BMus degrees, he represents a vital component of Ireland's contemporary music education landscape.
Originally from Cork, Ireland, McCarthy is celebrated for his diverse stylistic range across multiple genres, with his work described by Lyric FM as defying categorization. His academic journey includes a Masters in Composition from MTU Cork School of Music followed by a Masters in Jazz Studies at DePaul University in Chicago, made possible through the prestigious Bill Whelan International Music Bursary he received in 2010.
McCarthy's creative output spans composition, arranging, and performance, with works performed by distinguished artists including Phil Woods, Jeff Hamilton, Mick Flannery, Martin Hayes, and Andrea Corr. His compositions have been featured by major ensembles such as the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Irish Chamber Orchestra, and New Irish Jazz Orchestra. His 2015 debut LP Cottage Evolution received widespread critical acclaim, establishing him as a significant voice in contemporary Irish music.
His research and creative work demonstrates consistent exploration across jazz, traditional Irish music, and contemporary composition, with notable projects including a string quartet commissioned by the National String Quartet Foundation that premiered in Autumn 2021. This work exemplifies his commitment to bridging musical traditions while developing innovative compositional approaches.
- Bill Whelan International Music Bursary (2010)
As an educator, McCarthy directs the Cork School of Music Jazz Big Band while maintaining an active performance schedule that includes collaborations with Martin Hayes' Common Ground Ensemble. His conducting work extends to major orchestras including the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and Irish Chamber Orchestra, demonstrating his multifaceted contribution to Ireland's musical ecosystem.
