Conductor, Composer and Artistic Director
Dr Kathleen McGuire is an award-winning Melbourne-born conductor, composer and educator with a career spanning more than three decades making music in six countries, directing orchestras, choirs, ballet, opera and musical theatre at such prestigious venues as the Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center.
Kathleen's earned qualifications in music and education include a Bachelor of Music in composition from the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, a Graduate Diploma of Education from Monash University, a Graduate Diploma in Music (conducting) from the Victorian College of the Arts, a Master of Music degree in conducting (with Distinction) from the University of Surrey (Guildford, UK) and a doctorate in conducting from the University of Colorado at Boulder (USA). She also holds two certificates in tertiary education.
While based for two decades in the United States, Kathleen led the 200 voice San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, the Community Women's Orchestra, and in 2010, encouraged and inspired by Jonathon Welch, she founded Singers of the Street: a choir of San Franciscans affected by homelessness. Recognising her contributions, "Kathleen McGuire Day" was designated twice by San Francisco mayors and she received official recognitions from the California State Legislature and the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
Kathleen has also received awards from The American Prize and she is a Rotary International Ambassadorial Fellow. In addition to her Upbeat Arts duties, Kathleen now serves as Director of Music at Queen's College The University of Melbourne, teaches music at Brunswick Secondary College, and works as a freelance composer and arranger.
