Catherine McGlinchey, MSc, Dip RIAM, joined Music West in 2022 and teaches clarinet, saxophone and piano, as well as the Early Years Music Magic pre-instrumental programme.  She is passionate about helping children, young people and adults to experience the well-being benefits of musicianship for life. Students can learn instrument skills for exams or informal playing for pleasure, depending on their interests.

 

Catherine played music from an early age, learning traditional Irish music at the Liverpool Irish Centre and attending private classical piano and clarinet lessons.  During her teenage years she has happy memories of playing clarinet with the Westport Town Band under the baton of Mike Roberts and piano/piano accordion at Westport Comhaltas and pub sessions.  Over the years, informal music playing and choir-leading has brought friendships, opportunities and travel her way.

 

After a busy career managing community based projects and working as a professional trainer, Catherine earned a Diploma in Group Music Teaching with the RIAM in 2016. Since then she teaches both privately  at her Westport studio as well as Music West and with Music Generation (2016-26). She is trained in Kodaly teaching methods and regularly attends music CPD programmes.

 

During a sabbatical in France in 2018, Catherine undertook saxophone training with Jazz Saxophonist, Willie Dubois in Orleans and toured with the L&Co saxophone ensemble. She currently plays 1st alto sax in the Music West Big Band.  She was Musical Director of 5 successful Community Pantomimes at Westport Town Hall and continues to lead an adult choir as Musical Director of the Westport Town Hall Community Choir as well as being the Musical Director of High Flyers Community Orchestra at Music West.