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 welcomed her daughter, Shannon Elodie, and took maternity leave from PLC Perth where she was Head of Choral, Acting Head of Department and has educated students from Pre-Kindy to Year 12 since 2013. During her early days with Shannon, Hilary realized her passion for music education could have a wider reach. In January 2022, Hilary founded ‘School of Musical Heartbeats,’ offering Group Music classes for Newborns to age 7 children, Adult Musicianship classes, and organizing Professional Development courses for educators to share her expertise.
Hilary’s dedication to spreading musical joy extends beyond her own ventures. As a part-time lecturer at Edith Cowen University, she imparts her musical knowledge and experience to aspiring educators, preparing them for successful careers in the field.
Furthermore, she directs the Irish Choir Perth, a community ensemble that celebrates the rich heritage and beauty of Irish music, and most recently directs several Choir’s at St. Mary’s Anglican School, Perth. 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.
Parent Testimonial