Irene Dunne

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.

VOCAL COACH

Contact Irene

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 auditions, building confidence on stage, a recording or want to sing more freely, sessions combine proven vocal technique with real results. No perfect voices here, just steady, fun, honest progress toward the singer you're becoming.

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.

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. Sessions build blend, breath, and healthy technique across every voice part, so singers support each other instead of straining to be heard. Practical and encouraging, helping the whole group sound stronger, freer, and more confident together. These are facilitated by myself and award winning MD Patrick Dunne BMus.

Testimonials

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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!