DANIEL WHELAN

Music Education

Daniel began playing music at the age of 5. He attended the Royal Irish Academy of Music, where he studied classical piano and progressed through the RIAM exams.

During this time, he further developed an interest in jazz and contemporary music, beginning to study for the ABRSM Jazz Piano exams and composing his own music.

Daniel began performing regularly and attended BIMM Dublin, where he studied songwriting and was awarded a Diploma in Professional Musicianship. After several years performing and working in the music industry, Daniel enrolled in the BA in Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance at DCU (formerly Newpark Music Centre). There, he studied with many of Ireland’s leading jazz musicians and educators, gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience. Daniel graduated from DCU with honors, majoring in Jazz Piano Studies.

Teaching

Daniel has experience teaching jazz piano, improvisation, ear training, and theory in both individual and ensemble contexts, working with a diverse range of ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

He has worked within established music schools, NGO projects, and community music initiatives internationally, as well as with private students from beginner to MA level. His focus is on creating a fun and supportive environment, helping students develop positive relationships with music and fostering creative expression.

Performance

Daniel has performed in a wide variety of musical capacities over the last 15 years. From performing throughout the US with country music legend John Prine, to facilitating jazz performance workshops in East Africa, to performances throughout Europe and many of Ireland’s leading music festivals and venues.

He currently performs and collaborates as a multi-instrumentalist with several ensembles encompassing an eclectic range of genres including jazz, folk and free improvisation. These groups include Djouce, Cara Coyle, Coda Trio, Odd Legato, Slow Fast Loud Quiet Ensemble, Ben Bix and Celaviedmai.