Paul Deegan

Paul Deegan trained as an Elementary School teacher, and subsequently took a Liberal Arts Degree at University College Dublin. During this time he also studied singing in Dublin and Salzburg, and built a national reputation on the Recital platform, and in Oratorio and Light Opera.

In the early 1960`s his twin interests, Education and Vocal studies, led to his appointment as Vocal Supervisor at the Education Department of the State University College in Cortland N.Y., where he combined teaching with further study and took a Masters in Education in 1966. He continued his vocal studies in New York, and sang with Tri-Cities Opera in Binghamton N.Y.

Back in Ireland he took his H.Dip.Ed.at Trinity College Dublin, and an LRSM in vocal teaching. While continuing to teach school (this time as Headmaster of a Special School for emotionally disturbed children) his reputation as a singer and voice teacher continued to grow. It was clear that something had to give, so he left the schoolroom and concentrated on performance, and teaching voice at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, where he later was Head of Vocal studies, and for many years directed Opera studies and the Lieder Class. He is now retired, but remains busy with vocal workshops and as an adjudicator and examiner.

He is a Past Chairman of the AOTOS, and has served several terms as Irish Representative on its Council.

In 2005 he was made an Honorary Member of EVTA.