RMA
Rathfarnham Music Academy
Music School in Rathfarnham, Dublin
Our Team.
Meet our RMA team, a group of highly-skilled professionals dedicated to providing exceptional musical education for students and teachers.

Dr Barbara Strahan
Founder and Director
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​Barbara is the founder and director of RMA. She holds a PhD in historical musicology (Maynooth University), a First-Class Honours Music Degree (MU) and a Performance Diploma from the London College of Music. A former tutor and lecturer in MU and TCD, Barbara was the recipient of two post-graduate scholarships to undertake her doctorate: Irish Research Council and the John & Pat Hume Scholarship. Her academic specialities are the Four-Hand Piano Fantasias of Franz Schubert, Genre Theory and Reception History. Barbara is a passionate and experienced music educator with over twenty five years working in music education. She will be directing our new Teacher Mentorship Progamme and is co-coordinator of our Performance and Teacher Training Workshops.
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Mutsa Cadden
Creative Director
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Mutsa is the Creative Director of RMA, bringing a wealth of experience and talent to the team. A previous Feis Ceoil winner, she earned her B.Mus from Maynooth University, has two recital diplomas (ATCL and LTCL) from Trinity College of Music London, and a PG Dip Ed (Music) from UL. With a strong background as a performer and teacher, Mutsa has trained under notable figures such as Pádhraic Ó'Cuinneagan (TU Dublin), Philip Fowke (Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance) and Therese Fahy (RIAM). She is looking forward to her role as co-director for our new Teacher Mentorship Programme and co-cordinator of our Performance and Teacher Training Workshops.
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Simon Cox
Welcome Simon to our instrumental team! A talented multi-instrumentalist and singer, Simon specializes in Instrumental Pedagogy and Performance. He plays the piano, guitar, and saxophone, and is a classically trained tenor, bringing a wealth of musical knowledge to RMA. As the lead singer of the band Printed Braille, we're excited to see how his unique skills will enhance our team starting September 2026.
Katie McKenna
Meet Katie, our new digital platforms manager at RMA! With over five years of extensive experience as a community and charity volunteer, she has organized yearly fundraisers for Temple Street Hospital and curated community events for the Artane residents in North Dublin. Recently, Katie volunteered with the Green Lion Organization in Hua Hin, Thailand. Currently studying History and Human Development at DCU, she is excited to bring her passion and expertise to our team!


