Kerry McKechnie was a classically trained opera singer who spent much of her adult life helping young singers to improve their technique and get better results. She had a real passion for music of all genres. Kerry sadly passed away as a result of a brain aneurysm on 15th March 2021.

She was born and raised in northern California and had a keen interest in music as a youngster. Her love of singing led her into studying music at university. Kerry would go on to complete her Doctorate of Musical Arts at the University of Austin, Texas, majoring in Voice, Opera and pedagogy. She was a wonderful lyric soprano and an extremely talented actress. During her time at UT she appeared in a number of professional opera productions including, most notably, the lead role of Mona in the world premier of Daron Hagen’s Bandana.

Kerry spent many years teaching young and aspiring singers in the US and Scotland. Her in depth technical knowledge combined with her performance experience and exceptional singing talent meant she had a lot to offer. After moving to the UK she taught at the Glasgow Academy for Musical Theatre Arts. She then went on to have a fulfilling career as a vocal coach at West College, teaching at both the Paisley and Greenock campuses.

Kerry was an inspirational, loving and dedicated teacher and role model for her students. She valued good teaching and championed disadvantaged students, ensuring that they had proper coaching and access to facilities and technology.

Shortly after her death her close friends and family established the Kerry McKechnie Singers Fund in her memory.

The Kerry McKechnie Singers Fund aims to continue Kerry’s legacy of high standards in vocal coaching and mentoring by providing targeted financial awards to aspiring young singers in Scotland who are enrolled in further education or have recently graduated and are pursuing a career in singing.