Mary Amond O'Brien
Breathing Music Into Life
Empowering singers and leaders to transform innate musical knowledge into actively engaged, meaningful music-making.
More Than Conducting. Animating
"I facilitate singers and group-singing leaders to transform their natural and learned musical knowledge into actively engaged, meaningful music-making."
An animateur is someone who brings a subject to life. Whether I am standing before a choir of 60 children or a room of hesitant teachers, my goal is to awaken the musician inside.
My mission is two-pronged: to have ‘no child left behind’ and to ensure singing becomes a socially acceptable endeavour for young children.
Mary Amond O’Brien is an Irish treasure... A Master-Teacher, changing the life of every child she teaches.
Doreen Rao
FOUNDING DIRECTOR, CME INSTITUTE
"Mary has created so many life changing opportunities for us... giving us the chance to mature and experience life, not just musically, but in every way possible."
– Aspiro Choir Member
"Seeing a new song taught to the children showed the practical over theory - this is what I came to learn about. Now I have lots of tools and fun exercises. Giving us the chance to mature and experience life, not just musically, but in every way possible."
– Summer Course Participant
Mastery & Momentum:
For Leaders at Every Stage
Whether you are the “Accidental Choral Director”stepping onto the podium for the first time, or a seasoned professional seeking new levels of artistic and pedagogical mastery, this platform is for you.
If you’re new, you might feel unsure about gesture and repertoire. If you are experienced, you may be seeking renewed inspiration, deeper connection with your singers, or advanced techniques to achieve that ultimate “oneness” of sound.
The Goal
- Uplifted
- Inspired
- Awakened
- Vulnerable yet Safe
Are You Leading With Presence or Power?
For the Music Teacher, the Choir Leader and the “Accidental” Director
The Accidental Director
Skilled in music but thrust into leading a choir without the specific conducting tools? You aren’t alone.
Engaging Young Voices
Struggling to keep boys engaged? My approach makes singing an acceptable, exciting endeavour for all.
Artistry from Day One
Move beyond “teaching the notes.” Create a relaxed, fun environment where excellence is nourished.
The "Inside-Out" Approach
My philosophy centres on the belief that the act of singing cannot be separated from the body.
Your physical presence, posture, and breath control are the foundation of your voice. We bypass external pressures and technical jargon, starting with what is already innately present.
By focusing on the integration of breath, mind, body, and spirit, we unlock a richer, more authentic vocal experience for every singer, regardless of age or skill level.
BREATH
MIND
BODY
SPIRIT
For The Conductor & Teacher
Practical, hands-on development. No dry theory—just active music making.
Conducting & Gesture
Learn how your physical movement directly influences sound. Move beyond time-beating to gesture that awakens the singer’s breath and spirit.
Repertoire & Pedagogy
Discover repertoire with meaningful texts and appropriate pedagogy to teach group singing effectively.
School Residencies
“Children First, Voice First.” I work with schools to establish singing cultures where no child is left behind and boys feel confident to sing.
— Upcoming Workshop
Practical Rehearsal Leadership
Every Minute Counts
Empowering singers and leaders to transform innate musical knowledge into actively engaged, meaningful music-making.
Date
Saturday 23rd May 2026
Duration
10am to 5pm
Location
Askea Parish Centre, Carlow. R93 FP22
Places
Limited to 20