Our Team.

Founder and Director

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​Barbara Strahan 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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Creative Director

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Mutsa Cadden 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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Instrumental Teachers

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Welcome Simon and Sadhbh to our instrumental team! We are thrilled to announce that both talented teachers have recently completed the Teacher Training Course run by RMA. They will be leading our Piano Beginners Programme, a carefully designed course that equips students with essential aural, listening, and performance skills to embark on their musical journeys. In addition, Simon will also be teaching Beginners Guitar, providing even more opportunities for our students to explore their musical interests. We are excited to have both Simon and Sadhbh join our team in September 2026 and look forward to the wonderful experiences they will bring to our community!

Digital Manager

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Meet Katie McKenna, 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 reading History and Human Development at DCU, she is excited to bring her passion and expertise to our team!