Dr Kathleen McGuire

Senior Lecturer in Education (Music)
National School of Education (Melbourne)

Areas of expertise: music; education; professional experience; community engagement

Phone: 03 9935 3353

Email: Kathleen.Mcguire@acu.edu.au

Location: ACU Melbourne Campus

photo of Kathleen McGuire

Dr Kathleen McGuire is a Teaching-Focussed Senior Lecturer in Education (Music) in the National School of Education, Faculty of Education and Arts (FEA), Australian Catholic University (ACU). She teaches Music Education and Professional Experience in the Initial Teacher Education courses. She was awarded the ACU Citation for Contributions to Student Learning (2022), the Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Community Engagement (2021), and an Excellence in Teaching award from the FEA (2021). She also received Teaching Development Grants in 2025, 2020 and 2021 and HEPPP funding (2025). Described a "visionary," her international career has been shaped by leadership grounded in social justice and human rights advocacy.

Publications

Book Chapters

  1. McGuire, K. (2023). Finding a reason: a composer's pathway forged through social justice advocacy. In L. Kouvaras, M. Grenfell, & N. Williams (Eds.), The Composer, Herself: Contemporary Snapshots of the Creative Process. Palgrave-Macmillan. Chapter.
  2. McGuire, K. (2015). A quarter century of queer choruses. In D. Hardy (ed), Bold: stories from older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender & intersex people. Melbourne, Vic: The Rag and Bone Man Press. 160-163.

Refereed Journal Articles

  1. McGuire, K. (2021). Jump-starting notation: An acceleration strategy for novice musicians, grounded in Orff pedagogy. Musette - Newsletter of the Victorian Orff Schulwerk Association, 49(2), 12-16. ISSN:1835-4033.
  2. McGuire, K. (2021). Ageing voices: considering the singers' perspective. Sing Out - Magazine of the Australian National Choral Association, 38(1), 20-21.
  3. McGuire, K. (2021). Surviving COVID-19: Positive outcomes from online choir engagement. Sing Out Magazine - Australian National Choral Association, 38(3).
  4. McGuire, K. (2003). Kammersymphonie no. 1, op. 9, by Arnold Schoenberg (1906): considerations for the conductor. Journal of the Conductors Guild (24, 1-2), 2-32.

Other Outputs

  1. McGuire, K. (2023, December 4). Hallelujah, it's school concert season. A music researcher explains why these performances are so important. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/hallelujah-its-school-concert-season-a-music-researcher-explains-why-these-performances-are-so-important-218240
  2. McGuire, K. (2024, November 11). Why is the oboe used to tune an orchestra? And other questions about tuning, answered. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/why-is-the-oboe-used-to-tune-an-orchestra-and-other-questions-about-tuning-answered-238203
  3. McGuire, K. (2018). Ben Leske remembered. Sing Out (Vol 2, 2018). Oakleigh, VIC: Australian National Choral Association.
  4. McGuire, K. (1992) Study Notes: Piano concerto op. 54, by Robert Schumann. Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Education Series, Ripponlea, Vic: Australian Broadcasting Commission.
  5. McGuire, K. (Author, CD liner notes) (2001). In G. Valentine (Composer) Requiem in Memory of Those Who Have Died from AIDS [audio recording]. London, UK: Jay Records.

Peer Reviewed Conference Papers

  1. McGuire, K. (2025, July 1-2). The impact of ACU's Big Sing for a Big Cause. ACU and DePaul Community Engagement and Service-Learning Conference, Sydney, New South Wales.
  2. McGuire, K. (2025, November 1). Big Sing for a Big Cause - Harmonising for change, challenge and opportunity. Australian and New Zealand Association for Research in Music Education 47th Conference, 2025. (Melbourne).
  3. McGuire, K. & Harris, J. (2024, November 26, December 5). ACU's Big Sing for a Big Cause: A story of transformational learning from theory to practice. CEI Showcase, Australian Catholic University. Presented by: McGuire (Melbourne and Ballarat), Harris, J. (North Sydney).
  4. McGuire, K. et al. (2023, December 7, 8). Post Placement Workshops to increase pre-service teachers' self-efficacy in professional experience. CEI Showcase, Australian Catholic University (Melbourne and Ballarat).
  5. McGuire, K. & Munro, J. (2023). A preliminary research proposal: Exploring the "last-minute phenomenon" to foster talent in teenage Music students. [Abstract]. Australia & New Zealand Association for Research in Music (ANZARME) 46th Conference, Auckland, New Zealand.
  6. Harris, J. & McGuire, K. (2023, November 3). Pre-service music teachers' ensemble learning and teaching in flexible learning environments. [Conference presentation]. Australia & New Zealand Association for Research in Music (ANZARME) 45th Conference, Coolangatta, Queensland.
  7. Harris, J. & McGuire, K. (2022, December 13, 14, 15). Developing pre-service music teachers' intercultural understanding through a culturally diverse campus performance. [Conference presentation].
  8. McGuire, K. (2021). The singer's perspective: discovering new ways of learning through online choir engagement, EDULEARN21 Proceedings, pp. 4624-4633. https://library.iated.org/view/MCGUIRE2021SIN DOI: doi.org/10.21125/edulearn.2021. ISBN: 978-84-09-31267-2
  9. McGuire, K., & Harris, J. (2021). Developing pre-service music teachers' capacities to prepare and lead ensembles in an online environment, through authentic immersion in a cross-campus performance. In EDULEARN21 Proceedings DOI: doi.org/10.21125/edulearn.2021. ISBN: 978-84-09-31267-2
  10. Harris, J. & McGuire, K. (2021). Developing Pre-Service Music Teachers' Intercultural Understanding through a Culturally Diverse Campus Performance. In Australian Society for Music Education (ASME) IIIXX National Conference Proceedings.
  11. McGuire, K. (presentation and proceedings), (1998). AIDS-related music - will it survive? Inaugural Graduate Students in Music Annual Symposium, City University of New York.
  12. A/Prof Mellita Jones, Dr Jennifer Azordegan, Dr Louise Maddock, Dr Kathleen McGuire, Dr Katarina Tuinamuana, Mary Gallagher, A/Prof Renata Cinelli. Impactful Community Engagement for Social Justice. AU$13,000.00. Teaching Development Grant awarded Sept 2025. Supports research on the new EDES206 unit, which I co-developed.
  13. Dr Kathleen McGuire and research team, Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) Funding, Australian Government Department of Education. Big Sing for a Big Cause: Transformational Learning in Higher Education. $15,501.00.Project Lead. Multidisciplinary research team of nine, including ECRs, associate professors, and the Head of Community Engagement. Currently modifying Ethics for longitudinal research to 2030.
  14. McGuire, K. (presenter). (Nov 2, 2025). Big Sing for a Big Cause - harmonising for meaningful connection and transformation. 47th annual conference of the Australian and New Zealand Association for Research in Music Education (ANZARME): Harmonising with change, challenge and opportunity. The University of Melbourne, Faculty of Education.
  15. McGuire, K. (presenter). (2025, February 6). Choral Repertoire Reading, Australian National Choral Association, Victoria and Tasmania chapter.
  16. McGuire, K. (presenter). (July 2, 2025). Advocacy in Action: The impact of ACU's Big Sing for a Big Cause. ACU and DePaul Conference on Community Engagement and Service Learning: Preparing Educated Citizens during Uncertain Times. ACU North Sydney campus. $400 travel subsidy.
  17. Hay, I. (presenter). McGuire, K., Hodge, J., and Pink, M. (panellists). (July 24, 2025). Summit of Hope webinar series, session 1: Partnering and delivering hope through service. Australian Catholic University. Online.
  18. McGuire, K. (presenter). (Nov 26, 2024-Ballarat; Dec 4, 2024-Melbourne). ACU's Big Sing for a Big Cause: A story of transformational learning through student involvement in co-curricular engagement. ACU Centre for Innovation and Education (CEI) Showcases, Melbourne and Ballarat ACU campuses.
Non-Traditional Research Output (NTRO)

Publications (Original Creative Works)

Original Creative Works (Refereed Music Score)

  1. McGuire, K. (Arranger). (2004). Robinson, W.H. (Composer). (1977). Harriet Tubman [music score for men's voices]. In Turtle Creek Chorale 25th Anniversary Collection (pp. 99-109) Milwaukee, WI: Shawnee Press.
  2. McGuire, K. (arr.) (2014). When Irish eyes are smiling, Various Voices Dublin 2014 Irish Songbook [music score]. Dublin, Ireland: Irish Music Rights Organisation, 73-80.
  3. Cheetham, D., Hitchcock, J. (composers) & Lalich, T., McGuire, K. (arrangers) (2019). Dhungala Choral Connection Songbook [music: score & parts for children's voices and instrumental ensemble]. South Melbourne, VIC: Short Black Opera.
  4. Coffee, S., Coleman, D., Coyle, P., Hill, S., Holt, G., McGuire, K., Roma, C., & Zwozdesky, W. (Eds.) (2008). Songs of Courage - celebrating 25 years of life-changing music. [music score]. Pittsburg, PA: GALA Choruses Inc.
  5. McGuire, K. (Composer) (2020). Joy is here to stay [music score: choral octavo for mixed voices and piano]. Wollongong, NSW: Wirripang.
  6. McGuire, K. (Composer) (2020). Missa de Spiritu Sancto [music score: multi-movement work in Latin commissioned by Geelong Grammar School; full score & parts; piano vocal score; for SAB choir & chamber orchestra]. Wollongong, NSW: Wirripang.
  7. McGuire, K. (Composer) (2020). Singing Out and Loud [music score: choral octavo for mixed voices and piano, commissioned by GALS Auckland for the Out and Loud Choral Festival, 2016]. Wollongong, NSW: Wirripang.
  8. McGuire, K. (Arranger). (2017). Auld Lang Syne [music score for men's voices, tin whistle & guitar]. Wollongong, NSW: Wirripang.
  9. McGuire, K. (Composer). (2017). Liiv, J. (Librettist). (1864-1913). Talvet, J. & Hix, H.L. (Eng. trans.) (2013). Immortality [music score for mixed voices and piano]. Wollongong, NSW: Wirripang.
  10. McGuire, K. (Composer). (2017). Prelude and Phantasy [music score for classical guitar]. Wollongong, NSW: Wirripang.
  11. McGuire, K. (Composer). (2017). Ordinary Mass in English [music score for mixed voices]. Wollongong, NSW: Wirripang.
  12. McGuire, K. (Composer). (2017). Magnificat - Song of Mary [music score for women's voices & piano]. Wollongong, NSW: Wirripang.
  13. McGuire, K. (Arranger). (2016). Robinson, W.H. (Composer). (1977). Harriet Tubman [music score for women's voices]. Milwaukee, WI: Shawnee Press.
  14. McGuire, K. (Arranger). (2008). Robinson, W.H. (Composer). (1977). Harriet Tubman [music score for mixed voices]. Milwaukee, WI: Shawnee Press.
  15. McGuire, K. (Arranger). (1998). Every Time I Feel the Spirit [music score for bass voice solo & mixed voices]. West Hollywood, CA: Yelton Rhodes Music.
  16. McGuire, K. (Arranger). (1998). I've Got Peace Like a River [music score for mixed voices]. West Hollywood, CA: Yelton Rhodes Music.
  17. McGuire, K. (Composer). (1998). May God Shield You [music score for mixed voices & piano or organ]. West Hollywood, CA: Yelton Rhodes Music.
  18. McGuire, K. (Composer) (1998). Gibran, K. (Librettist). (1923). On Love [for mixed voices & piano or organ]. West Hollywood, CA: Yelton Rhodes Music.
  19. McGuire, K. (Arranger) (1998). Tindley, C.A. (Composer) (1900). We Shall Overcome [for mixed voices]. West Hollywood, CA: Yelton Rhodes Music.

Books (Music Scores) In-press/under review

  1. McGuire, K., Payne, A. & Welch, J. (composers). (2014, revised 2024). Street Requiem - for those who died on the street. [Under review, Hal Leonard].
  2. McGuire, K. & Green, C. (Composers) (2016, revised 2022). No Excuses! [multi-movement work in English: piano vocal score; full score; parts for women's voices, keyboard and instrumental ensemble]. Wollongong, NSW: Wirripang. [In press]. https://www.australiancomposers.com.au/collections/composers-and-authors/kathleen-mcguire

Live Performance of Creative Works (selections)

  1. McGuire, K. (conductor, orchestrator, producer). (2025, June 27 & 28). You Are Enough - A Mental Health Suite movement II. In Big Sing for a Big Cause. St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne and Preston Market, Victoria: Australian Catholic University.
  2. McGuire, K. (conductor, composer, producer), Payne, A. (composer, performer), Welch J. (composer). (2024, August 24 & 25). Street Requiem for those who died on the street. St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne and St Patrick's College, Ballarat: Australian Catholic University.
  3. McGuire, K. (conductor, composer, producer) & Green, C. (composer, performer). (November 2021). No Excuses! choral suite. Online and live performance, Recital Hall, Melbourne campus, Australian Catholic University.
  4. McGuire, K., Payne, A. & Welch, J. (composers) & McGuire, K. (conductor). (2014, June 14). Street Requiem world premiere. Melbourne International Singers Festival. Melbourne Recital Centre.
  5. McGuire, K., Payne, A. & Welch, J. (composers). Palant, J. (conductor). (2015, January 25). Street Requiem US premiere. Dallas Street Choir, Credo Choir, Frederica von Stade. Dallas City Performance Hall, Texas, USA.
  6. McGuire, K., Payne, A. & Welch, J. (composers) & McGuire, K. (conductor). (2015, February 21). Street Requiem, New South Wales premiere. The Choir, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir, Macarthur Singers. Sydney Conservatorium of Music. NSW.
  7. McGuire, K., Payne, A. & Welch, J. (composers) & McGuire, K. (conductor). (2016, September 24). Street Requiem, Carnegie Hall, New York, NY USA.
  8. McGuire, K., Payne, A. & Welch, J. (composers) & McGuire, K. (conductor). (2024, August 25). Big Sing for a Big Cause, featuring Street Requiem (10th anniversary performance). St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne. Performance and Livestream.
  9. McGuire, K., Payne, A. & Welch, J. (composers) & McGuire, K. (conductor). (2024, August 24). Big Sing for a Big Cause, featuring Street Requiem. Performing Arts Centre, St Patrick's College, Ballarat. Performance. NTRO: J5: Original Creative Work - Live Performance (Music). NTRO: J3 Original creative work - Textual.
  10. McGuire, K. et al (composers) & McGuire, K. (conductor), (2023, October 21). Street Requiem on the Ridge. Performance and livestream.
  11. McGuire, K. & Green, C. (composers), & McGuire, K. (conductor), (2021, November 9). No Excuses! Concert benefiting women's safety. Livestream; MS Teams Live.
  12. McGuire, K. & Green, C. (composers), & McGuire, K. (conductor), (2021, November 25). No Excuses! Concert benefiting women's safety. Cathedral Hall, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy.
  13. McGuire, K. & Green, C. (composers), & McGuire, K. (conductor), (2016, June 12). No Excuses! Singing out against domestic violence. Melbourne Recital Centre.
  14. McGuire, K. & Green, C. (composers), & McGuire, K. (conductor), (2016, June 4). No Excuses! Singing out against domestic violence. Brisbane.

Other Outputs (demonstrating impact of research)

Published (Music Scores) (Selections)

  1. Morley, M. (composer, author). McGuire, K. (arranger). Now is the month of maying. Hal Leonard/ArrangeMe. [choral choir SATB a cappella]
  2. Traditional spiritual. McGuire, K. (arranger). Rise up shepherd. Hal Leonard/ArrangeMe. [choral choir SATB a cappella]
  3. Traditional West African. McGuire, K. (arranger). Banu Wayo. Hal Leonard/ArrangeMe. [choral choir SATB a cappella]
  4. Barber, S. (composer, author). McGuire, K. (arranger). Sure on this shining night, Op 13, No 13. [choral choir TTBB, piano]
  5. Hawkins, E. (composer, author). McGuire, K. (arranger). Oh, happy day. Hal Leonard/ArrangeMe. [choral choir SATB or TTBB, jazz combo]
  6. Olcott, C. et al. (composers, authors). McGuire, K. (arranger). When Irish eyes are smiling. Hal Leonard/ArrangeMe. [choral choir SATB, piano]

Recorded Creative Works

  1. McGuire, K. (conductor, orchestrator, producer). You Are Enough - A Mental Health Suite movement II. In Big Sing for a Big Cause. [Livestream recording]. St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne: Australian Catholic University.
  2. McGuire, K. (conductor, composer, producer), Payne, A. (composer, performer), Welch J. (composer). (2024). Big Sing for a Big Cause featuring the 10th anniversary performance, Street Requiem for those who died on the street. [Livestream recording]. St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne: Australian Catholic University.
  3. McGuire, K. (conductor, composer, producer) & Green, C. (composer, performer). (2021). No Excuses! choral suite. [Livestream recording].
  4. McGuire, K. (conductor, arranger, producer). (2008). S.S. Metaphor. San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, Community Women's Orchestra. Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall [digital video disc]. San Francisco, California: Golden Gate Performing Arts.
  5. McGuire, K. (conductor, arranger, producer). (2008) Creating Harmony: 30th Season Highlights & New World Waking. conductor, arranger, producer. San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, Community Women's Orchestra. Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall [compact disc recording]. San Francisco, California: Golden Gate Performing Arts.
  6. McGuire, K. (conductor, arranger, producer) (2005). Home for the Holidays - Live at the Castro Theatre, San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. Castro Theatre. [compact disc recording]. San Francisco, CA, USA: Golden Gate Performing Arts.
  7. McGuire, K. (conductor, arranger, producer) (2005). Divas' Revenge: Opera & Broadway Our Way. San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, Community Women's Orchestra. Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall [compact disc recording]. San Francisco, CA, USA: Golden Gate Performing Arts.
  8. McGuire, K. (conductor, arranger, producer) (2004) Oh, Happy Day! San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. Mission High School Auditorium [compact disc recording]. San Francisco, CA, USA: Golden Gate Performing Arts.
  9. McGuire, K. (conductor, arranger, producer) (2004). Closer Than Ever, 25th Anniversary Concert, San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, The Empyrean Ensemble. Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall [compact disc recording]. San Francisco, CA, USA: Golden Gate Performing Arts.
  10. McGuire, K. (conductor, arranger, producer) (2002) SFGMC Does Queen. San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. Mission High School Auditorium. [enhanced compact disc recording]. San Francisco, CA, USA: Golden Gate Performing Arts.
  11. McGuire, K. (conductor, arranger, producer) (1997) World AIDS Day Benefit Concert. Colorado Quilt Chorus. Montview Presbyterian Church [compact disc recording]. Denver, CO, USA.

Presentations and Adjudicating

  1. Hay, I. (presenter). McGuire, K., Hodge, J., and Pink, M. (panellists). (2025, July 24). Summit of Hope: Partnering and delivering hope through service. Australian Catholic University. Online.
  2. McLachlan, C. (presenter). Luke, D., McGuire, K., Plozza, M., Zbaracki, M. (panellists). (2023, August 4). Professional experience insights.Symposium - Teacher preparation: What matters? Victorian Council of Deans of Education. Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria.
  3. McGuire, K. (presenter). (1999, September). Adding an orchestra: a crash course for the choral conductor. GALA Choruses Conference, Washington, DC, USA
  4. McGuire, K. (presenter), (1999, September). Long-range music planning. GALA Choruses Conference.
  5. McGuire, K., Oliver, B. (conductors). (2001, June 18). Diversity. San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, New York City Gay Men's Chorus, Kristen Chenoweth. Carnegie Hall, New York, NY, USA.
  6. McGuire, K., Burhman, J. (conductors). (2001, June 14). 20th Anniversary, Gay Men's Chorus of Washington D.C. San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. Gay Men's Chorus of Washington D.C. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Washington, D.C., USA.
  7. McGuire, K. (conductor). (2002, November 7). Sing Out to the World. Sydney Opera House. Gay Games VI.
  8. McGuire, K. (conductor). (2004, July 21). GALA Choruses Festival VII. San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, Transcendence Gospel Choir. Place des Arts, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
  9. McGuire, K. (conductor). (2006, July 15). Gay Games VII Opening Ceremony Massed Choir. Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
  10. McGuire, K. (presenter), (2006, September). The ups and downs of conducting. GALA Choruses Annual Conference, Miami, FL, USA
  11. McGuire, K. (keynote speaker), (2007, September). Bayer Diversity Council Speaker Series, Berkeley, CA, USA
  12. McGuire, K. (conductor). (2008, July). GALA Choruses Festival VIII. San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, Community Women's Orchestra. Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami, Florida, USA.
  13. McGuire, K. (conductor). (2010). Festival Choir. Out & Loud Festival. Gala Concert. Auckland Town Hall, New Zealand.
  14. McGuire, K. (presenter), (2010, September) EDs are from Mars, ADs are from Venus.GALA Choruses Conference, Dallas TX, USA
  15. Coe, N., Geffen, J. McGuire, K., Smith, C. (panellists), (2010, July). The Right Stuff for the Right Reason. 42nd Annual Conference, Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO), San Francisco, California
  16. McGuire, K. (rehearsal clinician), (2008, September). Three-day workshop, Puna Men's Chorus, Puna, HI, USA
  17. McGuire, K. (conductor-in-residence). (2014, June). Festival Choir. Festival Orchestra. Various Voices Dublin. Dublin City University. Ireland.
  18. McGuire, K. (presenter), (2014, October). Hitting the High Notes. Mosaic Choir Weekend Workshop, Cheltenham, Vic
  19. McGuire, K. (presenter, conductor), (2014, August). A Cappella Festival, Gippsland Acoustic Music Club, Tyers, Vic
  20. McGuire, K. (adjudicator), (2014, August). Choir division, West Gippsland Eisteddfod, Warragul, Australia
  21. McGuire, K. (keynote speaker), (2014, March 8). Hear Me Roar: Women's Lib in 2014. International Women's Day address, Queen's College - The University of Melbourne
  22. McGuire, K. (adjudicator), (2014, June). School Choirs division, Melbourne Eisteddfod, Australia
  23. McGuire, K. (adjudicator), (2013, August). Adult Choirs division, Eisteddfod By The Bay, Melbourne, Australia
  24. McGuire, K. (presenter), (2013, June). Conducting a Choir. Melbourne International Singers Festival, Melbourne Recital Centre
  25. McGuire, K. (adjudicator) (2013, June). Community Choirs division, Melbourne Eisteddfod, Australia
  26. McGuire, K. (presenter) (2012, July). Demystifying the art of conducting. GALA Choruses Festival, Denver, CO, USA
  27. McGuire, K. (presenter), (2011, February). Demystifying the Art of Conducting, Music and Arts Circle, San Mateo, CA, USA
  28. McGuire, K. (presenter), (2017, October). Say it without words - a crash course in conducting, GALA Choruses Annual Conference, Denver, CO, USA
  29. McGuire, K. (presenter), (2015, February) The Healing Power of Music, Brighton Rotary Club, Vic
  30. McGuire, K. (curator), (2015) Arts Appreciation workshop series, Queen's College - University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic
  31. McGuire, K. (keynote speaker), (2016, March). Music as a means for change, Rotary District 9800 Conference, Bendigo, Vic
  32. McGuire, K. (presenter), (2016, February). Hitting the High Notes, Out and Loud Choral Festival, Auckland, NZ
  33. McGuire, K. (conductor). (2016, February). Festival Choir. Out & Loud Festival. Auckland, New Zealand.
  34. McGuire, K. (conductor, cultural ambassador). (2018, August 4). Gay Games 10 Opening Ceremony Massed Choir. Stade Jean-Bouin, Paris, France.
  35. McGuire, K. (adjudicator), (2017, December) House Music Competition, Mentone Girls Grammar, Vic
  36. McGuire, K. (presenter), (2018, August). Musical Festival Melbourne, Daylesford, Vic
  37. McGuire, K. (conductor, cultural ambassador), (2018, August 8). Gay Games 10 Cultural Concert. Massed Choir, Orchestra. Casino de Paris, France.
  38. Beale, C., McGuire, K. (presenters), (2019, October 26). The importance of LGBTIQ choirs in the world today, Out and Loud LGBTQI Conference, Canberra, ACT
  39. McGuire, K. (presenter, conductor), (2019, April). South Eastern Independent Schools Assoc (SEISA) Music Festival
  40. McGuire, K. (presenter), (2018, October). Conducting band Australian Society for Music Educators (ASME) Victoria State Conference, Melbourne
  41. McGuire, K. (conductor). (2022, July 8). A Cappella Showcase. Festival of Voices. Queer Choir. Federation Concert Hall, Hobart, Tasmania.
  42. McGuire, K. (conductor). (2023, February 23). International Individual Voices Choir. Out & Loud Festival. World Pride. Sydney Town Hall.
  43. McGuire, K. (presenter). (2025, February 6). Choral Repertoire Reading, Australian National Choral Association, Melbourne, VIC.
  44. McGuire, K. (Conductor & production consultant). (2004). In Why We Sing [DVD]. San Francisco, CA: Dillonwood Productions.
  45. McGuire, K. (presenter) (2019, October 25). Music reading workshop, Out and Loud LGBTQI Conference, Canberra, ACT
Projects

Traditional research

  • Title: Big Sing Solomon Islands.
    Investigators: Mellita Jones OAM and Kathleen McGuire (co-leads). New project in planning (2025).
    Funding: Supported by the existing ACU Solomon Islands Immersion Program.
  • Title: Investigating the transformative impact of performing arts inclusion in higher education.
    Investigators: Kathleen McGuire, Lily-claire Deenmamode, Chloe Gordon, Mellita Jones OAM, Louisa Lam, Matthew Pink, Kathleen Plastow, Beth Rankin, Bill Swannie.
    Ethics code: 2021-251HE (approved Jan 2022; seeking modification for 2025-2030)
    Funding: HEPPP (2025).
  • Title: Enhancing practicum performance: Positively impacting retention, self-efficacy, resilience, confidence, and competency in pre-service teachers.
    Investigators: Melissa Cain (lead), Kathleen McGuire, Rebecca Pagano
    Ethics code: 2021-229E (approved Nov 2021)
    Funding: Teaching Development Grant ($10,387)
  • Title: No Excuses: Giving a voice to women affected by domestic and family violence through a collaborative community music project.
    Investigators: Kathleen McGuire (lead) and Christina Green
    Ethics code: 2021-251HE (approved Jan 2022)
    Funding: ACU Engagement; Vice-Chancellor's Staff Excellence Award in Community Engagement ($500)
  • Title: The Tudor Choristers: Adapting and thriving through remote engagement with choir members.
    Investigator: Kathleen McGuire (sole investigator)
    Ethics code: 2021-24E (approved Feb 2021)
    Funding: Unfunded
  • Title: Augmenting pre-service music teachers' intercultural understanding in an online environment through authentic emersion in a culturally diverse performance.
    Investigators: Kathleen McGuire (lead) and Joanne Harris
    Ethics code: 2020-167E (approved Sept 2020)
    Funding: Teaching Development Grant 2020 ($8,280)

Performing arts (non-traditional research)

Composer

  • Title: Street Requiem for those who died on the street (2014).
    Description: 45-minute choral and instrumental work in collaboration with Andy Payne and Jonathon Welch. Commissioned by the School of Hard Knocks. Has received 50+ performances internationally.
    Seed funding: City of Melbourne $20,000; Brimbank City Council $18,000.
  • Title: No Excuses! (2015 - 2016).
    Description: Choral suite for women, inspired by true stories from women survivors of family/domestic violence. 30-minute work in collaboration with Dr Christina Green. Performed nationally and featured on Iran International TV, ABC TV and Radio, SBS TV and Radio, and The Australian Women's Weekly.
    Funding: Creative Victoria VicArts Grant, $80,000.

Conductor

  • Big Sing for a Big Cause - Street Requiem 10th anniversary (Australian Catholic University, 2024). Funding: Private: $10,000.
  • Big Sing for a Big Cause - Supporting mental health (Australian Catholic University, 2025). Funding: HEPPP, $15,501.
  • No Excuses Women's Choir (Australian Catholic University, 2021). Funding: sponsored by ACU Engagement.
  • Tudor Choristers CD recording: Sing Nowell! (2021). Funding: City of Boroondara Grant, $7,500
  • Guest conductor, Individual Voices Choir (Out and Loud and Proud Choral Festival, Sydney World Pride, 2023)
  • Guest conductor, Fringe Festival Singers (Inaugural Flinders Fringe Festival, 2023)
  • Guest conductor, Various Voices choral festival (Hobart, Tasmania, 2022)
  • Ambassador for Culture, Gay Games 10 (Paris, France, 2018)
  • Conductor in Residence, Various Voices Festival (Dublin, Ireland, 2013)
Accolades
  • Citation for Contributions to Student Learning (Australian Catholic University, 2022)
  • Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Community Engagement (Australian Catholic University, 2021)
  • Award for Excellence in Teaching (Faculty of Education and Arts, Australian Catholic University, 2021)
  • International Women's Day Honoree (San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, 2021)
  • Remarkable Women Hall of Fame inductee (Mentone Girls' Grammar, 2020)
  • Vice-Chancellor's Alumni Achievement Award (University of Surrey, UK, 2016)
  • Citation in Choral Music Composition, Professional Division (The American Prize, 2015)
  • Proclamation from the California Senate (2013)
  • Certificate of Honor and "Kathleen McGuire Day" awarded by San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee (2013)
  • Citation for Extraordinary Commitment to the Community Through Music (The American Prize, 2013)
  • Certificate of Recognition (California Senate, 2010)
  • Citation for Choral Conducting: Excellence in Music Education Citation (The American Prize, 2010)
  • Mayor proclamation: "Kathleen McGuire Day" awarded by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom (2010)
  • Grand Marshal, San Francisco Pride Parade (California, 2010)
  • Certificate of Recognition (California State Assembly, 2008)
  • Community Grand Marshal, San Francisco Pride Parade (2006)
  • Elected to the Music Honors Society of Pi Kappa Lambda (University of Colorado at Boulder, US, 2000)
  • Rotary International Ambassadorial Fellow (UK, 1994 - 1995)
Grant agency review panels
  • Performance Grants, Women's Philharmonic Advocacy. Board director and review panel, June 2014 - 2023 (international, US-based)
Public engagement activities (selections)
  • K. McGuire (2021). The singer's perspective: discovering new ways of learning through online choir engagement. [Online presentation]. 13th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies Online Conference. 5-6 July EDULEARN21 Proceedings, pp. 4624-https://library.iated.org/view/MCGUIRE2021SIN DOI: doi.org/10.21125/edulearn.ISBN: 978-84-09-31267-2
  • McGuire, K., & Harris, J. (2021). Developing pre-service music teachers' capacities to prepare and lead ensembles in an online environment, through authentic immersion in a cross-campus performance. [Online presentation]. 13th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies Online Conference. 5-6 July 2021.In EDULEARN21 Proceedings https://library.iated.org/view/MCGUIRE2021DEV DOI: doi.org/10.21125/edulearn.ISBN: 978-84-09-31267-2
  • McGuire, K. (2022). [Conductor]. Forever - 60th anniversary concert of the Tudor Choristers. [Live and livestreamed performance]. Hawthorn Arts Centre.
  • Harris, J. & McGuire, K. (2021). [Authors and online presenters]. Developing pre-service music teachers intercultural understanding. XXIII National Conference, Music - Nourish Life. Australian Society for Music Education (ASME) YouTube: https://youtu.be/C1EvXwXqVgM
  • McGuire, K. (2021). [Composer, conductor, video producer]. No Excuses - Benefit Concert for Bags of Love. [Live online event]. Australian Catholic University. Recording of event: https://youtu.be/mmf4CKRAA9o
  • McGuire, K. (2021). [Composer and conductor]. No Excuses Choir - Community Engagement project for Bags of Love (Impact for Women). [Live concert]. Recital Hall, Australian Catholic University. SBS review: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/no-excuses-the-choir-addressing-violence-against-women-through-song/2aj6ye9gn
  • McGuire, K. (2021). [3-day workshop presentation]. Festival of Voices, Hobart, Tasmania, YouTube interview: In this Zoomterview episode Dr. Kathleen McGuire talks to Festival Ambassador John O'Hara. https://youtu.be/C9o9JrVr3Dw
  • McGuire, K. (2020). [Conductor and audio editor]. 'Til we meet again. National Virtual Choir, Australian Catholic University. [Video]. https://youtu.be/udbuPBgCF8U
  • McGuire, K. (2020). [Conductor and audio editor]. Be the change. Melbourne Virtual Choir, Australian Catholic University. [Video]. https://youtu.be/rmvZmQHKbN0
Back to previous page

Have a
question?

Ask
Research

Our contacts

Have a question for a specific
team? Ask the right person.

View all contacts