Meet the tutors at
The Glasgow School of Music

Step into the extraordinary world of music education at the Glasgow School of Music, where our dynamic team of tutors brings passion, expertise, and a commitment to excellence to every lesson. Our tutors aren't just educators; they are the heart and soul of our vibrant musical community.

At the Glasgow School of Music, we believe in the transformative power of music, and our tutors embody this belief through their dedication to nurturing aspiring musicians. Beyond their technical prowess, our tutors are passionate mentors, guiding students on a journey of self-discovery and musical expression.

Immerse yourself in an environment where creativity flourishes, and teaching goes beyond the conventional. Our tutors are more than instructors; they are collaborators, inspiring students to explore their unique musical voices and fostering a deep love for the art.

Join us in celebrating the diverse talents of our tutors, each bringing their own musical expertise and teaching style to our community. At the Glasgow School of Music, we invite you to discover the difference that dedicated and passionate tutors can make in your musical journey.

Ready to embark on a musical adventure with us? Explore the world of possibilities with our exceptional team of tutors at the Glasgow School of Music, where every note is an opportunity for growth, expression, and musical excellence.

Paul Murray

Director
Piano | Composition | Theory

Meet Paul, a dedicated pianist at The Glasgow School of Music, who has devoted his life to mastering the art of music with over a decade of teaching experience. Having worked with industry luminaries like composer Paul Mealor and Prof. Nigel Clayton, a senior professor at the Royal College of Music in London, Paul brings a wealth of expertise to his role as the founder of our school.

Driven by the belief that music is a universal language, Paul is committed to making music lessons accessible to everyone in the Central Belt of Scotland. Drawing on his vast experience and knowledge, he directs his focus on providing the highest quality education to each student.

Paul's performances have taken him worldwide, playing for prestigious audiences, including HRH Queen Camilla and the late HRH Queen Elizabeth II & HRH Prince Phillip. Notably, he performed the Scottish premiere of Martinu’s Piano Concerto for Left Hand Alone, showcasing his technical ability and artistic skill.

Paul's inspiring journey, chronicled in the popular documentary "Chopin Changed My Life," aired on Channel 4 and made headlines globally. The documentary delves into Paul’s overcoming of a major life event, becoming a master of transcribing challenging piano music for the left hand alone. His story is one of perseverance, determination, and an unwavering passion for music.

For those seeking a highly experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate teacher, Paul is the perfect choice. His unmatched ability to inspire and motivate students, coupled with his dedication to the craft, makes him an exceptional guide on your musical journey. Join Paul today and experience the joy of music like never before.

Sarah Power

Administrator
Voice | Piano

Meet Sarah, a Dublin-born professional opera singer and voice teacher with a BMus and MMus from the TU Conservatory in Dublin. Sarah's passion for music education led her to obtain a Postgraduate Diploma in Performance from The Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. She further honed her skills at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London and the National Opera Studio before joining Scottish Opera as an Emerging Artist, eventually making Glasgow her home.

Sarah's impressive career includes performances with Welsh National Opera, Buxton Opera Festival, Wexford Festival Opera, Irish National Opera, and Scottish Opera. Notable roles include her debut as Rodelinda in Handel’s production with Scottish Opera and participation in premieres like Hazel: Made in Belfast at Carnegie Hall, New York, and Janice Kerbel’s Turner Prize-nominated work DOUG at Tramway, Glasgow.

Since 2013, Sarah has been actively involved with Scottish Opera’s Education Department and the Scottish Opera Young Company, working with talented young performers aged 16-21. As an ISM-Registered Private Teacher, Sarah welcomes students of all ages and abilities, offering expertise in classical, opera, musical theatre, folk, and pop music. Her DBS/PVG Enhanced Disclosure certification ensures a safe learning environment for working with children or vulnerable adults.

Whether you aspire to sing solo or join a choir for pure enjoyment, Sarah can guide you in discovering your true voice. From improving breathing techniques and posture to building confidence and expanding your repertoire, she is here to help you achieve your musical goals.

Corina Ignat

Voice | Piano

Meet Corina, a Romanian-born opera singer who has honed her craft through rigorous training and an impressive array of performances. After earning both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin, Corina continues to build her career across some of the UK's most prestigious opera stages.

Her dedication to opera has led her to work with esteemed institutions such as Glyndebourne Opera Festival, Irish National Opera, Wexford Festival Opera, and the Grange Festival. Notable roles in her repertoire include Marie in La fille du régiment, the Stepmother in Cinderella, Dame 3 in L'aube rouge, and Nella in Gianni Schicchi, all with Wexford Festival Opera, as well as the Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute and Arminda
in La finta giardiniera with RIAM Opera.

In addition to her operatic achievements, Corina has performed as a soprano soloist in major concert works, including Bach's Cantata BWV 191 and Walton’s Missa Brevis at the National Concert Hall in Dublin. She was also featured in the Rising Stars concert at Limerick University Concert Hall.

Her talent has been recognised with First Prize in both the Irene Sandford Competition for Singers and the Geoghegan Cup Competition. Since embarking on her professional journey, Corina has also dedicated herself to music education, sharing her expertise with aspiring singers of all ages and levels.

Additionally, she teaches piano up to Grade 4, offering students a solid foundation in musicianship. Whether you're looking to develop your classical technique, explore the operatic repertoire, or improve your piano skills, Corina offers tailored lessons designed to help you find and refine your unique voice and musicianship.

She is committed to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment, ensuring each student reaches their full potential.

Lalleh Memar

Flute | Piano

Lalleh embarked on her musical journey as a flute/piano double major student at the Conservatorium High School, a renowned music institution in Sydney. Since then, her talent has graced Sydney’s major concert venues, including the Sydney Opera House concert hall, Verbrugghen Hall, NSW Government House, and the Sydney Conservatorium Recital Halls. Notable accolades include a Young Artist scholarship at the Flutes In Tuscany summer course in 2022, where she performed a captivating recital in the Chiesa di Tereglio. She also earned a bursary for the Scottish International Flute Summer School, engaging in enriching masterclasses and workshops with esteemed musicians like Wissam Boustany, Ian Clarke, and Andre Cebrian.

Lalleh's accomplishments extend to being a featured soloist in the Festival of Instrumental Music Sydney Opera House Concert Series in 2018 and 2019. In 2019, she reached the finals of the prestigious Australian Flute Festival International Flute Young Artist Competition.

Adding to her impressive credentials, Lalleh obtained her Australian Board of Music (AMEB) Cmus Piano and AmusA Flute diplomas in 2017 and 2018, respectively. She actively collaborates with her flute duo ensemble, Sonora Duo, and recently participated in a chamber music recital as part of the Wellington Concert Series in Glasgow. Additionally, Lalleh was a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and Chineke! Junior Orchestra this year.

Beyond her performances, Lalleh shares her passion for music by teaching flute, piano, and music theory to students of all ages and abilities. Join Lalleh in exploring the world of music, where her expertise and enthusiasm create a vibrant and inclusive learning environment.

Charis Tse

Flute | Piano | Theory

Meet Charis, a classically trained flautist hailing from New Jersey, USA, with a rich and diverse musical background. She has been an integral part of various ensembles, ranging from a cappella groups and choirs to jazz bands and symphony orchestras. After relocating to Scotland, Charis achieved distinction in her ABRSM Grade 8 Flute performance and ARSM Flute Diploma. Currently pursuing a degree in Medicine at the University of Glasgow, she serves as the principal flautist for the university orchestra, Kelvin Ensemble.

Charis started playing both the flute and piano at age 9. Today, her piano studies serve mostly as a solid musical foundation, but in the past, she competed in numerous Jersey Shore piano competitions, run mainly by Shore Music Educators Association. In 2018, winning one of such competitions gave her the opportunity to perform at the renowned Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Drawing from her extensive musical experience, Charis embraces an open-minded approach to music education. Her teaching style is designed to foster a student's passion by exploring a variety of musical genres and repertoire, all while ensuring a solid technical foundation. Recognizing that each student begins with unique goals, Charis adopts a flexible teaching style that accommodates students of all ages and abilities. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced musician, Charis is dedicated to helping you explore your musical passion and reach your full potential.

Gabriela Jaros

Flute | Piano

Meet Gabriela, a talented flute player hailing from Poland, where she distinguished herself as a member of The Cracow Youth Philharmonic Orchestra and The International Lutoslawski Youth Orchestra, earning laurels in various competitions.

Graduating with the highest marks from the Complex Of State Music Schools In Cracow, Gabriela continued her musical journey in France, studying under Jean-Philippe Grometto and earning the prestigious "Diplome D’etudes Musicales." Her musical endeavors extended to teaching at a music school in Moutier, and performing with diverse orchestras and ensembles.

Since 2018, Gabriela has been refining her craft at The Royal Conservatoire Of Scotland under the guidance of Ruth Morley, Helen Brew, and Janet Richardson. A four-year tenure with the Nevis Ensemble saw her give over 200 performances, providing invaluable experience in diverse and challenging settings, and allowing her to connect with inspirational individuals.

Gabriela's European journey included a summer in Italy, performing in The Marriage Of Figaro at the Opera Academy. Noteworthy achievements during her studies in Scotland include winning the piccolo position in The National Youth Orchestra Of Scotland (2019) and the first flute position in the Universities of Scotland Symphony Orchestra. She has also guest-played with The Strasbourg Youth Symphony Orchestra and Glasgow Sinfonia.

Teaching is Gabriela's true passion, and she takes joy in sharing the love of playing music. Her students, guided by her expertise, successfully pass ABRSM exams and participate in various academies. Fluent in English, Polish, and French, Gabriela offers a multilingual teaching experience. Join Gabriela on a musical journey that transcends borders and languages.

Baillie Shepherd

Saxophone

Meet Baillie, who is currently enrolled at The University of Glasgow and specialising in Saxophone Performance. His focuses are particularly centralised around Jazz, be it the performance, composition, arrangement, or history of the rich genre. It is the pursuit of fluent improvisation that drives his passion for the world of music.

A relentless presence in the Scottish improvised music scene since the age of 17 has seen him play in sessions all the way from Glasgow to Dundee, and everywhere in-between. Although cut-throat and terrifying to beginners, these Jamming opportunities were fundamental to his musical education. By immersing himself in that world so young, he realised how flawed and unforgiving it can be. His goal was to create an environment for amateurs to develop, outside the harshness of the City Jam sessions.

As a result, Baillie has spent multiple years as the President of The Glasgow University Jazz Society: a massive community of musicians from all around Glasgow sharing a love for jazz. In his role, he has run countless regular Jam-sessions, beginner focused improv workshops, organised Masterclasses with world class talents, and so much more. Throughout it all he has been regularly performing as part of the society for years, playing prestigious awards ceremonies, black tie events, and ticketed concerts. He can also be found playing 1st Tenor in The University Big Band, aswell as the Saxophone Ensemble. In both cases, he regularly plays massive scale concerts and gigs to thousands of people.

Outwith the University, Baillie has performed with function bands all over the country, as well as solo function work - be it Birthdays, Anniversaries, Weddings, Funerals; he has done them all, including a broad range of styles. He has also done his time in the world of Session Music, performing with alt-rock and indie-rock bands all over Glasgow, recording dates, and appearing in festival lineups.

As a teacher, Baillie believes in teaching people to teach themselves. This extends to learning in-depth about how the saxophone works, its sonic capabilities, how to engage with it effectively, and to play whatever the player desires. A Jazz-centric view is at the heart of his approach, encouraging players to find within themselves what to play in the moment and reassuring them that the only wrong notes are the ones you didn’t mean to play.

Rachael Conaghan

Voice | Piano

Rachael is an Mezzo-Soprano from county Offaly, Ireland. She studied at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, where she recently achieved a First Class Honours in the Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance. Rachael studies with Dr. Imelda Drumm, Dr. Dearbhla Collins and previously studied with the late Gràinne Dunne.

She has secured first place in many Feis Ceoil competitions including the Contralto competition (2022) and the Mezzo-Soprano competition (2021). In 2021, Rachael received the bursary for Best English Art Song in the Irene Sandford competition. Most recently Rachael has played the role of Brigid O’Mullane in the premier of Stephen McNeff’s Spirits Unsurrendered with libretto written and directed by Aoife Spillane-Hinks (October 2023). Other roles include La Zealatrice in Saluzzo Opera Academy’s production of Puccini’s Suor Angelica (August 2023), Yolanda in Elizabeth Maconchy’s The Sofa in the RIAM opera (January 2023) as well as Plantae Incantate in Francesca Caccini’s La Liberazione di Ruggiero dall’isola di Alcina.

Most recently, Rachael was part of the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival this May, singing in Handel’s Giulio Cesare. Rachael has also taken part in the Opera Caledonia Vocal Studio in Edinburgh this July. Rachael is very excited to play the role of Aisla in The Tale of Finn McCool! Rachael is currently studying under Wilma McDougall at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to achieve her Masters in Vocal Performance.