Mary Amond O'Brien
CONDUCTOR-ANIMATEUR & SONG LEADER
“I define myself as a Conductor-Animateur because my goal is to enliven—to bring the subject to life. I facilitate singers to transform their natural musical knowledge into actively engaged, meaningful music-making.”
My journey into choral conducting was not a straight line. Like many, I started as what I call the “Accidental Choral Director”—asked by a principal or a community member to step in and lead. That moment sparked a lifelong mission: to ensure that no child is left behind in music education and that singing becomes a socially acceptable, celebrated endeavour for everyone, especially young boys.
Animateur
Why “Animateur”?
I prefer this title over “Conductor” because an animateur is a promoter of artistic projects—someone who encourages. My role is not to dictate, but to make it easy for singers to transform their learned knowledge into art. It is about breathing music into life.
Philosophy
My Philosophy in Practice
We are all born with a musical instrument. The voice is the foundation of all music education—instantly accessible, inclusive, and free.
I believe in an “Inside-Out” approach. Music isn’t just about reading notes on a page; it is a somatic experience that integrates the body, mind and spirit. The voice is our built-in instrument, as the wooden casing is to a violin. You cannot separate the singer from the song, nor the voice from the body.
My teaching style is energetic and engaging, but it leads with presence rather than power. I strive to create a relaxed environment where excellence is nourished from day one. By removing auditions and barriers, we prove that artistry is not reserved for the “talented” few, but is an innate potential in all of us.
My mission is two-pronged: to have ‘no child left behind’ and to ensure singing becomes a socially acceptable endeavour for young children.
Influence
The Journey & Influences
My work has been deeply shaped by pivotal educational experiences. In 1997, I engaged with Dr. Doreen Rao’s Choral Music Experience (CME) Institute. Returning year after year, her teachings on artistry and education became the bedrock of my practice.
Later, attending the Westminster Conducting Course with James Jordan in 2006 transformed my understanding of gesture. I learned that a conductor’s movement is not just time-keeping—it is a physical manifestation of the music itself, awakening the singers from the podium.
My Work
Key Projects & Achievements
I am most proud of the moments where I watch singers transform in front of me. Whether working with Aspiro, Cór na nÓg, or the Carlow Community Choir, the goal remains the same: meaningful engagement.
- Aspiro: A non-auditioned ensemble that proved high standards are achieved through process, not exclusivity.
- Fauré Requiem (2006): A cross-art collaboration in Carlow Cathedral where young singers used photography and light boxes to interpret the text, surrounding the audience with their personal vision of the Requiem.
- SING SYNC: Continuing the mission of community singing and connection.