Teacher Profile: Aine Whelan and Sara Corkery

At Cork City Music College, we pride ourselves in our highly skilled and talented staff. Recently two CCMC teachers, Áine Whelan and Sara Corkery, combined their remarkable abilities, resulting in the release of their wonderful new album 'Don't Mind The Rain'. Having previously been band mates in 'The Joyful Mysteries', Áine and Sara have toured extensively throughout Ireland, the U.K. and the rest of Europe.

Áine Whelan has recorded and performed all over the world with many different artists including Van Morrison, Colm Wilkinson, Rebecca Storm, and Brian Kennedy. Comfortable in any style from classical to the blues, she is renowned for her performances and vocal arrangements for many BBC and RTE television series. Áine was nominated for Tatler Magazine's 'Irish Woman of The Year Award' in 2005 for her solo album 'Between The Moon and Mercury', her song-writing debut. She also featured in a Canadian documentary-drama that was premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in the same year. John Spillane has commented that Áine Whelan is a stunningly beautiful singer, whose voice floats effortlessly above all our lives, like an angel.

Sara Corkery is an accomplished guitarist who was mentored both classically and in acoustic styles by the legendary guitarist/producer Declan Sinnott. As a young girl she became greatly interested in the finger-style playing of Doc Watson and the mandolin tunes of Bill Monroe, which nurtured her love of 'old-time' folk music. She has toured Europe with Dublin based acapella group 'The Fallen Angels'. Sara's vocal talent is evident on a number of the songs and her influences include Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Ralph Stanley and The Carter Family.

Co-produced by Johnny Scott, 'Don't Mind The Rain' is a melody-driven album that showcases the delicately complex interplay of voice and guitar. This is a subtle and evocative album from two of Ireland's more understated and graceful performers. CCMC is fortunate to have such hugely talented musicians as Áine and Sara on the teaching staff of the College.