Irene Dunne

VOCAL COACH

Music was always part of my life, something we lived rather than simply listened to. My parents, Des and Kay, were a well-known folk duo; my brother Patrick, an award-winning MD, has toured with Riverdance and Phil Coulter.

After completing my Music degree at University College Dublin, life took unexpected turns: retail, IT, Australia, and eventually running my father's shoe franchise. None of it suggested that I would one day become a vocal coach.

Then, in 2008, shortly after my father's passing, I was cast as Yum Yum, a high soprano, in a local production of The Off Mikado. There was just one problem: I wasn't one. My voice, light and breathy, was much happier sitting with the altos.

Searching for a solution, I discovered a book in my brother's studio: Singing for the Stars by Seth Riggs. I worked through the exercises every day, and gradually, notes that had seemed impossible became accessible. It wasn't perfect, but it was possible, and it showed me that the voice could be trained. I became fascinated by the entire process of developing my voice.

I began wondering whether, if it worked for me, I could help others too. I tracked down Andrés Martorell, Ireland's only accredited Speech Level Singing teacher at the time, and sent an email that changed my life. Years of training and certifications followed, eventually culminating in a Master's in Voice Pedagogy. Since then, I have taught well over 10,000 hours and lectured at leading music institutions.

My career has never been about creating perfect singers. It's about helping people discover what their voice is capable of, and seeing them realise they can do something they once believed was impossible. That feeling never gets old, and it's still the reason I teach today.

Contact Irene

About The Work

  • Over the past 15 years, I've studied and explored a wide range of vocal teaching methods, building a "toolkit" that allows me to adapt to the individual singer. I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Every voice is different, so I work collaboratively with each client to discover what works for their voice.

  • I see the voice as a giant puzzle, and together we experiment, explore and find the pieces that make it all come together. Ultimately, it's about giving each singer the right tools to understand, develop and discover what their voice is capable of — while making the process creative, empowering and fun.

  • Learning a musical instrument can be hard, and singers in particular can put a huge amount of pressure on themselves because their voice can feel so closely connected to their identity. Sometimes, it's good to release that pressure valve with a bit of laughter. Research into learning and pedagogy suggests that play can help us explore, experiment and learn more effectively. And that suits me just fine! If I see a glint of humour in a client's eye, we might have a laugh, invent a game or set ourselves a challenge. But play doesn't mean every lesson has to be loud or high-energy. I've worked with many neurodivergent singers who thrive in a calm, structured learning environment, and that can be just as enjoyable and rewarding.

  • While I've studied the voice in great detail over the years, I also study the art of teaching — another fascination of mine. Having lots of knowledge about the voice is one thing; having the tools to communicate that knowledge in a way that suits each client's unique learning style is what makes the difference.

  • True tone-deafness is actually quite rare. If you're having trouble singing the right notes, there can be a variety of reasons for this, and it doesn't necessarily mean you can't learn to sing. Sometimes, you simply haven't yet learned how to coordinate all the different parts of your voice, from low to high, or how to hear and reproduce the notes accurately.

  • We can take our time and help your voice figure out how to navigate those notes. There will be little wins along the way, and it's lovely to look back and see just how far you've come. We all have a different starting point — the only important thing is to get started.

Testimonials

  • Doireann McNally (Professional young performer)

    I started lessons with Irene when I was 8, just before I sang solo on the Late Late Toy Show. Since then she’s helped me prepare for my solo on Irish Women in Harmony’s Christmas single and for auditions that led to me originating Nell in Toy Show the Musical and Young Jenna in the 13 Going on 30 staged workshop production in London. She’s also helped me with loads of other auditions, even for film and TV roles.

    What I love most is that Irene never makes anything feel pressured. She understands my voice and my hypermobility, and teaches me how to sing safely while still challenging myself. I’ve learned SO much, we have such good laughs in lessons, and I always feel completely comfortable with her. I couldn’t imagine my singing life without her ❤️

  • Josh Keating

    Josh Keating (Singer/Songwriter)

    Irene played a pivotal role in my vocal journey. Her encouragement, expertise, and belief in me helped me grow in both confidence and ability. I'm so grateful for her guidance and would highly recommend her to anyone looking to develop their voice.

  • Cormac Todd (Singer/Songwriter)

    Irene’s knowledge and expertise has been transformative for my vocal health and practice as I’ve progressed with my singing career over the last few years.

    Understanding the tools to maintain a healthy voice for the studio and the taxing demands of live performance is absolutely essential for any singer. Thanks to Irene, I’ve been able to sustain and develop my voice without the set backs so many singers face.

  • Jim McHugh

    Jim McHugh (Singer/Songwriter)

    I have found Irene’s lessons invaluable to me as a singer songwriter. I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey of finding & improving my voice and learning so much about this incredible instrument we all possess. Without her, I would still be wondering if I could pull this off and to sing my own songs would be a pipe dream.

  • Eva McMahon

    Eva McMahon (Musical Theatre performer)

    Irene’s expertise in vocals is truly mesmerising! I started singing lessons with her at 9 years old and her encouraging teaching methods have always stood to me! Whether it is to achieve distinctions in RIAM exams or to polish a performance, Irene genuinely can do it all! I have been lucky enough to perform on “The Late Late Toy Show”, Win All Ireland Singing Competitions, Play multiple different roles like ‘Fiona’ in Shrek, ‘Rizzo’ in Grease and the list goes on but I couldn’t have excelled to this level without Irene’s training! Her knowledge of the voice is what makes her teaching so special as you don’t only do the vocal exercise, but you understand why it can help your voice and therefore can utilise it. I could not recommend Irene enough!

  • David Jenkins

    David Jenkins (choral singer)

    I love singing and have been lucky enough to sing chorally at many prestigious venues around the world including the Royal Albert Hall. I was recommended to get in touch with Irene Dunne. Since that time, Irene has helped me develop further as a singer and has extended my range significantly. As a vocal coach she has, quite simply, been excellent.

  • Celia Richard (Jazz singer/Artist)

    At age 50 I got paid for a gig for the first time. I would not have had the nerve to step on that stage and experience singing with seasoned jazz musicians. I’m working on my bridges and airflow, finding my real voice and believing I can get more opportunities. Irene magically finds and nurtures every talent, no matter how well hidden!

  • Terrie-Louise Duff (Singer/Songwriter)

    I started vocal training with Irene having lost confidence in my vocal abilities. and it's been the best decision I have ever made. She has shown me how to use my instrument with confidence. It's such a safe and cosy environment where you can relax and be yourself. Irene has given me the tools to get my confidence back.

  • Terrence O'Connor

    Terrence O'Connor (Singer/Songwriter)

    My singing career took off when Irene took me on as a rock singer It started a journey that thanks to Irene’s massive enthusiasm for her students, took me into singing classics from musicals and popular standards and gave me the confidence to take RIAM exams. I am hoping to have an EP soon!

Services

Vocal Coaching /
Mentorship

One-to-one vocal coaching and mentorship built around you: your voice, your goals, your pace. Whether you're preparing for a recording or tour, a role or audition, building confidence on stage, or want to sing more freely, sessions combine proven vocal technique with real results.

Vocal Workshops /
Masterclasses

Vocal workshops and masterclasses built around technique and vocal health, for singers or voice users who want to understand their instrument, not just use it. Sessions can be adapted to suit the specific needs of your group (Gym instructors, Primary and secondary teachers etc.). They often include practical exercises backed up by science: breath, resonance, range, and care for the voice long term. Energetic, hands on, and genuinely useful, whatever your level.

Group Work for Choirs /
Ensembles

Vocal coaching for choirs, musical theatre ensembles and stage schools, focused on the sound a group makes together. Workshops that build blend, breath, and healthy technique across every voice part. Consultancy service where we listen and offer advice to augment the work that has already been done by the group e.g in preparation for a competition or show. These are facilitated by myself and award winning MD Patrick Dunne BMus.

Teacher Training /
Mentorship

Mentorship for voice teachers, From those who are starting their journey to established teachers who are looking to further develop their skill set. Sessions cover the latest exciting developments in research, vocal technique, pedagogy, and the instincts that come only with experience: how to listen, adapt, and guide a student toward their own breakthrough. Practical, honest, and grounded in thousands of real hours spent teaching in the room.