McGinley School of Music & Drama

18/09/2026

🌟🎭 A huge congratulations to our wonderful Georgia Beatty! 🎭🌟

We are absolutely delighted to celebrate Georgia on her fantastic success in achieving her LCME Grade 3 Music Theatre certificate!

At just 13 years old, Georgia is already developing into such a beautiful performer. She always brings a smile to class and is an absolute joy to teach. ❤️ Her voice is developing beautifully, and it is wonderful to watch her confidence, talent and love of performing grow with every lesson.

Georgia is a true Derry star and we are so proud of everything she has achieved. ⭐️ We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this talented young lady!

18/09/2026

🌟🎭 A huge congratulations to Lexie McGinley! 🎭🌟

We are absolutely delighted to celebrate Lexie passing her first Music Theatre exam with LCME! 🥳🏆

Lexie is a wee star in the making and an absolute pleasure to teach. She brings so much enthusiasm, energy and personality to every lesson, and it has been wonderful watching her confidence grow as she discovers her love for performing.

Well done, Lexie — keep shining, keep singing and keep being your wonderful self! ⭐️

We are so proud of you!

17/09/2026

🌟So proud of Alexandra Houston! 🎶

A huge congratulations to our wonderful Alexandra on receiving her LCME Theatre Certificate for Grade 3 Music Theatre! 🥳🏆

Alexandra has been a student of the McGinley School of Music and Drama for many years, and it is so special to look back and see just how far she has come since she was a tiny wee girl. ❤️

Watching her grow, develop and flourish as a performer has been such a joy. From those early days to now achieving her Grade 3 Music Theatre qualification, Alexandra’s hard work, dedication and love of performing have truly shone through.

We couldn’t be prouder of the talented young lady she is becoming and all that she has achieved along the way. 🌟

Well done, Alexandra! Keep believing in yourself, keep performing and keep shining — we can’t wait to see where your talent takes you next! 🎶🎭✨

17/09/2026

A huge congratulations to Hannah Grace Doherty on receiving her LCME Theatre Certificate for Grade 1 Music Theatre! 🥳🏆

Hannah Grace is a new student at the McGinley School of Music and Drama, and we are so incredibly proud of how far she has already progressed. 💕 Her hard work, dedication and enthusiasm are shining through, and it’s fantastic to see her confidence growing with every lesson.
Congratulations! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

11/09/2026

We’re so proud to announce that 13-year-old Isla Loughran has been cast as Molly in Foyle College’s upcoming school production of Annie! 🌟

Isla is a hugely talented young performer, and we’re delighted to see her take on this much-loved character. We know she’ll bring plenty of personality, energy and charm to the role, and we can’t wait to see her shine on stage! ❤️

A massive congratulations, Isla!

03/09/2026

We’re are so delighted to welcome Cora Harkin to our teaching team.

A talented Derry singer/songwriter and guitarist, Cora is also a former pupil of the McGinley School of Music, making it particularly special to now have her back as one of our tutors.

Cora will be offering guitar tuition on Saturdays, with lessons tailored to each student and, importantly, to the music they enjoy.

With her diverse knowledge of musical genres, Cora can help students learn the songs and styles that inspire them, while developing their technique, confidence and understanding of the guitar.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to develop your playing further, Cora will create lessons that are personal, enjoyable and suited to each individual student.

We’re very proud to have Cora back at the school and look forward to seeing her inspire the next generation of musicians.

For enquiries or to book a Saturday lesson, please get in touch with the school.

29/08/2026

Today, we opened our doors for another wonderful year of music-making, learning, creativity, fun and friendship.

As one of the area’s most established Schools of Music and Drama, it was a real pleasure to welcome back all of our returning pupils, as well as our new students joining us for the first time.

We are also delighted to welcome two new members to our teaching team: Abby Hagan, who will be teaching Speech, and Cora Harkin, who will be teaching Guitar. We’re thrilled to have them join us and look forward to all they will bring to our school.

🎶 A small number of spaces are still available for anyone interested in joining us. If you’ve ever considered learning an instrument, developing your voice or exploring drama, now is a wonderful time to begin.

The gift of music is truly something very special — it inspires, connects, builds confidence and creates friendships and memories that last a lifetime. ❤️

Here’s to another fantastic year of learning, performing and making music together! 🎵

28/08/2026

❤️ A very proud family moment ❤️

We’re absolutely delighted to share that Mrs McGinley’s autobiography, Finding the Music, is now available to buy on Amazon! 📖🎶

This is such a special book and a wonderful record of Mum’s life, her journey, her music and the memories that have shaped her along the way.

As a family, we couldn’t be prouder of Mum for seeing her story published and out there for everyone to enjoy. ❤️

And of course, it means so much that Derry City are proud to celebrate her story too. Derry and Donegal are both such an important part of Mum’s life, her memories and her story — and we’re so proud of those roots. ❤️💚

If you’d like to support Mum and have a read, Finding the Music is available now on Amazon.
Well done, Mum. We love you and couldn’t be prouder! ❤️🎶📖

It would be impossible to count the number of young pupils who have walked through the doors of the home of Ray McGinley, founder of the McGinley School of Music, over the last forty years. Now in her eightieth year, Ireland's beloved and renowned music teacher, examiner and adjudicator takes a l...

18/06/2026

Wishing all our wonderful students at the McGinley School of Music the very best of luck as your music and drama exams begin tomorrow! 🎶🎭

You’ve worked incredibly hard and shown such dedication — now it’s your time to shine. Believe in yourselves, stay calm, and enjoy every moment of performing.

We are so proud of each and every one of you. Go out there and do your best — you’ve got this! 💫👏

21/05/2026

What a night!
I am SO proud of you Mum. ❤️

Seeing you win the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the Derry Journal People of the Year Awards was one of the most special nights ever.

Everything you’ve given over the years with so much heart and commitment.

You’ve touched so many people’s lives and I’m so proud of you. 💞