Lynda Noble MacNeil

As the founder of Gaelic Muses, my intention is to be both a reliable, organized leader for the band as well as a lighthearted, magical presence, sprinkling delight and inspiration into people’s lives. My goal is to help others find a blissful escape from the everyday cares of life. That’s why story-telling and classic themes like pirates and Celtic roots are playfully woven into the music of Gaelic Muses. A story, whether silly or heartfelt, can take you away to so many wondrous places. None of this would be possible without the collaboration with Alison and Verlene. We are individually strong, but all three of us together are magic!

I have been a lifelong, full-time musician, teaching piano, voice, and music theory lessons to students of all ages since I was 20. I am incredibly grateful for the inspiration from my teachers, especially Jeffrey Chappell and Mickey McGuire. My most proud accomplishment is the number of people I have inspired with a love of music.

I grew up in Cheshire, Connecticut. My Dad was a hard-working, sports-loving Irish American. My Mom is of Scottish/British descent, a brilliant redhead with a keen mind even in her 90s. She was a drum majorette, a dancer, and a fighter for the rights of my handicapped sister, Robin. I am the third of four children, and I knew at 12 that I was a musician, performer, and teacher.

As a child and teen, I learned piano, guitar, organ, and singing and became active in Masquers Theater, a local music theater group in Waterbury, CT. I played lead roles, was a rehearsal pianist, and played piano in the pit orchestras for numerous shows. When the show “Jesus Christ Superstar” was chosen, I was cast as Mary Magdalene, but the director pulled me aside and said, “You may want to look at the piano score before making your decision.” She was so right! It was a life-changing experience! I was 17 years old, playing piano with a full stage pit band, including a rock band and Mellotron.

Since then:

• I graduated with a BA in Music from the University of Maryland.
• Studied voice with Mickey McGuire at Catholic University in Washington, DC.
• Studied and still study piano with the incredible Jeffrey Chappell.

I have taught music at:

• Howard Community College in Columbia, MD
  (Voice, Theory, Music Appreciation and Continuing Education)
• Columbia School of Theatrical Arts (Vocal Instructor, Music Director)
• The Columbia School of Music (Piano and Voice)

As an entrepreneur, I created these businesses:

• Noblemusic Enterprises in Maryland (Music Classes)
• DC Express, a jazz group, focused on four-part vocal harmonies with a swingin’ jazz combo
• Miss Lynda’s Music Lessons in California
  (Piano, Vocal, and Music Theory)

As a performer:

• Gaelic Muses (Founder, 2015; Keys, Singer, Guitarist, Harp, Leader)
• Celtic Soul (Keys, Singer, Guitarist, Harp)
• DC Express (Founder, Soprano)
• West End Dinner Theater
• Burnbrae Dinner Theater
• Baltimore Opera Chorus
• Grace United Methodist Church Soprano Soloist
• Mt. Vernon Place United Methodist Church Soprano Soloist
  (WBAL Radio Show, Baltimore, MD)

I want Gaelic Muses to be the foundation on which you can build a great night out. It’s an intimate interaction, a feeling like we are sitting in the living room by the fireplace, enjoying making music and hearing songs together.

Slainte!

Lynda