Vocal Clinician

Dr. Deirdre Masterson continues her training and research on laryngeal anatomy and physiology of phonation, training in the rehabilitation of injured voices, and other special voice education by attending regular training events with British Vocal Association, and The Irish Voice SIG. She is also a member of the International Voice Foundation Association in the US. Dr. Masterson’s continued research for publication investigates “Vocal Injury and Identity Disruption: A Phenomenological Study of Professional Singers’ Lived Experiences and the Implications for Reframing Multidisciplinary Voice Care in Ireland”.

Dr Deirdre Masterson and Dr Michael T Dawson sign contracts at The Lark, the new home for ACD’s Performing Arts programmes.

As a vocal rehabilitation clinician, it is essential to work as part of a Voice Team. Dr. Masterson is very fortunate to work alongside Ireland’s leading practitioners -ENT specialist Dr Mark Rafferty from St Vincent’s Hospital and Speech and Language therapist Dr. Ciaran Kenny from Trinity College Dublin. This dynamic team with their respective areas of expertise are positively collaborating, providing Ireland’s first Voice Clinic and gaining results and referrals on an international level.

As an Laryngologist I frequently see people whom are experiencing difficulties with their singing voice. Often these difficulties can affect the ordinary day to day use of their speaking voice as well. Once there is no abnormalities of the vocal cords accounting for these problems, patients usually require voice therapy.

I have collaborated with Deirdre on a number of such patients over the last 3 years with great success. In my opinion, it’s her own personal experience that gives her a great empathy and understanding of the demands on both the professional and amateur recreational singer.

Furthermore, She has developed a great understanding of anatomy of the larynx, as well as a very comprehensive and progressive approach to vocal techniques.

Deirdre has both a personal understanding of the art of singing coupled with a sound scientific understanding of the science behind it.

Mr Mark Rafferty
M.D, F.R.C.S.I.(ORL),
M.Sc. (Voice Path)

As one would expect, Dr. Masterson has a completely different approach to working with patients who have vocal injuries or problems to training a healthy voice. Her excellent and attuned ear, along with her experience and kind, approachable manner immediately gives the patient the knowledge and assurance required for the initial consultation and follow up treatment sessions.

Deirdre and I have worked together for several years to help performers with voice difficulties rehabilitate and rediscover their instrument. Her knowledge of the art and science of voice, her positive demeanour, and her vast experience of the field have been simply invaluable.

Dr. Ciaran Kenny
(Trinity College Dublin)

Featured Clients

Featured clients include: Dermot Kennedy, Gavin James, Kodaline, Picture This, Damien Dempsey, Mary Black, Danny O’Reilly, Aaron Rowe, Allie Sherlock, BoyzLife, Susan McFadden, Essiray, Lea Heart, Wild Youth, Connor McKeown, Kelli Ann Masterson, Karla Tracey, Rachel Goode, Eurovision Vocal Coach, Celtic Woman, Riverdance, Brian Horgan, Cathal Gavin, Aoife Dunne, Hannah McRoche, Aisling Bonnar, Laura Doyle, Megan Pottinger.

Boyzlife

Gavin James

Damien Dempsey

Danny O’Reilly

Picture This

Kodaline

Allie Sherklock

Susan McFadden

Essiray

Wild Youth

Mary Black

Lea Heart

Karla Tracey

Brian Horgan

Kelli-Ann Masterson

Aaron Rowe

Aisling Bonnar

Aoife Dunne

Eurovision Vocal Coach

Hannah McRoche

Cathal Gavin

Connor McKeown

Celtic Woman

Laura Doyle

Megan Pottinger

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.

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.