Sonatina Music Academy

Meet Kieran Foley, a pianist, a guitarist, and an experienced music teacher.

Having learned piano from a young age, Kieran took up guitar in his early teens and went on to earn degrees in Arts and in Music from UCC as well as a masters in Musicology.

Kieran has taught students of all ages and abilities. He enjoys the challenges of teaching each individual student and derives great satisfaction from their understanding of a new concept or their ability to put new ideas in to practise at their instrument.

As well as teaching he works as a gigging musician in various capacities including solo pianist, rhythm and lead guitarist in bands, accompanist for wedding singers and exam soloists, pianist and band leader for musicals etc.

Kieran is very much looking forward to joining the Sonatina Team

Sonatina Staff Series 2026. Meet Milo! Milo McCarthy is a conductor and composer, who recently graduated from his Bachelor’s of Music in piano performance at the MTU Cork School of Music, with First Class Honours. He is the co-founder and conductor of Cork-based chamber orchestra Laoi Sinfonia, and also conducts the Musgraves Workplace Choir and the IMP Choir, and served as the 2025–2026 student conductor of Glór Choral Society.

He has also had over 20 original works commissioned and performed by a number of prominent Irish ensembles such as the Solas Quartet, Madrigal 75, MusiCorum, and the Yershovy Sisters.

He has also won various composition awards, such as the Eric de Courcy Cup for 1st place in Feis Ceoil for chamber music composition.

We would like to welcome Alex to The Sonatina Staff in September. Alex is a final year Bachelor of Honors in Music student at the MTU Cork School of
Music, currently specialising in voice under Gavan Ring. Originally from Waterford, Alex developed his passion for music and vocal performance during
his time in the SETU Conservatoire where he studied solo singing, piano and music theory. Additionally during this period, he was a member of the Waterford Children’s Choir, the Waterford Boys Singers and the SETU Youth Choir. Maintaining a vibrant career in choral music.
Alex has since worked with Lumina, CSM Coro, the Irish Youth Choir, Sestina, MTU Glór, & Madrigal 75. Alongside his work as a chorister, Alex has taken on a number of arts administration positions in the world of choral music, serving on the committees of both Lumina and MTU Glór, as well as Sing Ireland’s Youth Committee.
As a soloist, Alex has performed for masterclasses with Dieter Kaegi, Niamh O’Sullivan, John Molly and Regina Nathan, appeared in the roles of Polyphemus and Leperello as part of the
CSM Opera Lab, and won the Eddie Hogan Perpetual Cup and the Capuchin Order Perpetual Cup at Feis Maitiu. In addition to the Bass Solo competition at Feis Ceoil. Alex has pursued community music education for a number of years through his work as a leader with Starcamp, his time as principal conductor for the Carrigaline Community School Adult Education Choir, and his conductor-in-training position with the SETU Children’s Choir. He has also been a member of the Youth Support Team for the Irish Youth Choir for the 2025 and 2026 courses.

Choral Season 2025-2026 has come to an end. And what a year of celebration and choral community and choral singing. Continued friendships, adventures, achievements and lots of goosebump moments. From the smallest gathering performance to sold out concerts in the City Hall, each performance was memorable and special. So proud of each choir. The Sonatina's The Hill Harmonics Choir The City of Cork Male Voice Choir The Showstoppers, Cór Gaelsosoil Ui Drisceoil, . Thank you for another year of amazing memories, laughs, stand out moments and friendship.

☀️SUMMER BAND CAMP 🎸 🥁 🎹 🎤
📅 Monday July 13-Friday 17th July
🕰️ 9.00-1.00pm daily
Age 10-16years
Cost: €80 limited places.
Venue: Dunkettle Glanmire
What is involved in the camp?
🎸 A five day interactive music camp specialising in playing in a band setting. Learning new songs. Rhythm workshops, song writing, vocal workshops, various instruments. Drumming, guitar, keys, vocals or if you play any other instrument we will incorporate it into the band, Groups divided by age.
Contact: [email protected] or pm to book.