Distinguished for her expertise in Music Education and Choral instruction, Hilary pursued her studies at Trinity College Dublin in Ireland, the Kodály Institute of the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music in Hungary and earned the highest honours in her Master of Music degree from Holy Names University in California. With this diverse educational background, Hilary brings a global perspective and a deep understanding of music education methodologies to her teaching and professional endeavours.
Meet the Director
Hilary Keegan
In 2021, Hilary embraced motherhood and founded School of Musical Heartbeats, offering group music classes, private parent & baby group music sessions, school incursions, musical excursions, and workshops for teachers & parents both nationally and internationally.
Hilary has over 15 years experience in teaching early years right through to senior school students in both Ireland and Australia. She is invited by schools for choral masterclasses and workshops, adjudicates music festivals, eisteddfods, and hosts group music sessions at local cafes and playgroups.
Hilary is regularly invited to present at KMEIA, ASME and SSTUWA events, covering early years, primary, and lower secondary pedagogy, as well as musicianship, choral activities, and folk dancing.
At Edith Cowan University, Hilary lectures part-time in music education at a tertiary level, imparting extensive knowledge to aspiring educators. Hilary’s also an accredited lecturer for the Australian Kodály Certificate and the current Vice-president for Kodály WA.
Hilary currently directs Irish Choir Perth, the AKC Perth choir, and multiple choirs at St. Mary’s Anglican Girls School. Through her guidance, she inspires students, colleagues, and the broader community to actively participate in and share a love of music. Moreover, she fosters connections and cultivates a sense of belonging among participants.
Hilary enjoys performing at traditional Irish music events in Perth, playing the piano accordion and enjoys playing piano in her spare time. Her multifaceted contributions exemplify excellence in teaching and musical proficiency, enriching the Australian community through Kodály-inspired music education.
Hilary is passionately committed to fostering inclusive and active music participation, encouraging learners to advance in their musical abilities through performance, listening, and composition. She firmly holds the belief that music plays a pivotal role in the holistic development of intelligence, personality, and character. Hilary endeavours to create enjoyable and captivating learning environments, dedicating herself to inspiring and nurturing students in all aspects of their lives through music education.
What & How will my Child Learn Music at SoMH?
Classes consist of a range of musical activities that are inclusive, engaging and active.
Children will actively experience musical elements such as beat, rhythm, melody, harmony, tempo, dynamics, instrumentation, tonality, texture, timbre and form.
Children will learn to read, write and perform music through active participation in games, singing, sight-reading, dances, movement and vocal exploration & development, improvisation, composition activities, and perform using their singing voice, and play on tuned and untuned percussion instruments.
They will constantly improve their musicianship skills and their musical thinking so that if, and when they choose to take up another instrument, they will attain a level of musical intelligence and deeper understanding of music, so the technique of learning an instrument can be added easily when the time comes.
Testimonials