Teaching
WORKSHOPS and CLASSES
SINGER WITHIN
This class is for anyone who wants to find or develop his or her voice. You will learn basic singing skills in a very safe environment where you can explore and develop your unique instrument - your voice. This is not a performance-oriented class, nor is it about building repertoire; it is a class where you get permission to find and bring your inner singer out to play while learning the basic skills of breath and body support.
Singer Within Classes are held regularly with Capitola Parks & Recreation Department:
IRISH TRADITIONAL SINGING
Sean-nós (old - style) singing defines Irish traditional singing. In this series of classes you will learn to sing some jewels from the Irish tradition as well as gain some understanding of the style. Songs will be taught in Irish (Gaelic) with the help of phonetics. The class builds repertoire, using repetition so it is important you attend all sessions to really learn the songs. The songs will be taught aurally (we will not use sheet music), so bring a recording device!
Irish traditional Singing classes are held regularly in Capitola, Santa Cruz on alternate Saturday mornings and in Berkeley once monthly at the Freight and Salvage Coffee House.
For questions, please email Mary Mc Laughlin
INDIVIDUAL LESSONS FOR ADULTS & TEENS
Individual lessons can either be 30 minutes, 45 minutes or 60 minutes long and you will get individual customized attention to:
• help you build your confidence
• acquire new skills
• make the transition from practicing to performing
All styles, ages and levels are welcome. Mary specializes in Irish / Gaelic singing style.
MARY'S TEACHING CREDENTIALS
Apart from over 25 years experience of being an international singer, performer and recording artist, Mary holds an MA in Ritual Chant and Song, a graduate certificate of general education and a certificate of vocal music education. She is also a certified life-coach and has spent many years studying performance technique in London and California.
Mary has spoken and sung in Gaelic since the age of eleven and has studied with some of the top Sean -nós (Gaelic) singers in Donegal today.
She has taught vocal and performance technique to adults through the United States at camps and festivals and spent over twenty years as both a classroom teacher and professional development provider for teachers.
She is currently the arts coordinator for county schools in Santa Cruz California as well as the director of Mary Mc Laughlin’s Cór Ainglí.
WHAT THE PARTICIPANT SAY
Mary was spectacular! Her professionalism, talent and enthusiasm meant that her students benefited from really excellent instruction. Her teaching style includes but is by no means limited to Irish singing. Her all camp workshops got everyone singing in an atmosphere that was supportive and creative; even a couple of folks who hadn’t sung since childhood responded positively to her work.
David Moore (Director North east Dulcimer Symposium, )
Mary Mc Laughlin, a fabulous Celtic musician, gave personalizes and supportive lessons in voice as well as the only meaningful and effective performance counter-anxiety advice that has ever worked for me!
Renee (Office Manager)
Mary Mc Laughlin’s workshops were inspirational. She has a magic way about her that brings people together and makes the hearts of those around her sing. Even her songs in Gaelic are presented in such a simple and engaging fashion that both children and adults could understand and participate. Mary Mc Laughlin is one of Ireland’s secret treasures.
Melanie (Storyteller, puppeteer)
I just wanted to let you know that I am a person with little talent for foreign language and music, but your workshop was easy, enlightening and fun, allowing me to learn Gaelic in a memorable way with song.
Francis (Health Inspector)
Mary Mc Laughlin’s workshops are magical! She leads you on the path to open your voice and your heart. You’ll learn folk tunes in English and Gaelic about the old days and the old ways as well as about mythological heroes and heroines of yesterday and today. the experience of one of these workshops will stay with you for ever.
Janet (Space Scientist)
Just wanted to say thank you for such a wonderful workshop. I really enjoyed learning new songs in a new language. In my voice classes I've learned songs in Italian, German, Spanish and French but haven't enjoyed them as much as the songs I learned today. I look forward to your book and CD with more music to learn!
Maureen