'Feel the fear and do it anyway'. I have been living by this quote for the last couple of years. It has gotten me through many times of self doubt and it has stopped me from running away from what scares me. I have become the kind of person that tries to face my demons head on, even though I would love nothing more than to take the easy way out sometimes! 
I think artists have to face a very specific type of fear. This fear can turn a work of art into a meaningless object in the eyes of the creator. This fear is the fear of not being good enough. They say you can never love another until you truly love yourself and I think this is particularly true in the life of a person who creates for a living. 
I found that my frame of mind began to change when I gave myself a break from the self criticism. I then began to actually compliment myself for my achievements, whether they be big or small. Sometimes we deserve self praise for even attempting something. It is a hard pill to swallow when we realise that we may not be at out strongest as we take on fear but we can only improve by facing it time and time again. 
In the past, fear was my foe and now fear is my biggest motivator. In my line of work I never know for sure where my next paycheck is coming from, or if it will come at all, but I cannot let that type of fear stop me now. I have begun to have the same type of respect for myself that I would for a friend and so I must continue to show myself kindness. Be your own friend. Help yourself on your own journey through fear. ​

Hidden Stars


Everytime we buy a ticket to an event like a concert we buy them with a certain expectation attached. We expect the performers to have a certain level of talent. Perhaps we are already a big fan of the act so we know we are in for a treat.


I absolutely love when I find what I call 'Hidden Treasures'. These treasures are not always found on a big stage or a packed venue. These hidden stars are often found playing in pubs and hotels across the country. Perhaps they also play to bigger audiences but to see them in action in smaller venues is so exciting. On a recent night out I was treated to a very high level of musical entertainment at the Grand Killarney. Downstairs a group of traditional musicians played tunes with such ease and skill that it looked like they were born playing those instruments! I was lucky enough to sing a few songs with them and I am always blown away at how quickly a talented group like that can accompany you, with no practice, just a 5 second discussion about the key in which the song will be sung.


I then went upstairs to the Liquid Lounge where the incredibly talented Jack Patrick Healy is the resident entertainer. He takes the punters on a musical journey through so many genres and with such ease that I sometimes want to tell everyone to stop talking so we can sit and hear every note! This man really knows how to put on a show and he creates an cabaret-like atmosphere that I have never experienced anywhere before.
When I think about some of my most memorable experiences of hearing extremely talented musicians, they often took place away from the stage. The combination of a high level of talent and an intimate setting can actually make you feel like you were part of a special musical moment that has been frozen in time. To be that close to a powerful talent is a great experience. Perhaps this weekend you should go on a little 'hidden treasure' hunt around your town or village and see what gems you can find.

I have been teaching singing for a number of years and now the time has come for my first students to fly the nest. I will never forget these students as I feel I have grown up with them. I began to see singing from a different angle when I sat behind the piano in front of them for the first time. I firmly believe that we learn more about ourselves by teaching others and that is exactly what has happened to me. 
While we try to keep certain boundaries between ourselves and our students, we can't help but form a special  bond with some of them. I am about to say goodbye to a number of young people who I have grown very fond of and, while I know I will see and speak to them in the future, I am saddened to know that I will never sit on the other side of the piano from them again. 
My experience was a little different to most of my students as I wanted to pursue a career in music and therefore the singing lessons and practicing didn't stop for me just because the Leaving Cert came along. I understand that hobbies can fade and college life brings a whole host of new opportunities for these young people, but I do find it hard to know that most people will stop singing and stop playing instruments once the Leaving Cert practical is done. I'm sure they will always love music, but their close relationship with it may end. I always say that I have students from age 8 to 18 and age 40 plus but sadly the vast majority of people don't continue or begin to attend music lessons in their 20's and 30's. Some people even ask me if adults can do singing lessons! 
If you are about to sit your leaving cert, please take time, if only now and then, to pick up your musical instrument or take out your song folder. Music doesn't stop at age 18, it is for life. ​