Our Teachers

Our teachers are Garda vetted, qualified in First Aid and hold a high level of qualification in their field

Alize Comerford ~ Director & Head Vocal Coach

Alize’s dedication to music education is evident through her strong academic background and extensive professional experience. Her musical journey began at the age of five, and she now brings over 25 years of experience in singing, performing, and vocal training.

Alize holds a first-class honours degree in Performance from the Waterford Institute of Technology, which laid a solid foundation for her work as a professional singer and educator. Building on this, she was awarded a Master’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Limerick, where she developed a deep understanding of effective teaching methodologies, vocal pedagogy, and student-centred learning.

In addition to her formal qualifications, Alize has trained with some of Ireland’s most respected vocal coaches and singing teachers. She is also a certified Vocal Health First Aider, equipping her with specialist knowledge in vocal health awareness, early identification of vocal issues, and safe vocal practice. This qualification allows her to support students not only artistically, but also in maintaining long-term vocal wellbeing.

This combination of academic excellence, professional training, and vocal health expertise ensures that Alize delivers high-quality, informed, and responsible vocal education to every student she works with.

Creating a fun environment is one of the main elements of successful teaching. It is important that all students enjoy their lessons and leave with a smile

Amy Cooke ~ Assistant Director & Vocal Coach

Amy is a primary school teacher in Kilkenny City with a Bachelor of Education Degree from the Marino Institute of Education. Amy has a long history in the performing arts, she has worked with many school choirs and has participated in choral events such as Peace Proms and Laudate.

Growing up, Amy was a member of Jesters Stage Academy and Dancewise. She was also a member of the Presentation Kilkenny Competition Choir and studied as a voice student with Veronica McCarron where she was awarded the Bronze, Silver and Gold Medal in the Royal Irish Academy of Music singing examinations. She is currently a member of the local Lady Desart choir and took part in the Virtual Voices choir.

For me singing is all about having fun, promoting well-being and developing confidence. I look forward to bringing my love and passion for music to the children I teach each day.

Niamh Sheehy - Singing Teacher & Assistant Director

Niamh Sheehy is a Classically trained soprano based in Kilkenny. She began her training at the age of fourteen under the guidance of Veronica McCarron. Niamh went on to join the Aris Celebration Choir under the direction of Mrs. McCarron where she toured across Ireland.

Niamh was a soloist in venues such as Phoenix Park, The Bord Gais Energy Theatre, The National Concert Hall Dublin and many more.

Niamh went on to further her studies in the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM), studying under the world-renowned Dr.Veronica Dunne. She completed her Studies in RIAM with the incredible Lynda Lee after Dr. Dunne’s retirement. Niamh went on to graduate with First Class Honours in a Bachelor in Music Performance through Trinity College Dublin and RIAM.

Jonathan Campedelli ~ Piano, Guitar & Ukulele Teacher

Jonathan started his musical journey in Brazil at the age of 12 when he began studying the piano and guitar in both classical and popular genres. He participated in conservatories and acquired his professional title from the OMB – Order of Brazilian Musicians.

He taught piano at the Culture Center UFLA – Federal University of Lavras and worked for several years as a composer of instrumental music for games.

With more than 13 years of experience, he developed his own teaching method in Brazil and is delighted to share his knowledge with the students of Alize’s School of Singing

Each person's learning abilities are different, so my teaching is always fun and dynamic and suits each student as best as possible.

Hannah Fanning - Piano Teacher

Hannah Fanning is a dedicated student at St. Patrick’s College, DCU, where she is pursuing a degree in Music and Religious Studies at the post-primary level. Her musical journey began at the age of twelve, and she has since received classical training in piano from the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM).
Hannah has a proven track record of supporting young students in enhancing their confidence and skills in both music and academics.
Upon completing her degree, Hannah aims to leverage her expertise to contribute to the success of students at Alize’s School of Singing.

Tom Winters - Guitar Teacher & Music Technician

Tom Winters began playing guitar at the age of nine and has been deeply involved in music ever since. By thirteen, he was performing live, starting with youth club fundraisers before progressing to main stages the following year. With extensive experience in the local music scene, Tom has performed across a wide range of genres and settings, bringing a wealth of real-world performance insight to his teaching.

He holds qualifications in sound engineering and music production, which enhance his creative and technical approach to music. This background allows him to offer students a well-rounded understanding of both performance and the practical aspects of music-making.

As an educator, Tom believes that lessons should be enjoyable, engaging, and tailored to each student’s individual needs. His goal is to inspire students to develop their own unique style and sound on the guitar, fostering a love for playing that drives genuine progress. Tom is delighted to share his passion and expertise with the students of Alize’s School of Singing.

Hannah Barrett - Singing Teacher

Hannah has been performing from a very young age , taking part in stageschools, pantomimes and in secondary school was a member of Castlecomer Community School Choir. At age fifteen she began singing lessons with Regina Hanley and performed as a soloist and as part of an ensemble at various school events and competitions.

Hannah graduated from the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance with a BA in Voice in 2021 and furthered her studies by completing the BAST Singing Teacher Training course. Since graduating she has performed backing vocals for Jean McGlynn in The Limerick Jazz Festival, has been a stand-in conductor for the Castlecomer Male Voice Choir, performed in the National Concert Hall in IYMT’s production of Evita and Kilkenny Musical Society productions “The Addams Family” ( 2022) and “The Sound of Music” (2024). In June 2025 she took part in the first annual “Where Voices Meet Roots” concert in Castlecomer as a featured soloist.

Katie O'Flaherty - Singing & Piano Teacher

Katie started her music training at the age of 5 and has been performing ever since. Katie graduated Maynooth University with a Bachelor of Music Degree (Hons). While studying at Maynooth she majored in voice and excelled at advanced keyboard skills. She has a love for helping students to sing safely and recently became a VHE Vocal Health First Aider. 

She has won multiple awards including ‘Choir of the world’ with the Maynooth chamber choir and the RIAM higher achiever award for grade 8 classical singing. She has also supported multi- platinum award winning singer Liam Lawton in concert on multiple occasions. Katie has sung with various choirs over the years such as the RTE Philharmonic choir. She is currently a member of the Schola Gregoriana Maynooth and Fuaimlaoi.

Katie has been teaching students of all ages for many years and in many different styles. Her focus is that the students have fun in their lessons while achieving their goals. She has helped many with everything from performing onstage for the first time to playing piano while singing or getting into their music college courses. Her students have achieved high exam results in singing and piano exams and achieved awards such as the RIAM Spotlight award.

Ailbhe McCabe Crowe - Drama Teacher

Ailbhe is currently studying to be a Drama Teacher completing a Higher Diploma in Drama Education in Griffith College. With 15 years of experience in both production houses and UK broadcasting, Ailbhe has a wealth of knowledge of the children’s tv and film industry. She is currently working full time for the Oscar nominated Cartoon Saloon as their Development Producer. At Cartoon Saloon, Ailbhe oversees their development slate, a wide range of original and adapted animation projects and feature films.

Prior to joining Cartoon Saloon, Ailbhe worked for the highly regarded Channel 5’s Milkshake! and Nickelodeon in London for 7 years and animation studio JAM Media in Dublin for 3 years. At Channel 5 she gained invaluable knowledge of the workings of children’s broadcasting and tv show development.

Prior to completing her degree in Media Studies and Irish, Ailbhe completed her grades in Speech and Drama with the Leinster School of Speech and Drama and she was even in a 6 part tv drama series
produced by Abú Media which aired on TG4 and BBC2.

I know Speech and Drama definitely made a difference to my life, it gave me an outlet to be creative, it gave me confidence, it allowed me to find my voice and know my worth. I want to be able to give that back to kids now.