Singer

DEIRDRE MASTERSON BIOGRAPHY

Deirdre Masterson currently acts as Performing Arts Dean for Irish American University and director of The Irish College of Music Theatre, leading the introduction of Music Theatre into the Irish institution’s suite of educational offerings. Ms Masterson has an extensive background in performance- opera, operetta, recital, concert and recordings to critical acclaim.

A native from Gorey Co. Wexford, Deirdre started her music studies at a young age in the Wexford School of music under the direction of Alan Cutts. She made her Wexford International Opera Festival debut at the tender age of twelve playing the part of the “spirit,” in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas. Deirdre received a full scholarship to study opera and drama at third level with Dr. Veronica Dunne and graduated from DIT with an MMus. She made her professional operatic debut with Opera Ireland at eighteen playing the parts of “Sandman,” and “Dewfairy,” in Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel. She has many awards and accolades to her credit including the title of being the youngest singer ever to win the Gervase Elwes award at Feis Ceoil Dublin and winning a scholarship to study with the renowned Wagnarian soprano Astrid Varnay in Munich. Deirdre is a seasoned concert artist performing from our National Concert Hall to Carnegie Hall to critical acclaim.

A founding member of “The Irish Sopranos,” Deirdre has performed to sell out tours on both sides of the Atlantic over the last decade and enjoyed chart success with both their album releases “A Time for Us,” and “Believe.” Deirdre is a featured artist on many recordings including “Faith of our Fathers,” “Who fears to speak,” and her own album entitled “My Song.”

Recently Deirdre featured on American College Dublin’s single release of Phil Coulter’s “Scorn Not His Simplicity” reaching Number 1 in the Irish iTunes charts where all proceeds were donated to Down Syndrome Field of Dreams project.

In 2011, Deirdre formed The Irish College of Music Theatre – Ireland’s first Musical Theatre College providing fully accredited third level courses in business partnership with Dublin Institute of Technology. The Irish College of Music Theatre (IMT), currently boasts operating successful branches at The National Opera House and home town Gorey, Co. Wexford, nurturing young talent wishing to audition for the profession and/or progress onto third level performing arts programmes. Further developments include the delivery of The Young Artists Programme in association with The National Opera House, which is a specially designed course for aspiring young Irish classical singers wishing to embark on an international operatic career. This chosen cohort will officially be presented in Wexford’s International Opera Festival Fringe Event.

Deirdre is also very passionate about her vocal rehabilitation work, collaborating with ENT Surgeon Mark Rafferty and Speech and Language therapist Dr Ciaran Kenny promoting the well-being of vocal health care.

Deirdre is a regular guest speaker and tutor to visiting institutions including Trinity College Dublin and very much enjoys performing in operas, concerts and recitals outside of her academic commitments.

TESTIMONIAL

RYAN HENNESSY

I cannot speak highly enough of Deirdre and how much she has helped me look after my voice correctly. I would have never been able to do the 5 nights in the 3 Arena without her, she really was a life saver.

Since starting to work with her I have never gone on stage without using one of her warm ups and of course her warm downs too afterwards!

As well as being fantastic at her job she is a lovely soul and a joy to work with also!

TESTIMONIAL

LEA HEART

Deirdre really is one of a kind. Since working with her, I’ve never gone on stage worrying about singing any of my songs, hitting certain notes or not having enough breath.

She is a highly skilled and talented vocal coach, who listens to your needs & helps in every way she can. She has allowed me to progress greatly as a vocalist and in turn my confidence has shot up as a performer.

I couldn’t recommend working with Deirdre enough, she is an incredible teacher who is patient and understanding.

TESTIMONIAL

DAVID WHELAN

I cannot thank Deirdre enough for how much she has helped me understand my voice for the first time.

Being a touring artist and doing back to back shows I have noticed a huge difference in my vocal stamina, all down to the vocal warms ups/techniques Deirdre has thought me.

The knowledge, love and care she puts into each lesson is second to none!

TESTIMONIAL

KILLIAN DONNELLY

I’ve been lucky enough to be invited in to work with students of Deirdre Masterson studying musical theatre, and the one thing I loved to see was the building of confidence. As an actor working in the West End and Broadway, I wished I had been afforded this opportunity as a young performer, as I believe it makes you a better actor, allows you to make stronger choices and helps you to deal with the auditioning process. I was particularly impressed with the strong emphasis on focusing on each individual’s respective talent and drawing out what was best for them. I welcome the opportunity to work with Deirdre’s students again and look forward to seeing future productions.

TESTIMONIAL

KELLI-ANN MASTERSON

Deirdre has been my teacher for many years and has helped me navigate my way in to the professional opera industry.

She has an incredible knowledge of the voice and the mental, physical and technical requirements needed to achieve the best out of your instrument. Deirdre possesses the ability to communicate clearly with her students.

Deirdre is a very personable teacher who can inspire confidence and has helped me through any vocal challenges I’ve faced. I would highly recommend Deirdre, she has the knowledge, skill and patience to make a real difference and does so in the most kind and compassionate way.

TESTIMONIAL

DEARBHLA COLLINS

I have worked with Deirdre Masterson over many years and she is a very talented singer and teacher. She has a depth of knowledge off vocal technique and repertoire and this , married to wonderful communication skills, makes her a superb teacher. Her students are focussed and have a great work ethic.

Dearbhla Collins
Assistant Head of Music, National Opera Studio, London
Vocal Coach, RIAM
Artistic Director, Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition

TESTIMONIAL

NIAMH MURPHY

Deirdre is a generous and skilled vocal coach. She has an amazing ability to attune to your voices particular needs, and always teaches with your personal goals in mind. I couldn’t recommend her more!

TESTIMONIAL

LYNETTE BEECHEY

I remember seeing Deirdre perform in a concert shortly after I moved back to Ireland. Her performance was so powerful, moving and honest, that I knew this was the person I wanted to continue my training with having studied opera whilst in the UK. It was Deirdre that gave me the tools and confidence to push my abilities and unlock parts of my voice I didn't know were there. She has an incredible understanding of all aspects of the voice and performance, along with a natural ability to put you at ease and communicate in a way that you, as an individual can relate to and understand. I would highly recommend Deirdre Masterson as a vocal coach whose wealth of experience and knowledge are an asset to any singer/performer.

TESTIMONIAL

GRACE KEHOE

Deirdre is an incredible teacher, second to none in her knowledge, patience and dedication to her students’ vocal and performative development. Having been taught by Deirdre for a decade, I have personal experience of the impact of her uniquely student-centred style of teaching, which has allowed me to progress and grow as a singer and performer, while also helping me to become a more confident and self-assured individual overall.

TESTIMONIAL

OWEN GILHOOLY

Having worked with Deirdre as both singer, teacher and producer, I can heartily testify to her ability to share her knowledge, craft & experience in a most natural and positive way, creating events and opportunities for singers across many genres in a healthy and progressive manner & building key skills in the ever -changing world of the vocal arts’

TESTIMONIAL

BRI-ELLE-FINN

Deirdre has been my singing teacher for many years now. Throughout this time, my confidence on stage has grown, my repertoire has expanded and I have seen a huge improvement not only in my vocal technique but also in my overall level of performance.

TESTIMONIAL

PAUL MURPHY

Being taught by Deirdre has advanced my vocal technique, acting through song abilities and overall performance skills. Deirdre also instils a confidence and a professionalism of which I am extremely grateful to be categorised as one of her students.