About Me

My name is Dermot, and I teach saxophone lessons and work in different roles ranging from not-for-profit management to pit orchestras. I've spent the last few years building a smörgåsbord of varied but transferable skills and interests, and I seek to apply that experience consistently regardless of the setting I'm in.

In late 2023 I was hired as the Program Director for the Scarborough based charity and music school Springboard to Music. In this role, I restored the program to an operational state in a short time frame with limited resources. On weekends, I teach private saxophone lessons with Elite Music Academy, and have been teaching in-studio since June 2019. While I was at the University of Toronto, I spent some time at the University of Toronto Students' Union (UTSU) in three elected vice-president roles, where I had the opportunity to lead major systematic reforms.

My primary goal is to positively and tangibly impact the people, places, and organizations I cross paths with. I try my best to be a good learner and an effective problem solver, and I believe there's always a way when something's worth doing.

My hope is to always apply these principles in my work and life, and to improve when necessary. It's important to me that I either be helpful or get out of the way, and I strive to be a results-driven professional who adapts when it's appropriate.

If you think I'd be a good fit for your project, classroom, campaign, or workplace, I'd love to get in touch. I can be reached at dermot@dermotohalloran.ca!

I've been performing in some way or another since I was relatively young, and I have experience playing all sorts of genres of music. I attended Berklee College of Music for one year before deciding to transfer to the University of Toronto's jazz program, where I worked in the B. Mus. Comprehensive Jazz specialist program.

I've been reliably described as "having a good ear" and am intensely focused on good tone, blending, and tasteful musicianship. Recent bands I've played with have described me as "the only sax player they like performing with" because of my patience, my tendency to listen, and my sensitivity to the needs of the band.

My music resume page outlines most of my musical experience going back the last few years, however it doesn't capture everything. If you need a reed player for a show, recording, or anything really, I'd love to work with you. Give me a call!

In addition to my musical background, I've long taken an interest in policy and administration. I have carefully balanced these two main interests for years, and the combination of these experiences has repeatedly proven itself to be useful as I've routinely found myself drawing on one area to inform and support the other.

I spent a cumulative three years in elected, full-time roles at the UTSU, and during this time, I developed a wealth of knowledge regarding board administration, risk, insurance, legal affairs, finance, and other aspects of not-for-profit management.

In my community, I have also assisted with local door-knocking and canvassing efforts for different petitions and elections. I have tons of experience going door to door and speaking with strangers about issues affecting the local community, and I also have a great deal of experience with public speaking and debate.

I've been doing studio teaching at Elite Music Academy and independently for years, and I routinely work with several students each week of all ages. I am proud to have a solid rapport with all my students, and there's nothing like seeing the surprise on someone's face after they play a solid note for the first time.

I've also spent dozens of hours volunteering at my former high school music program prior to my former teacher's retirement, and have learned a great deal about working with students in a public school setting in addition to studio work.

Combining this with my management experience, I was recently brought on as the Program Director & Administrator for Springboard to Music, a Scarborough charity that offers affordable lessons in the community. I look forward to revitalizing an important program and advancing affordable music education!