Darlene Irwin was born and educated in Toronto, Ontario. She has a Bachelor of Music (Mus.Bac.) in Education from the University of Toronto and an Associate Degree from the Royal Conservatory of Music (A.R.C.T.) in Piano Performance. She was a student of Patricia Bloomfield Holt. Formerly on the staff of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, she has been teaching in the Barrie area for over 22 years. She has also been a member of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers' Association for over 25 years. Mrs. Irwin is a past-president of the Barrie Branch of the O.R.M.T.A.

Mrs. Irwin is hard working and creative in her approach, committed and faithful. She is a superb private music teacher who inspires her students to do their very best. Her students have won many awards and scholarships. In 2002, a student of Mrs. Irwin's won the Grade 8 level in the Ontario Provincial Festival Competition.

Mrs. Irwin's interest and dedication to young people is reflected by her continued involvement in the Barrie Kiwanis Music Festival. As one of the founding members, she helped to establish the festival in the Barrie area. She served as Co-Chairperson of the Piano discipline for the Barrie Music Festival for 23 years. In June 1995, Mrs. Irwin received the prestigious "Civic Award of Merit in Cultural Achievement" from the City of Barrie for her outstanding musical work in the community. Her volunteer activities extend to her involvement with music on Sundays at her church, often being called upon to organize choirs, to accompany and to play the organ..

Mrs. Irwin is the author and founder of "Pre-School Music for Children", also known as Music for the "Bear-y" Young. She taught this program in the Barrie area for over 16 years. Through this unique and creative program, many children have been enriched musically. Some of the original Pre-School students are now applying for University level music programs. Mrs. Irwin is also the author of "The Student Music Organizer". This book is a result of years of teaching experience. The motto for her studio says it all:
"Great music comes from the Heart"

[TOP]