New Faces
Shauna McCullough-
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am originally from Dublin, moved to Cork in my late teens to study music at the Cork School of Music and have been settled there ever since. Music has been a huge part of my life, it has given me lots of exciting opportunities. I travelled a lot as a child with my local community marching band and it kept me out of trouble. After graduating from college I began teaching and spent a number of years as a trumpet player in Band 1 Brigade of the Irish Defence Forces before leaving to pursue a career in music education. I continue to practice and play trumpet in the Irish Symphonic Wind Orchestra and various other ensembles. I share my home with my two cats and my loving supportive partner, Mark.
Is the job as Music Generation Waterford Development Officer what you expected?
I have been working with Music Generation Cork City for a number of years as a lead musician tutor, working with children and young people in a variety of settings and from a variety of backgrounds. I am very lucky to have had that experience prior to my appointment as development officer for MG Waterford as it gave me an invaluable insight and understanding about some of the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities that come with the role itself.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
Getting to meet so many new people that are really welcoming, positive and supportive of MG Waterford and
discovering ways we can create an even more colourful vision for performance music
education across the city and county. It is also very exciting that Music Generation Wexford is on a similar journey and it is lovely to know my Wexford counterpoint is only a phone call away. I also have a lovely scenic drive to
Dungarvan from my house which is a great start to the day.
What is a typical work day like for you?
There hasn't been one day that has been the same since I started in January. I am usually out meeting at least one person or visiting a school or community programme each day to get a good understanding of what is already happening in the local music scene. Waterford has a wealth of inspiring musicians and community education advocates that have generously given me their time and I have learnt a lot from them already. I have been on the road a lot as well visiting my colleagues around the country to try pick up some tips from them and bring them to Waterford. When I do get into the office I am usually on the phone to the various departments within the WWETB who have also been most obliging to me as I find my feet within the structures. My office is in Dungarvan Shopping Centre which is a blessing and a curse at the same time, especially the shoe shop and the bakery - lunch time pleasures are not far away!
What do you like to do outside of work?
I am a very active person and enjoy getting out and about to find places I can escape to, I love walking the loop in Ardmore and stopping for a cocktail in the cliff house. I haven't done the Greenway yet but it's on the to do list. I also enjoy oil painting and going traveling around Europe when I have the time.