Cork has long been a city of music and culture. From the echo of chants on match day, to a traditional sing-song in the pub, to families gathered around the kitchen table, music has been the heartbeat of our local community for generations.

Yet when it comes to vocal lessons, many people still hesitate. There’s a feeling that it might be ‘notions’, or that lessons are only for those chasing careers on stage.

The truth is very different. Singing lessons truly are for everyone. They are about confidence, connection, and culture.

In Cork, where music is part of the fabric of daily life, it makes sense that finding our voice can be one of the most transformative things we ever do. I know this from both personal and professional experience.

I studied Music and Economics, followed by a Masters in Musicology and Culture Studies at UCC. My years there didn’t just give me a qualification, they helped me understand something unique about Cork people. We’re ambitious, creative, and spirited, but we’re also modest.

The idea of standing up to sing solo can feel daunting, even indulgent. Yet, when people take that step, they often find it’s not about performance at all. It’s about expression and belonging.

Through Music Mad, the female-owned Cork business I founded, I’ve seen extraordinary transformations.

Teenagers who once doubted themselves have........

© Evening Echo