DkIT graduate Jennifer on her path to music education

A past pupil of Our Ladies College, Greenhills, for Jennifer McKenna, music was always part of her life, particularly in secondary school, where she was involved in both the orchestra and the choir. 

“We were living in the countryside so the music was always just blaring outside, we had no neighbours around us so that’s just how it was, there was music around us constantly,” she said, reflecting on her childhood and teenage years. 

Jennifer was drawn to the Applied Music (now Music and Performance Technologies) course at DkIT after seeing her sister’s experience there, with the small classes and wide range of musical genres being particularly appealing. The strong education components were a major attraction, along with the chance to perform in musicals. Seeing her sister take a leading role sparked a new passion: 

“The musical is always a huge thing in DkIT. I just love musicals and it’s a big part of my job now.”

With a long-standing interest in music education, Jennifer naturally gravitated toward the teaching pathway. The option to specialise in music education in third and fourth year was hugely beneficial, and electives such as Community Music and Ethnomusicology deepened her commitment to teaching. 

“Community Music was a wonderful opportunity to share your love for music and it really showed the power of music in bringing everyone together.”

Coming from a classical background, Jennifer embraced the chance to explore multiple genres. She studied contemporary, traditional Irish, and classical music before specialising in contemporary music in her final year. 

I didn't really have a favourite type of music to play, so it kind of gave me a good chance to give everything a go.”

After graduating from DkIT in 2017, Jennifer took a year out to work and save towards her goal of studying for her Professional Master of Education (PME). She began her PME in 2018 and two years later in 2020 began her role in St Oliver’s. It was a chaotic time to start her teaching career with restrictions in place, but Jennifer rose to the challenge. 

The PME brought with it a heavy workload, but Jennifer’s undergraduate programme in DkIT had covered a number of modules required in her masters so she started with a fantastic advantage. 

Working at one of the largest secondary schools in the country at over 1,500 students, Jennifer finds that she often uncovers hidden talent among the pupils, an aspect of her role she really loves. 

“There are a lot of students that would never get a chance to have music lessons, so they come in and we discover they have a fabulous voice or they’re a natural on an instrument, something they are only discovering at 13 or 14. It’s so amazing to see that talent develop.” 

For Jennifer, blending her work with her passion for music makes her career deeply fulfilling. 

“It doesn't always have to be about the exams or about being the best or going out on stage. It's just really about enjoyment, to be able to sit down and play a song or sharing your love for music. Even the theory parts, I try and make fun or linking musical concepts to modern pop that students will relate to.”

Her commitment to growth extends beyond the classroom. From piano to guitar to saxophone, she’s always exploring new instruments and techniques. 

“I like to keep challenging myself trying new things so music is not only my work but still a much-loved hobby.”

For anyone unsure about pursuing teaching, Jennifer’s advice is simple and encouraging: 

“My advice would be just give it a go. If you can take the opportunity to work with people and share your passion for a subject, it’s a great way to try it out.”