St Laurence's NS, Grange Rd, Baldoyle, D13XE37

Instructors

At The Music Academy, we pride ourselves on our experienced, highly trained, and passionate instructors who are dedicated to helping our students excel in their musical journeys. Each of our instructors has a unique background and skill set, allowing us to provide diverse and comprehensive music education. For more information on each individual instructor please click below.

Phil Casey drummer

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 for 6 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 additional needs. 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 a critically acclaimed run at The Ambassadors Theatre in the West End, London. 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 (UK). Phil has also played at the prestigious SxSW in Texas and Glastonbury Festival. Phil is currently the drummer with Dublin based indie-folk quintet The Crayon Set; blues-rock guitar virtuoso, Mike Brookfield and party covers band The Shift.
Phil’s passion is to make music education more accessible. It is this passion that laid the foundations for The Music Academy.

Irish Baritone Brendan Collins began his training at the Cork School of Music under Robert Beare graduating with B. Mus. (Hons.) in Performance in conjunction with a Grade 5 piano diploma from the Royal Irish Academy of Music, then a P.G. Dip. (Hons.) in Performance from the D.I.T. Conservatory in Dublin and in 2007 he was granted a scholarship to study at the Opera Studio of Theatre de la Monnaie in Brussels under renowned bass-baritone José van Dam. In 2005 he was one of only 12 Irish singers to take part in the 1st Wexford Festival Young Artists programme under tenor Dennis O’Neill.

He has also studied privately or in masterclasses with Ildebrando d’Arcangelo, Sir Thomas Allen, Robert Dean, Susanna Eken, Veronica Dunne and John Elwes.

As a soloist he has performed across Ireland, the UK, Europe, the Middle East, China and America. His repertoire includes over 70 operatic roles with such companies as Irish National Opera, Glyndebourne Festival Opera, Scottish Opera, English Touring Opera, Opera Theatre Company, NI Opera, Longborough Festival Opera, Anna Livia Festival, Opera Collective Ireland, Cork Operatic Society, Regents Opera and Iford Opera.

A regular performer on the concert platform his repertoire includes Handel Messiah (Pro Cathedral, Dublin), Handel Birthday Ode for Queen Anne (St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin), Mozart Requiem (National Concert Hall, Dublin), Mozart Vespers (Kajetanekirche, Salzburg), Mozart Coronation Mass (St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna), Mozart Mass in C Minor (Ulster Hall, Belfast), Mozart Spatzenmesse (Westminster Cathedral, London), Haydn Creation Mass (Clonard Monastery, Belfast), Haydn Nelson Mass (St Finbarr’s Cathedral, Cork), Fauré Requiem (St. Bavo’s Cathedral, Ghent) Schubert Mass in G (St Nicholas, Galway), Puccini Messa di Gloria (Cork City Hall), Orff Carmina Burana (National Concert Hall, Dublin), Mendelssohn Elijah (Wexford Opera House) and Beethoven 9th Symphony (Palais des Beaux-Arts, Brussels).

An experienced teacher of 5 years, Brendan has been working with both solo students and giving masterclasses to choirs and degree students of the Cork School of Music. Teaching a variety of styles including classical, musical theatre, rock and pop, he believes in teaching a core musical technique that everyone can master to become a happy, successful performer.

Studying Music at Trinity College, and Piano Performance at RIAM, Paul began his music career as a classically-trained concert pianist. While winning national competitions and even competing internationally, he dabbled in musical theatre; being the repetiteur for the college productions of A Chorus Line and Avenue Q, and teaching piano at the prestigious Long Lake Camp For The Performing Arts in upstate New York. In preparation for the Dublin International Piano Competition, Paul suffered an injury, leading him to re-evaluate his technique and diversify his approach to music-making. It was at this time that he began broadening into working with choir and voice (culminating in his term as conductor for the Trinity College Chamber Choir), and learning how to engineer and produce music (including working alongside Abbey Road Engineer John Kurlander on film scoring sessions).

Currently, Paul is involved in a number of exciting projects. As part of the award-winning cabaret collective ‘EGG’ he functions as both the House Pianist and Musical Director, writing songs for each event and improvising underscoring for the events of each performance. He also serves as MD and vocal coach to musical-improv-comedy group ‘Causing a Scene’ who perform as part of MOB Theatre’s showcases. Although primarily operating as a musician, Paul’s practice has brought him into the world of theatre, where he has acted as Musical Director for an upcoming, yet-to-be-announced show and received Arts Council funding to write an original piece of musical theatre with longtime collaborator Pea Dinneen, with whom he also performed a showcase of their original songs at the Project Arts Centre in Temple Bar.

Paul’s passion for music in all its forms is matched only by his enthusiasm for sharing that passion with others. Beginning teaching both piano and Leaving Cert grinds at home in Longford, Paul grew his network of students to cover all ages, from as young as four to fully grown adults. Teaching a broad range of musical styles from classical, to jazz, to pop, Paul tailors his teaching to each student’s individual needs; balancing theory, ear training, musicianship, and technique into a package that fosters each student’s natural curiosity. Paul takes the years of professional experience and uses them to inspire passion in his students while always prioritising the rewarding fun and enjoyment that makes learning an instrument as satisfying as it can possibly be.

Originally from Co. Leitrim, Aoibhín McHugh has been involved in the music scene from a young age. She is a past student of the Sligo Academy of Music, a multi-instrumentalist, adept at guitar, drums, bass, and music theory. She received a distinction in grade 8 acoustic guitar while still a young teenager.

Following the Sligo Academy of Music, she continued her musical studies at BIMM Dublin, where she received a Bachelor Honours degree in Commercial Modern Music, awarded with a first-class honours.

She currently plays with several up-and-coming bands within the Dublin Music scene, most notably Shy, Actress, Andromeda I etc.

She has a love of all music and is passionate about sharing this love through teaching students of all ages, inspiring them to fulfil their potential with her calm, patient, encouraging demeanour.

In his classes Dermot teaches rock / acoustic / classical / improvisation techniques on the guitar, Bass and Ukelele

A guitar player from the age of 12 Dermot graduated top of his year from Ballyfermot Senior College in Audio Production and Multimedia before starting out in recording studios working with international recording artists.  Mixing and recording sound for film and television including writing music soundtracks and remixing tracks for artists.

Dermot left studio work and established himself in the live music scene.  Over the past 20 years, Dermot has performed with high calibre tribute shows that have played notable venues such as The Olympia, Vicar St, The Academy and The Button Factory. This extensive experience has helped guide Dermot’s students who have subsequently gained success by winning competitions and headlining show cases.

Besides teaching music, Dermot also teaches studio recording and engineering, computer music composition and production, computer music systems, live sound for small venues, audio postproduction, music studio production, sound creation and manipulation, and public performance technologies.

Leah O’Reilly is a professional vocalist who has experience performing live, in a studio and in teaching vocal lessons. She has an in-depth knowledge of vocal technique, the anatomy of the voice, and vocal styles, all which was taught to her throughout her time at BIMM Dublin where she studied Vocals. 

Leah performs in a wide variety of genres, ranging from Rock, Pop, Soul, Funk, Disco, Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Jazz and many more!

Currently, Leah performs in multiple live bands for weddings and corporate events, showcasing her vocal ability. Leah’s experience of studio sessions enables her to offer a different skill set to her students.

Leah has much enthusiasm for teaching correct technique, from the basics to belting! Combining technique with passion for music, she loves teaching a variety of students, no matter what level or age!

Aaron has over 20 years experience playing drums and 11 years experience teaching drums. An active musician, Aaron is the session drummer for The Riptide Movement and also plays for several function bands. He has been in various bands since the age of 12, writing and performing original music.

He has toured Ireland several times over, playing the biggest stages and festivals such as Electric Picnic, Kaleidoscope, Forest Fest, The Olympia Theatre, The Academy and many more. He has also toured internationally, playing in countries like Germany, France and England. In 2025 he played Glastonbury festival and supported The Waterboys, both with The Riptide Movement.

Aaron has played on tv on The Late Late Show, Buille and The Marie Keating Foundation Concert for Cancer. He has also done RTE Radio 1 sessions performing on The Ray D’Arcy Show and The Marty Morrisey Show.

He also has vast experience in recording studios, doing sessions for original bands and artists.

Aaron graduated from BIMM Dublin in 2018 with a BA Hons in Commercial and Modern Music. There, he learned to develop his skills in drumming, music business, artist development and music theory. All of these things he passes on to his students in his lessons.

He wishes to share his passion and love of music and drumming to students who are eager to become drummers. He believes everyone is welcome and has taught students with various physical/learning difficulties. He focuses on maintaining a balance between what a student needs to learn and what they want to learn. From beginner lessons to advanced students wanting to sharpen a particular skill, Aaron believes he can help and share his knowledge of drumming with everyone.

He believes music is the soundtrack of life, and drums are the heartbeat.

Jorge Sánchez is a professional drummer with over fifteen years of experience as a performer and educator. He studied in New York City at The Collective School of Music, completing the Drum Performance Program and training with internationally renowned musicians such as Dom Famularo and Chris Coleman. His background includes jazz, big band, rock, funk, cruise ship orchestras, and large-scale production shows, with international performance experience and strong sight-reading skills.

Alongside his performing career, Jorge Sánchez is an active drum instructor teaching both in person and online. He leads masterclasses and workshops and creates educational content on social media. His teaching combines high-level training from New York with extensive professional experience, offering a practical and contemporary approach to drum education.

Jonathan Parminter is a professional bassist and guitarist from Dublin. He studied guitar and bass in BIMM Dublin and has been playing professionally since 2019. Jonathan is well versed in a wide range of genres, including Rock, Metal, Funk, Pop, Country, etc.

Jonathan is an adaptable player who is constantly exploring new avenues and opportunities in live music. His experience includes playing in professional wedding bands, working as a session player for songwriters, and playing in musicals.

Jonathan’s approach to teaching is based on playing music and recognition of progress, ensuring that the process of learning is just as enjoyable and rewarding as playing the instrument itself.

With over 13 years of musical experience, Bianca is a passionate and dedicated music educator currently completing her Bachelor’s degree in Jazz and Contemporary Music at DCU. Her musical journey began at age 10 and has grown to encompass a wide range of instruments including guitar, violin, tin whistle, piano, and voice.

Specialising in piano and singing, Bianca has completed all eight ABRSM piano performance grades with high distinction and earned her Advanced Grade Recital Certificate from RIAM. She is now focused on vocal development, training privately with one of Ireland’s leading jazz vocalists.

Bianca’s versatility spans Classical, Jazz, and Pop genres, and she has performed at esteemed events including Feis Ceoil, Walton’s competitions, National Concert Hall showcases, and Romanian embassy concerts. Her performance work bridges jazz and Romanian musical traditions, and she continues to grow her career in both.

Bianca creates a welcoming and enjoyable learning environment where students of all ages feel encouraged to express themselves through music. Her teaching is infused with the same passion and enthusiasm that has defined her own artistic path.

Giovanny is a current student of DCU Jazz and Contemporary Music Bachelors Degree. Classically trained for the past 10 years, Giovanny achieved distinction in all his ABRSM exams. Giovanny has also competed in various Feis Ceoil competitions.

As a performer, Giovanny is currently a member of 3 music bands ranging from classical, jazz and pop music. He has also accompanied multiple musicians for RIAM, ABRSM, school concerts, jazz and pop events and music performances.

From an early age, Giovanny has had a passion for music. Once he started piano lessons at the age of 9, this passion found real direction. Whilst learning piano Giovanny also picked up the accordion from his father.

Giovanny’s technique was honed over the 8 years he studied classical music. After achieving 8 Grades with ABRSM, Giovanny found enjoyment in playing jazz. Improvised music became a fascination for Giovanny. He is currently embarking on a career as a jazz piano performer. This has allowed Giovanny to participate in a variety of events, including jazz events, choir recordings, playing with professionals and tutors of the jazz and contemporary music degree in DCU.

Giovanny places a strong emphasis on positivity and fun in his teaching. Students will be guided through a number of disciplines in Giovanny’s lessons. These will include such fundamentals such as ear training, music theory, preparation for music exams, technique, dealing with performing.

Eva Colton is a passionate drummer whose love of the instrument began in early childhood. She has studied under Phil Casey for the past seven years, honing her technique and musicality to become a highly skilled and accomplished drummer. 

Since 2021, Eva has been the kit drummer for the Lucan Concert Band, performing across Dublin at venues including Áras an Uachtaráin and Farmleigh. She received high praise from adjudicator Stephanie Binns for her solo performance at the 2025 South of Ireland Band Championships and has also shared the stage with The Riptide Movement.

As a teacher, Eva aims to instil confidence and passion in her students through fun and engaging lessons. Each class is tailored to the individual’s goals, ability and progression, creating a strong foundation and developing skills around the kit.

Joce Cristovao is a Brazilian-born musician (electric bass guitar, guitar, and ukulele), composer, and session musician.

Joce specializes as a sideman, playing with a variety of vocalists in various genres. As a studio musician, Joce has recorded over 100 tracks.
Joce’s musical career started at the age of 14, when he took lessons with some of the finest teachers in Brazil. Determined to refine his musical education, Joce pursued a degree in Licenciature in Music in his hometown Caxias do Sul. Joce also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Dorset College in Dublin.
With over 13 years of teaching experience, Joce decided to move to Ireland in 2018 to pursue a dream of being a European based professional musician.

Throughout his years in Ireland, Joce has achieved some remarkable professional landmarks. Among the highlights are, being featured in the prestigious Bass Player Magazine, recording an album with one of the most renowned producers in South America (Rick Bonadio, Midas Studios), playing as a sideman for the legendary million copies selling Brazilian artist, Gabriel o Pensador in a concert in Dublin, and last but not least, since 2020, playing bass for Allie Sherlock

Tristan started learning the guitar at a young age. During his teenage years he continued to study music as well as performing in various bands.

 Tristan earned a Bachelors’ degree in music technology from Maynooth University and since graduating, has continued to be an active part of the Dublin music scene as a guitarist and bassist in many different settings, ranging from wedding bands to original music.

Tristan teaches electric, acoustic and bass guitar, as well as ukulele. Tristan continues to have a great passion for writing, recording, and performing music, which he hopes to pass this passion on to his students.

Tristan began learning guitar at an early age, quickly developing a deep love for music. As a teenager, he continued to refine his skills and gain performance experience by playing in a variety of bands.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Technology from Maynooth University and has since remained a vibrant part of the Dublin music scene. Tristan has performed as both a guitarist and bassist across diverse musical settings—from original acts to dynamic wedding bands.

At The Music Academy, Tristan teaches electric, acoustic, and bass guitar, as well as ukulele. His passion for song writing, recording, and live performance shines through his lessons, and he’s dedicated to sharing that enthusiasm with every student he teaches.

Vladyslav is an accomplished percussionist and passionate music educator.

Originally from Ukraine, Vladyslav holds a Master’s degree in Music Arts from Pavlo Tychyna Pedagogical University. His rich background in performance spans symphonic and chamber orchestras, jazz and folk ensembles, and includes work with the Cherkasy Symphony Orchestra in Ukraine and the Arklow Silver Band here in Ireland.

Vladyslav brings not only extensive professional experience but also a deep commitment to nurturing young musicians. He has taught in state music schools in Ukraine and more recently at Artane Music School and B’Music School in Ireland. His teaching style is fun, positive, and tailored to each student’s unique strengths and interests. He believes that learning an instrument should be a joyful and inspiring journey

Andrea is a passionate and experienced musician from Dublin with several years of experience playing across a wide range of styles in Ireland’s music scene. She is a saxophone and piano player, adept at writing and arranging music, receiving an ‘honourable mention’ and an award of bespoke mentorship from Improvised Music Company’s BAN BAM composition award and an ‘Agility Award’ from Arts Council Ireland in 2023. She holds a First Class Honours degree in Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance from DCU, where tenor saxophone was her principal instrument, as well as a First Class Honours Master’s degree in Sound Production from Bath Spa University.

Andrea plays a vast range of music styles with experience playing many reputable events and venues across Ireland’s music scene such as Electric Picnic, Button Factory, Bray Jazz Festival, Billy Byrnes and Yamamori Tengu. She has a particular interest in producing and composing music in the genre of experimental electronica and has a project where she creates music with saxophone and effects pedals which features field recordings, synthesis and sampling techniques.

With several years of teaching experience, Andrea enjoys teaching students as well as supporting them with preparation for exams and live performances. She has experience teaching instrumental lessons, producing and ensembles. In 2024 and 2025, she helped to facilitate and develop the syllabus for Improvised Music Company’s Jazz Camp for Girls, where she led workshops in improvisation, ensemble playing, and creating music with field recordings. She brings forth a self motivated attitude and a lifelong love and commitment to music.